Resting-state brain connectivity following extra virgin olive oil intake in healthy adults: a randomised crossover pilot neuroimaging substudy

Food Funct. 2026 Apr 27;17(8):3477-3483. doi: 10.1039/d5fo05016b.

Abstract

This pilot randomised crossover neuroimaging substudy (n = 9) identified increased resting-state occipital functional connectivity following daily consumption of (poly)phenol-rich extra virgin olive oil compared with regular olive oil. Urinary hydroxytyrosol-glucuronide excretion increased significantly, and a significant interaction between intervention and metabolite levels was observed on occipital connectivity. These preliminary findings require replication in larger, adequately powered studies.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain* / drug effects
  • Brain* / metabolism
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroimaging
  • Olive Oil* / administration & dosage
  • Olive Oil* / metabolism
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol / analogs & derivatives
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol / urine
  • Pilot Projects
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Olive Oil
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol
  • 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol