Abstract: Objective To explore the potential causal effects of dietary factors on cognitive function. Methods Utilizing genome-wide association studies(GWAS)data, Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between dietary factors and cognitive function, employing the inverse-variance weighted(IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses, and pleiotropy analyses were also performed. Results The results demonstrated positive causal relationships between cognitive function and cheese consumption(IVW: OR=1.92, 95%CI: 1.54-2.40, P<0.001)as well as dried fruit intake(IVW: OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.07-2.53, P=0.03). Conversely, negative causal relationships were observed between cognitive function and alcohol consumption frequency(IVW: OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.71-0.87, P<0.001)as well as pork intake(IVW: OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.24-0.91, P=0.03). No pleiotropy was detected in all results, and the leave-one-out method suggested the robustness of the findings. No causal relationship was found between other dietary factors and cognitive function. Conclusion Increased consumption of cheese and dried fruits are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment, while higher frequency of alcohol consumption and increased pork intake are associated with an elevated risk of cognitive impairment. However, larger GWAS datasets are still needed to further validate these relationships, along with studies investigating the potential underlying mechanisms to support these conclusions. Additionally, no significant causal relationships are observed between other dietary factors and cognitive function.

Key words: Dietary factors, Cheese, Dried fruit, Alcohol, Pork, Cognitive function, Mendelian randomization