The Effect of (Poly)phenol-Rich Interventions on Cognitive Functions and Neuroprotective Measures in Healthy Aging Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Effect of Polyphenol Supplementation on Memory Functioning in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Negative health consequences of obesity include impaired neuronal functioning and cell death, thus bringing the risk of impaired cognitive functioning. Antioxidant properties of polyphenols offer a possible intervention for overweight people, but evidence for their effectiveness in supporting cognitive functioning is mixed. This review examined evidence from randomized controlled trials concerning the effect of polyphenols on tasks requiring either immediate or delayed retrieval of learned information, respectively, thus controlling for differences in cognitive processes and related neural substrates supporting respective task demands. Searches of the PubMed/Medline, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases identified 24 relevant primary studies with N = 2336 participants having a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. The participants' mean age for the 24 studies exceeded 60 years. Respective meta-analyses produced a significant summary effect for immediate retrieval but not for delayed retrieval. The present findings support a potential positive effect of chronic supplementation with polyphenols, most notably flavonoids, on immediate retrieval in participants aged over 60 years with obesity being a risk factor for cognitive impairment. We recommend further investigation of this potential positive effect in participants with such risk factors. Future research on all populations should report the phenolic content of the supplementation administered and be specific regarding the cognitive processes tested.

The role of nutrition in the prevention of cognitive decline

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Dementia is a growing concern and underscores the urgent need for effective preventive measures targeting modifiable risk factors. Nutrition is a key player in the onset and progression of inflammation and cognitive decline. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of different dietary patterns, vitamins and nutrients for preventing cognitive decline, mainly among healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Mediterranean diet, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins are the most investigated, with evidence supporting protection against cognitive decline among older adults varying across studies. More recent interventions examined in this review, such as MIND Diet, are promising with positive results, but further research is needed to conclusively establish their efficacy. It is also crucial to consider complete lifestyle as physical activity for preventing cognitive decline.

SUMMARY

Definitive conclusions are difficult to draw. Future studies should adopt a comprehensive approach and focus on multinutrient strategies and whole diets.

From Cocoa to Chocolate: Effect of Processing on Flavanols and Methylxanthines and Their Mechanisms of Action

Despite the health benefits associated with the ingestion of the bioactive compounds in cocoa, the high concentrations of polyphenols and methylxanthines in the raw cocoa beans negatively influence the taste, confer the astringency and bitterness, and affect the stability and digestibility of the cocoa products. It is, therefore, necessary to process cocoa beans to develop the characteristic color, taste, and flavor, and reduce the astringency and bitterness, which are desirable in cocoa products. Processing, however, affects the composition and quantities of the bioactive compounds, resulting in the modification of the health-promoting properties of cocoa beans and chocolate. In this advanced review, we sought to better understand the effect of cocoa's transformational process into chocolate on polyphenols and methylxanthine and the mechanism of action of the original flavanols and methylxanthines. More data on the cocoa processing effect on cocoa bioactives are still needed for better understanding the effect of each processing step on the final polyphenolic and methylxanthine composition of chocolate and other cocoa products. Regarding the mechanisms of action, theobromine acts through the modulation of the fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism pathways, while flavanols mainly act though the protein kinases and antioxidant pathways. Both flavanols and theobromine seem to be involved in the nitric oxide and neurotrophin regulation.

Dietary Flavonoids and Human Cognition: A Meta-Analysis

Improving cognition is important in all age groups, from performance in school examinations to prevention of cognitive decline in later life. Dietary polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, have been examined for their benefits to cognitive outcomes. This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of dietary flavonoids on cognition across the lifespan. In January 2020 databases were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating flavonoid effects on human cognition. Eighty studies, comprising 5519 participants, were included in the final meta-analysis. The global analysis indicates dietary flavonoids induced significant benefit to cognitive performance (g = 0.148, p < 0.001), with subgroup analyses revealing that cocoa (g = 0.224, p = 0.036), ginkgo (g = 0.187, p ≤ 0.001), and berries (g = 0.149, p = 0.009) yielded the most notable improvements. Significant benefits were observed from chronic studies, in middle-aged and older adults, and with low and medium doses. The domains of long-term memory, processing speed, and mood showed sensitivity to flavonoid intervention. This meta-analysis provides evidence for the positive effects of flavonoids on cognition and highlights several moderating factors. Flavonoid-based dietary interventions therefore potentially offer a highly accessible, safe, and cost-effective treatment to help tackle the burden of cognitive decline.

Memory-Enhancing Effect of 8-Week Consumption of the Quercetin-Enriched Culinary Herbs-Derived Functional Ingredients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Due to great demand for memory enhancers, the memory-enhancing effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of the functional ingredients derived from the combined extract of Polygonum odoratum and Morus alba were investigated. A total of 45 participants randomly received either a placebo or the developed herbal supplement at a dose of 50 or 1500 mg/day. The consumption was done once daily for 8 weeks. Working memory was assessed via both an event-related potential and computerized battery tests at baseline and at the end of the 8-week study period. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase type A and type B (MAO-A, MAO-B) levels were also measured at the end of the study. The subjects who consumed the supplement containing a developed functional ingredient at a dose of 1500 mg/day showed reduced latencies but increased amplitudes of N100 and P300. An improvement in working memory and the suppression of AChE, MAO-A, and MAO-B activities were also observed. Therefore, this study clearly demonstrates the cognitive enhancing effect of the developed herbal congee, which may be associated with the suppressions of AChE and both types of MAO.

Effect of Polyphenolic Complements on Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Polyphenols have been shown to be effective against many chronic diseases. These compounds could have a beneficial effect at the cognitive level. The exact mechanism by which they provide positive effects at the cognitive level is not well known, but it is believed that they could counteract neuroinflammation. The objective of this study is to review nutritional interventions that include foods or supplements rich in flavanols, flavonols, or stilbenes to the usual diet on cognitive deterioration in people over 50 years of age. Clinical trials published in PubMed and Web of Science from 1 March 2010 to 1 March 2020 were explored, from which 14 studies were selected. All of them showed some improvement after the intervention. In interventions with flavanols and stilbenes, relevant improvements have been observed both in healthy patients and in patients with established cognitive impairment. Most studies agree that the greatest benefits are found with high doses and longer duration treatments. The changes were fundamentally assessed through cognitive tests, and in some of the studies, through magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The type of cognitive test used to assess the effect of the intervention was revealed to be critical. Several studies have also shown improvements in analytical parameters and blood pressure.

Effect of Dietary Intake Through Whole Foods on Cognitive Function: Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review evaluated recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the chronic intake of whole foods associated with the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurogenerative Delay (MIND), and ketogenic (KETO) diets on cognitive function.

RECENT FINDINGS

We identified RCTs related to olive oil (N = 3), nuts (N = 7), fatty fish (N = 1), lean meats (N = 4), fruits and vegetables (N = 9), legumes (N = 1), and low-fat dairy (N = 4), with 26/29 reporting positive results on at least one measure of cognition. We also identified 6 RCTs related to whole food-induced KETO diets, with half reporting positive effects on cognition. Variations in study design (i.e., generally the studies are < 6 months and include middle-aged and older, cognitively intact participants) and small sample sizes make it difficult to draw conclusions across studies; however, the current evidence from RCTs generally supports individual component intakes of these dietary patterns as an effective, nonpharmacological approach to improve cognitive health in adults.

The effect of a high-polyphenol Mediterranean diet (Green-MED) combined with physical activity on age-related brain atrophy: the Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial Polyphenols Unprocessed Study (DIRECT PLUS)

BACKGROUND

The effect of diet on age-related brain atrophy is largely unproven.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the effect of a Mediterranean diet (MED) higher in polyphenols and lower in red/processed meat (Green-MED diet) on age-related brain atrophy.

METHODS

This 18-mo clinical trial longitudinally measured brain structure volumes by MRI using hippocampal occupancy score (HOC) and lateral ventricle volume (LVV) expansion score as neurodegeneration markers. Abdominally obese/dyslipidemic participants were randomly assigned to follow 1) healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), 2) MED, or 3) Green-MED diet. All subjects received free gym memberships and physical activity guidance. Both MED groups consumed 28 g walnuts/d (+440 mg/d polyphenols). The Green-MED group consumed green tea (3-4 cups/d) and Mankai (Wolffia-globosa strain, 100 g frozen cubes/d) green shake (+800 mg/d polyphenols).

RESULTS

Among 284 participants (88% men; mean age: 51 y; BMI: 31.2 kg/m2; APOE-ε4 genotype = 15.7%), 224 (79%) completed the trial with eligible whole-brain MRIs. The pallidum (-4.2%), third ventricle (+3.9%), and LVV (+2.2%) disclosed the largest volume changes. Compared with younger participants, atrophy was accelerated among those ≥50 y old (HOC change: -1.0% ± 1.4% compared with -0.06% ± 1.1%; 95% CI: 0.6%, 1.3%; P < 0.001; LVV change: 3.2% ± 4.5% compared with 1.3% ± 4.1%; 95% CI: -3.1%, -0.8%; P = 0.001). In subjects ≥ 50 y old, HOC decline and LVV expansion were attenuated in both MED groups, with the best outcomes among Green-MED diet participants, as compared with HDG (HOC: -0.8% ± 1.6% compared with -1.3% ± 1.4%; 95% CI: -1.5%, -0.02%; P = 0.042; LVV: 2.3% ± 4.7% compared with 4.3% ± 4.5%; 95% CI: 0.3%, 5.2%; P = 0.021). Similar patterns were observed among younger subjects. Improved insulin sensitivity over the trial was the parameter most strongly associated with brain atrophy attenuation (P < 0.05). Greater Mankai, green tea, and walnut intake and less red and processed meat were significantly and independently associated with reduced HOC decline (P < 0.05). Elevated urinary concentrations of the polyphenols urolithin-A (r = 0.24; P = 0.013) and tyrosol (r = 0.26; P = 0.007) were significantly associated with lower HOC decline.

CONCLUSIONS

A Green-MED (high-polyphenol) diet, rich in Mankai, green tea, and walnuts and low in red/processed meat, is potentially neuroprotective for age-related brain atrophy.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03020186.

Aqueous Extract of Cocoa Phenolic Compounds Protects Differentiated Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells from Oxidative Stress

Cocoa is a rich source of polyphenols, especially flavanols and procyanidin oligomers, with antioxidant properties, providing protection against oxidation and nitration. Cocoa phenolic compounds are usually extracted with methanol/ethanol solvents in order to obtain most of their bioactive compounds; however, aqueous extraction seems more representative of the physiological conditions. In this study, an aqueous extract of cocoa powder has been prepared and chemically characterized, and its potential protective effect against chemically-induced oxidative stress has been tested in differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Neuronal-like cultured cells were pretreated with realistic concentrations of cocoa extract and its major monomeric flavanol component, epicatechin, and then submitted to oxidative stress induced by a potent pro-oxidant. After one hour, production of reactive oxygen species was evaluated by two different methods, flow cytometry and in situ fluorescence by a microplate reader. Simultaneously, reduced glutathione and antioxidant defense enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were determined and the results used for a comparative analysis of both ROS (reactive oxygen species) methods and to test the chemo-protective effect of the bioactive products on neuronal-like cells. The results of this approach, never tested before, validate both analysis of ROS and indicate that concentrations of an aqueous extract of cocoa phenolics and epicatechin within a physiological range confer a significant protection against oxidative insult to neuronal-like cells in culture.

Effects of Dietary Food Components on Cognitive Functions in Older Adults

Population aging has recently been an important issue as the number of elderly people is growing worldwide every year, and the extension of social security costs is financially costly. The increase in the number of elderly people with cognitive decline is a serious problem related to the aging of populations. Therefore, it is necessary to consider not only physical care but also cognitive patterns in the future care of older adults. Since food contains a variety of bioactive substances, dietary patterns may help improve age-related cognitive decline. However, the relationship between cognitive function and individual food components remains ambiguous as no clear efficacy or mechanism has been confirmed. Against this background, this review summarizes previous reports on the biological process of cognitive decline in the elderly and the relationship between individual compounds in foods and cognitive function, as well as the role of individual components of food in cognitive function, in the following order: lipids, carotenoids, vitamins, phenolic compounds, amino acids, peptides, and proteins. Based on the research presented in this review, a proper diet that preserves cognitive function has the potential to improve age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Hopefully, this review will help to trigger the development of new foods and technologies that improve aging and cognitive functions and extend the healthy life span.

Gut Microbiota, Probiotic Interventions, and Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Review of Current Knowledge

Changes in the composition and proportions of the gut microbiota may be associated with numerous diseases, including cognitive impairment. Over the recent years, the growing interest in this relation is observed, but there are still many unknowns, especially in the elderly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that synthesizes and critically evaluates existing evidence on the possible association between human gut microbiota and cognitive function in the elderly. For this purpose, comprehensive literature searches were conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The gut microbiota of cognitively healthy and impaired elderly people may differ in the diversity and abundance of individual taxes, but specific taxes cannot be identified. However, some tendencies to changing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio can be identified. Currently, clinical trials involving probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation have shown that there are premises for the claim that these factors can improve cognitive functions, however there is no single intervention beneficial to the elderly population. More reliable evidence from large-scale, long-period RCT is needed. Despite proposing several potential mechanisms of the gut microbiota's influence on the cognitive function impairment, prospective research on this topic is extremely difficult to conduct due to numerous confounding factors that may affect the gut microbiota. Heterogeneity of research outcomes impairs insight into these relations.

Effects of COVID-19 home confinement on eating behavior: A review

Coronavirus disease is a global pandemic that has led to radical changes in lifestyle habits, including dietary habits. Therefore, the objective of the present review is to evaluate the effect of quarantine on dietary habits when enforcing a lockdown. Some databases were used, including Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Ten studies conducted between March and May 2020 were included. There is an increase in the number of meals and snacks during home confinement as well as unhealthy food such as fast food, sweets and chocolate, sugar-added drinks, and processed meat, while fruit and vegetable consumption was reduced. Very few studies reported that participants had increased fruit and vegetable intake. In conclusion, collateral effects of this pandemic include an environment that is not favorable to healthy dietary habits, which could have a lasting impact on health. The long-term health effects are unknown and worth investigating.

How should we judge edible oils and fats? An umbrella review of the health effects of nutrient and bioactive components found in edible oils and fats

Dietary guidelines for many Western countries base their edible oil and fat recommendations solely on saturated fatty acid content. This study aims to demonstrate which nutritional and bioactive components make up commonly consumed edible oils and fats; and explore the health effects and strength of evidence for key nutritional and bioactive components of edible oils. An umbrella review was conducted in several stages. Food composition databases of Australia and the United States of America, and studies were examined to profile nutrient and bioactive content of edible oils and fats. PUBMED and Cochrane databases were searched for umbrella reviews, systematic literature reviews of randomized controlled trials or cohort studies, individual randomized controlled trials, and individual cohort studies to examine the effect of the nutrient or bioactive on high-burden chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, cancer, mental illness, cognitive impairment). Substantial systematic literature review evidence was identified for fatty acid categories, tocopherols, biophenols, and phytosterols. Insufficient evidence was identified for squalene. The evidence supports high mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid compositions, total biophenol content, phytosterols, and possibly high α-tocopherol content as having beneficial effects on high-burden health comes. Future dietary guidelines should use a more sophisticated approach to judge edible oils beyond saturated fatty acid content.

Polyphenols and Cognition In Humans: An Overview of Current Evidence from Recent Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in the impact of dietary influences on the brain throughout the lifespan, ranging from improving cognitive development in children through to attenuating ageing related cognitive decline and reducing risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols, phytochemicals naturally present in a host of fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa and other foods, have received particular attention in this regard, and there is now a substantial body of evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies examining whether their consumption is associated with cognitive benefits.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this overview is to synthesise and evaluate the best available evidence from two sources, namely meta-analyses and systematic reviews, in order to give an accurate reflection of the current evidence base for an association between polyphenols and cognitive benefits.

METHOD

Four meta-analyses and thirteen systematic reviews published between 2017-2020 were included, and were categorised according to whether they reviewed specific polyphenol-rich foods and classes or all polyphenols. A requirement for inclusion was assessment of a behavioural cognitive outcome in humans.

RESULTS

A clear and consistent theme emerged that whilst there is support for an association between polyphenol consumption and cognitive benefits, this conclusion is tentative, and by no means definitive. Considerable methodological heterogeneity was repeatedly highlighted as problematic such that the current evidence base does not support reliable conclusions relating to efficacy of specific doses, duration of treatment, or sensitivity in specific populations or certain cognitive domains. The complexity of multiple interactions between a range of direct and indirect mechanisms of action is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is required to strengthen the reliability of the evidence base.

Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults

Increasing evidence support a beneficial role of cocoa and cocoa products on human cognition, particularly in aging populations and patients at risk. However, thorough reviews on the efficacy of cocoa on brain processes in young adults do not exist precisely due to the limited number of studies in the matter. Thus, the aim of this study was to summarize the findings on the acute and chronic effects of cocoa administration on cognitive functions and brain health in young adults. Web of Science and PubMed databases were used to search for relevant trials. Human randomized controlled studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines. Eleven intervention studies that involved a total of 366 participants investigating the role of cocoa on cognitive performance in children and young adults (average age ≤ 25 years old) were finally selected. Findings from individual studies confirm that acute and chronic cocoa intake have a positive effect on several cognitive outcomes. After acute consumption, these beneficial effects seem to be accompanied with an increase in cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood oxygenation. After chronic intake of cocoa flavanols in young adults, a better cognitive performance was found together with increased levels of neurotrophins. This systematic review further supports the beneficial effect of cocoa flavanols on cognitive function and neuroplasticity and indicates that such benefits are possible in early adulthood.

Moderators of the Impact of (Poly)Phenols Interventions on Psychomotor Functions and BDNF: Insights from Subgroup Analysis and Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

Recent anti-aging interventions have shown contradictory impacts of (poly)phenols regarding the prevention of cognitive decline and maintenance of brain function. These discrepancies have been linked to between-study differences in supplementation protocols. This subgroup analysis and meta-regression aimed to (i) examine differential effects of moderator variables related to participant characteristics and supplementation protocols and (ii) identify practical recommendations to design effective (poly)phenol supplementation protocols for future anti-aging interventions.

METHODS

Multiple electronic databases (Web of Science; PubMed) searched for relevant intervention published from inception to July 2019. Using the PICOS criteria, a total of 4303 records were screened. Only high-quality studies (n = 15) were included in the final analyses. Random-effects meta-analysis was used, and we calculated standard differences in means (SDM), effect size (ES), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for two sufficiently comparable items (i.e., psychomotor function and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)). When significant heterogeneity was computed (I² > 50%), a subgroup and meta-regression analysis were performed to examine the moderation effects of participant characteristics and supplementation protocols.

RESULTS

The reviewed studies support the beneficial effect of (poly)phenols-rich supplementation on psychomotor functions (ES = -0.677, p = 0.001) and brain plasticity (ES = 1.168, p = 0.028). Subgroup analysis revealed higher beneficial impacts of (poly)phenols (i) in younger populations compared to older (SDM = -0.89 vs. -0.47 for psychomotor performance, and 2.41 vs. 0.07 for BDNF, respectively), (ii) following an acute compared to chronic supplementation (SDM = -1.02 vs. -0.43 for psychomotor performance), and (iii) using a phenolic compound with medium compared to low bioavailability rates (SDM = -0.76 vs. -0.68 for psychomotor performance and 3.57 vs. 0.07 for DBNF, respectively). Meta-regressions revealed greater improvement in BDNF levels with lower percentages of female participants (Q = 40.15, df = 6, p < 0.001) and a skewed scatter plot toward a greater impact using higher (poly)phenols doses.

CONCLUSION

This review suggests that age group, gender, the used phenolic compounds, their human bioavailability rate, and the supplementation dose as the primary moderator variables relating to the beneficial effects of (poly)phenol consumption on cognitive and brain function in humans. Therefore, it seems more advantageous to start anti-aging (poly)phenol interventions in adults earlier in life using medium (≈500 mg) to high doses (≈1000 mg) of phenolic compounds, with at least medium bioavailability rate (≥9%).

Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Interventions on Cognition and Brain Health in Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Affecting older and even some younger adults, neurodegenerative disease represents a global public health concern and has been identified as a research priority. To date, most anti-aging interventions have examined older adults, but little is known about the effects of polyphenol interventions on brain-related aging processes in healthy young and middle-aged adults. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of (poly)phenol-rich diet supplementation on cognitive function and brain health in young and middle-aged adults. In July 2019, two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science) were used to search for relevant trials examining the effect of acute or chronic (poly)phenol-rich supplementation on cognitive function and neuroprotective measures in young and middle-aged adults (<60 years old). A total of 4303 records were screened by two researchers using the PICOS criteria. Fifteen high quality (mean PEDro score = 8.8 ± 0.58) trials with 401 total participants were included in the final analyses. Information on treatment, study design, characteristics of participants, outcomes and used tools were extracted following PRISMA guidelines. When items were shown to be sufficiently comparable, a random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies. Effect size (ES) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. The meta-analysis indicated that (poly)phenol supplementation significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (ES = 3.259, p = 0.033), which was accompanied by higher performance in serial (7s) subtraction (ES = 1.467, p = 0.001) and decreases in simple reaction time (ES = −0.926, p = 0.015) and mental fatigue (ES = −3.521, p = 0.010). Data related to cognitive function were skewed towards an effect from acute compared to chronic polyphenol intervention; data related to BDNF were skewed toward an effect from higher bioavailability phenolic components. Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides promising findings regarding the usefulness of polyphenol-rich intervention as an inexpensive approach for enhancing circulation of pro-cognitive neurotrophic factors. These beneficial effects appear to depend on the supplementation protocols. An early acute and/or chronic application of low- to high-dose phenolic components with high bioavailability rates (≥30%) at a younger age appear to provide more promising effects.

Covid-19 and the Subsequent Lockdown Modified Dietary Habits of Almost Half the Population in an Italian Sample

The Covid-19 pandemic led to lockdowns in several parts of the world and, hence, changed some daily habits, including social interactions, the ability to perform sports, and—possibly—diet. The Italian government established and promulgated lockdown policies on 9 March 2020. We aim at assessing the effects of Covid-19-induced confinement policies on self-reported food consumption of self-selected Italians by means of a questionnaire that was created and diffused by the Internet. Nearly half, i.e., 49.6% of responders did not substantially modify their diet during the lockdown; however, 46.1% of them reported that they were eating more during confinement, and 19.5% gained weight. In particular, we report an increase in “comfort food” consumption, notably chocolate, ice-cream, and desserts (42.5%) and salty snacks (23.5%). In addition, 42.7% percent of this cohort attributed this increase to higher anxiety levels. Related to this, 36.8% of responders reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, even though 10.1% of them reported an increase. Interestingly, 21.2% of responders increased their consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. Only 33.5% of those who declared decreased consumption attributed this change of diet to lower availability and ease of purchasing such items. Equally interesting, over half of responders, i.e., 56.2%, admitted that fruit and vegetables did not appeal to them while in lockdown. Purchases of ready-made meals were reduced by nearly 50%. Future large-scale similar studies should be undertaken worldwide and will help public health authorities shape their reactions to future, unavoidable pandemics.