Beverages for Cognitive Function
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center
Disqualifiers: Pregnant, Lactating, Special diet, others
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?The objective of this study is to conduct novel research on the relationship between blood sugar and cognition.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for cognitive function?
Research suggests that milk consumption may improve cognitive performance in children with higher fasting glucose levels compared to juice, and higher dairy intake is linked to better executive function in children. However, in adults, higher milk intake was associated with greater cognitive decline over 20 years.
12345Is milk and juice consumption safe for cognitive function in humans?
The studies reviewed do not report any safety concerns related to the consumption of milk or juice for cognitive function in humans. They primarily focus on the effects of these beverages on cognition, suggesting that milk may improve cognitive performance in certain groups, but do not mention any adverse effects.
13456How does the beverage treatment for cognitive function differ from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it focuses on the consumption of specific beverages like milk, which may influence cognitive function through glucoregulatory mechanisms (how the body manages blood sugar levels) and potentially protect against cognitive decline, unlike traditional treatments that might not consider dietary factors.
12578Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 who don't have chronic diseases, food allergies, or intolerances. Participants should not be pregnant, breastfeeding, on a special diet, or planning to start one.Inclusion Criteria
Healthy weight to overweight (BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2)
No food allergies or food intolerances
Non-pregnant and non-lactating
+3 more
Exclusion Criteria
Pregnant or lactating
My BMI is 30 or higher.
Currently dieting or planning to follow a special diet
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
1-2 weeks
Intervention
Participants consume a beverage and complete a cognitive assessment
1 day
1 visit (in-person)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
1 week
Participant Groups
The study explores how drinking two different beverages—milk and juice—affects blood sugar levels and cognitive functions like memory and attention.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Beverage Two (Juice)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will consume a fruit drink prior to completing a novel cognitive assessment on paper.
Group II: Beverage One (Milk)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will consume milk prior to completing a novel cognitive assessment on paper.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research CenterGrand Forks, ND
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research CenterLead Sponsor
References
Varying roles of glucoregulatory function measures in postprandial cognition following milk consumption. [2022]Past work suggests milk consumption may facilitate cognition in children and college students with higher fasting glucose compared to other beverages (e.g., fruit juice). However, no studies have evaluated this phenomenon in adults, or considered other measures of glucoregulatory function. This open-label study assessed the role of glucoregulatory function in postprandial cognition after milk intake in adults. We hypothesized participants with lower fasting or post-consumption plasma glucose following a glucose excursion challenge (glucose response) would demonstrate better cognition following beverages of higher (juice) versus lower (milk) or no (water) glycemic content.
Dairy intake and cognitive health in middle-aged South Australians. [2015]Consumption of low fat dairy foods may decrease the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and all cardiovascular risk factors linked with increased probability of cognitive impairment.
Biological sex and glucoregulation modulate postprandial cognition following dairy milk and fruit juice in healthy school-age children. [2021]Objectives: Recent work suggests potential postprandial benefits for cognition and on-task behavior in children, depending on the macronutrients consumed, as well as individual differences such as sex and glucoregulation. We examined the effects of 1% milk versus apple juice on cognition and on-task behavior among healthy school-age children, predicting that milk would promote better performance and a greater presence of on-task behavior compared to juice. We also examined how sex and glucoregulation influenced cognition and behavior following each beverage.Methods: Eighty-four English-speaking children ages 8-12 (45 female, 39 male) attended two 0800 testing sessions after fasting overnight in a crossover design. Participant sessions were counterbalanced to include 237 mL of 1% milk or apple juice. Behavioral measures and complex attentional and executive function tasks were assessed at baseline, 30, 90, and 120 min post-ingestion. Outcomes were analyzed using repeated measures mixed models.Results: Participants with fasting glucose levels above 89.91 mg/dL responded more quickly in an inhibitory control paradigm following milk. Females performed faster on a vigilance task, but less accurately in a working memory paradigm after milk versus juice. No effects were found for on-task behavior.Discussion: Results demonstrated modulatory effects of glucoregulation and sex on postprandial cognition. Milk may improve cognitive performance in school-aged children with higher fasting glucose, and may be the optimal choice for speed among females, whereas juice may be better for accuracy. Future work should utilize designs incorporating glucoregulation and sex, and consider additional biological variables to better understand postprandial cognition and behavior in children.
Association Between Dairy Intake and Executive Function in Chinese Children Aged 6-12 Years. [2022]Association between dairy intake and executive function remains controversial, especially among children, a population with fast-developing executive functions. This study aimed to explore this topic. Additionally, we further distinguished the role of dairy intake types (full- or low-fat milk or yogurt) in this relationship. This survey included 5,138 children aged 6-12 years. Dairy intakes were assessed by validated questionnaires. Executive function was measured by the behavior rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF; Parent Version), and lower T-scores of BRIEF indices indicated superior executive function performance. Results showed that children with higher dairy intake had statistically better performance in Shift (46.58 ± 7.48 vs. 45.85 ± 7.10), Initiate (48.02 ± 8.58 vs. 47.14 ± 8.33), and Working Memory (50.69 ± 8.82 vs. 49.89 ± 8.73). In the analysis of multivariate linear regression, we found that for every one unit increase in full-fat dairy intake, T-scores for Shift (β = -0.350 (95% confidence interval [CI]: (-0.660, -0.039) and Initiate (β = -0.486 (95% CI: (-0.845, -0.127) were decreased and for every one unit increase in low-fat dairy intake, T-score for Organizations of Materials (β = -0.940 (95% CI: (-1.690, -0.189) was decreased. After distinguishing dairy into milk and yogurt, we observed that only milk intake, not yogurt, was significantly associated with better executive function performance in Shift (β = -0.390 (95% CI (-0.745, -0.035) and Initiate (β = -0.509 (95% CI (-0.917, -0.101) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. This study shows that a higher intake of dairy, irrespective of fat content, is related to better executive function performance among children aged 6-12. In addition, a significantly positive relationship between dairy intake and executive function's indices of Shift and Initiate only was observed in milk, not in yogurt.
Milk Intake at Midlife and Cognitive Decline over 20 Years. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. [2022]Background: Faster rates of cognitive decline are likely to result in earlier onset of cognitive impairment and dementia. d-galactose, a derivative of lactose, is used in animal studies to induce neurodegeneration. Milk is the primary source of lactose in the human diet, and its effects on cognitive decline have not been fully evaluated. Objective: Assess the association of milk intake with change in cognitive function over 20 years. Methods: A total of 13,751 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort completed a food frequency questionnaire and three neurocognitive evaluations from 1990 through 2013. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to determine lactase persistence (LCT-13910 C/T for Whites and LCT-14010 G/C for Blacks). Mixed-effects models were used to study the association of milk intake with cognitive change. Multiple imputations by chained equations were used to account for attrition. Results: Milk intake greater than 1 glass/day was associated with greater decline in the global z-score over a 20-year period. The difference in decline was 0.10 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.03) z-scores, or an additional 10% decline, relative to the group reporting "almost never" consuming milk. Conclusions: Replication of these results is warranted in diverse populations with greater milk intake and higher variability of lactase persistence genotype.
Baseline glucoregulatory function moderates the effect of dairy milk and fruit juice on postprandial cognition in healthy young adults. [2018]Few studies have examined acute cognitive effects of dairy products. Prior work suggests baseline glucoregulatory function may moderate the relationship between macronutrient profile and postprandial cognition. This study examined the role of glucoregulatory function in postprandial cognition after milk, fruit juice, and a water control. We hypothesized juice would improve cognition in those with lower fasting glucose, while milk would improve cognition in those with higher fasting glucose.
Role of milk and dairy intake in cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]As aging populations increase across the globe, research on lifestyle factors that prevent cognitive decline and dementia is urgently needed. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to examine the effects of varying levels of milk intake alone or in combination with other dairy products on the outcomes of cognitive function and disorders in adults.
The Relationship between Beverages Consumption and Cognitive Impairment in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Population. [2023]Some evidence shows that beverage consumption has an impact on cognitive performance. This is a follow-up study of dietary habits and cognitive function in the Chinese middle-aged and elderly population. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between beverage consumption and cognitive impairment. The source and grouping of the participants can be seen in the previous article, "Study of Diet Habits and Cognitive Function in the Chinese Middle-Aged and Elderly Population: The Association between Folic Acid, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation and Cognitive Ability". Among 892 participants, one-third (296) completed both Amyloid beta(Aβ)-PET and plasma biomarkers. The results showed that the consumption of beverages (green tea, coffee, pure milk) was a protective factor for cognitive impairment, daily water consumption