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Life sciences · Review
International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research · November 3, 2026
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ABSTRACT Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) is widely promoted for metabolic and brain health, and mechanistic research suggests that fasting-induced metabolic switching could influence brain function. Human evidence on cognition is, however, limited and heterogeneous, and acute (single) fasting episodes differ from repeated IF regimens in their physiological and behavioural effects. Objective: To review human evidence on IF and cognitive performance in adults, focusing on acute responses, repeated interventions, potential cognitive adaptation, and proposed mechanisms. Methods: This narrative review considered human experimental studies, randomised controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews identified through scholarly searches on IF, time-restricted eating, alternate-day fasting, experimental fasting, and cognitive performance. Animal and laboratory studies were included to explain potential mechanisms. Findings were synthesised by fasting approach and cognitive domain. Results: Human studies suggest that cognitive performance is generally maintained during the acute fasting conditions investigated, although responses vary according to fasting duration, participant characteristics, and cognitive domains. Repeated IF interventions have generally shown no consistent cognitive advantage over control diets or continuous calorie restriction. Nevertheless, selected studies have reported improvements in specific cognitive outcomes, particularly among adults with obesity and older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Potential mechanisms include altered ketone utilisation, neurotrophic signalling, regulation of oxidative stress, and modulation of neuroinflammation. Although experimental findings support these biological pathways, their contribution to cognitive improvements in humans remains incompletely understood. Conclusion: Intermittent fasting represents an emerging area of research in nutritional approaches to brain health and cognitive function. Current human findings suggest that cognitive performance is generally preserved under several studied fasting conditions, with preliminary evidence of improvements in selected cognitive domains. IF may be explored as a potential adjunctive lifestyle approach alongside appropriate medical care; however, the relationship between fasting duration, repeated exposure, and cognitive adaptation remains an important area for further investigation. Larger, longer-duration clinical trials using standardised cognitive assessments are needed to clarify these effects and their potential relevance to cognitive health.