Acute effects of a dietary non-starch polysaccharide supplement on cognitive performance in healthy middle-aged adults

Abstract

Objective

Certain plant polysaccharides may provide psychological health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether they can acutely improve mood and cognitive function.

Method

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, between subjects design trial, 73 middle-aged adults consumed 4 g of a proprietary mixture of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) (Ambrotose^® complex), a rice flour placebo, or a sucrose control. Participants completed testing at baseline and 30 minutes post-consumption. Acute effects of consumption on mood, cognition, and blood glucose were evaluated during mental tests designed to induce mental fatigue.

Results

Significant improvement in recognition and working memory performance was observed in the group that consumed NSP compared with placebo or sucrose. Improvements in memory performance following NSP intake were independent of changes in blood glucose.

Discussion

This is the first report of acute behavioural improvement following plant polysaccharide intake in healthy middle-aged adults under conditions of mental fatigue. The findings suggest that certain NSP may enhance memory performance through mechanisms other than elevated blood glucose.     

Nutrient intake and cerebral metabolism in healthy middle-aged adults: Implications for cognitive aging

Objectives: Growing evidence suggests dietary factors influence cognition, but the effects of nutrient intake on cerebral metabolism in adults are currently unknown. The present study investigated the relationship between major macronutrient intake (fat, carbohydrate, and protein) and cerebral neurochemical profiles in middle-aged adults.

Methods: Thirty-six adults recorded dietary intake for 3 days prior to completing cognitive testing and a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS) scan. ¹H-MRS of occipitoparietal gray matter was used to assess glutamate (Glu), N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and myo-inositol (mI) relative to creatine (Cr) levels.

Results: Regression analyses revealed that high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was associated with lower cerebral Glu/Cr (P?=?0.005), and high intake of saturated fat (SFA) was associated with poorer memory function (P?=?0.030) independent of age, sex, education, estimated intelligence, total caloric intake, and body mass index.

Discussion: In midlife, greater PUFA intake (ω-3 and ω-6) may be associated with lower cerebral glutamate, potentially indicating more efficient cellular reuptake of glutamate. SFA intake, on the other hand, was linked with poorer memory performance. These results suggest that dietary fat intake modification may be an important intervention target for the prevention of cognitive decline.     

Effects of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in healthy middle-aged and older adults: the ZENITH study

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled design was employed to investigate the effects of Zn supplementation on cognitive function in 387 healthy adults aged 55-87 years. Several measures of visual memory, working memory, attention and reaction time were obtained using the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery at baseline and then after 3 and 6 months of 0 (placebo), 15 or 30 mg Zn/d. Younger adults (< 70 years) performed significantly better on all tests than older adults (> 70 years), and performance improved with practice on some measures. For two out of eight dependent variables, there were significant interactions indicating a beneficial effect (at 3 months only) of both 15 and 30 mg/d on one measure of spatial working memory and a detrimental effect of 15 mg/d on one measure of attention. Further work is required to establish whether these findings generalise to older adults in poorer mental and physical health and with less adequate Zn intake and status than the present sample.     

The supplementation effects of peanut sprout on reduction of abdominal fat and health indices in overweight and obese women

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of peanut sprout extracts (PSE) on health indices in overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Subjects were divided into three groups by double-blind randomized trial; the Placebo group (n = 15) and the Low PSE group (2.6 g PSE/day, n = 15), and the High PSE group (5.8 g PSE/day, n = 15). Subjects consumed 12 capsules per day, three times a day, 30 min before meals, for 4 weeks. Anthropometric data, blood biochemical variables, and dietary intake were evaluated before and after the experiments.

RESULTS

In the Low and High PSE group, the waist circumference showed a significant decrease between pre- and post-test. In the Low PSE group, the reduction of systolic blood pressure between pre- and post-test was statistically significant. Serum LDL or triglyceride levels in both Low and High PSE groups were significantly decreased, and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were significantly decreased only in the Low PSE group. The parameters regarding erythrocyte and leucocyte counts showed no significant differences between pre- and post-test among groups, which suggested the safety of intake of peanut sprouts as a dietary supplement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that PSE supplementation improves abdominal obesity and overall health indices. Therefore, an appropriate amount of peanut sprouts may be a plausible effective agent for obesity and obesity related health problems in obese women.     

Perceived benefits and barriers of walking among overweight and obese adults

The current study aimed to explore perceived barriers and benefits of walking of overweight and obese adults. Fifteen face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted. Content and thematic analyses were used. Findings revealed that informants were aware of more benefits from walking than barriers. Gaining health and fitness, losing weight, the opportunity to walk in a group, and setting goals and sharing achievements were more sited benefits of walking. Confusion about walking guidelines and walking location perceived as barriers to walking. The findings of this study would be applied to develop walking intervention.     

Long-term maintenance of exercise and healthy eating behaviors in overweight adults

BACKGROUND: Most people experience weight regain following the termination of a weight management program. The failure to maintain changes in diet and exercise patterns is a major factor. This study presents 24-month outcomes of a healthy-lifestyle weight management program designed to promote long-term changes in diet and exercise behaviors. METHODS: Overweight and obese adults (n = 144; BMI = 32.5 +/- 3.8) completed a 6-month clinic-based weight management program and were followed for an additional 18 months. Assessments completed at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months included weight, body composition, dietary recalls, self-reported physical activity, and mediator variables based on Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change. RESULTS: At 24 months, subjects maintained decreases in weight, % body fat, caloric intake, % kcal saturated fat, and increases in weekly exercise minutes (P < 0.05). Individuals who maintained regular exercise at 24 months had higher confidence scores and higher use of experiential and behavioral processes. Individuals who maintained a healthy diet at 24 months had lower temptation scores and higher use of experiential and behavioral processes. CONCLUSIONS: A healthy-lifestyle weight management program is successful at promoting long-term changes in exercise and dietary behaviors. Individuals who actively engage in the maintenance process are more likely to succeed.     

中国社区老年人脑认知相关生活方式对早期认知功能下降的影响

目的 了解中国社区老年人脑认知相关生活方式的分布特征,并探讨其综合评分对早期认知功能下降的影响。方法 研究对象来自老年期重点疾病预防和干预项目。纳入2015年基线调查及2017年随访调查均完成认知功能状况评定,且基线未患痴呆的2 537名≥60岁的社区老年人。通过问卷调查收集其脑认知相关生活方式信息（体育锻炼、社会交往、脑力休闲活动、睡眠质量、吸烟状况与饮酒状况）并计算综合评分。通过多因素logistic回归模型分析脑认知相关生活方式综合评分与早期认知功能下降的关联。结果 2 537名社区老年人群中,评分5~6分者占28.7%,6项脑认知相关生活方式因子均健康者仅占4.8%。男性与女性的健康生活方式因子分布存在差异。多因素logistic回归模型结果显示,与评分0~3分组相比,评分4分和5~6分组早期认知功能下降的风险降低（OR=0.683,95%CI：0.457~1.019;OR=0.623,95%CI：0.398~0.976;趋势P=0.030）。在女性中,与评分0~3分组相比,评分4分和5~6分组的早期认知功能下降的风险降低（OR=0.491,95%CI：0.297~0.812;OR=0.556,95%CI：0.332~0.929;趋势P=0.024）。结论 脑认知相关综合健康生活方式与早期认知功能下降风险降低密切相关,在女性群体中尤为显著。     

福建省市售花生及花生制品中4种黄曲霉毒素污染调查

目的:了解福建省花生中黄曲霉毒素B1(AFB1)、黄曲霉毒素B2(AFB2)、黄曲霉毒素G1(AFG1)和黄曲霉毒素G2(AFG2)的污染状况。方法:从福建省九个地区采集花生和花生制品,用高效液相色谱测定黄曲霉毒素含量。结果:共测定62份花生,40份花生酱,20份花生油。以国家标准规定的黄曲霉毒素B1限值20μg/kg计,超标率分别为17.7%、37.5%和0。4种毒素中AFB1阳性率和平均浓度最高,AFB2、AFG1和AFG2的阳性率和平均浓度依次降低。结论:福建省花生和花生制品的黄曲霉毒素污染比较普遍,4种毒素中以AFB1污染为主。     

Cognitive performance is associated with macronutrient intake in healthy young and middle-aged adults

Abstract

Primary objective: The objective was to examine whether dietary intakes of macronutrients are associated with neuropsychological performance.

Research design and method: Study participants were 3960 adults aged 20–59 years, who completed three neuropsychological tests and a 24-hour dietary recall as a part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994. Poor performance was defined as the test score below gender-specific 15th percentile.

Main outcomes and results: While holding the energy percentages from different macronutrients, additional 100 kcal intake of energy was associated with a reduced odds of poor performance on serial digital learning test (OR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.96, 0.99) and symbol digital substitution test (OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.96, 0.99). Compared with equivalent energy from carbohydrates, each 5% of energy from poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or total fat was associated with a reduced OR of poor performance on simple reaction time test (PUFA: OR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.63–0.95 and total fat: OR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.87, 0.99). Poor global cognition was associated with an additional intake of 100mg cholesterol (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.05, 1.23). These associations were more salient in men.

Conclusion: Habitual intake of macronutrients is weakly but significantly associated with cognitive functioning. These relationships are more evident in men.     

Lifestyle, glucose regulation and the cognitive effects of glucose load in middle-aged adults

Interventions aimed at improving glucose regulatory mechanisms have been suggested as a possible source of cognitive enhancement in the elderly. In particular, previous research has identified episodic memory as a target for facilitation after either moderate increases in glycaemia (after a glucose drink) or after improvements in glucose regulation. The present study aimed to extend this research by examining the joint effects of glucose ingestion and glucose regulation on cognition. In addition, risk factors associated with the development of poor glucose regulation in middle-aged adults were considered. In a repeated measures design, thirty-three middle-aged adults (aged 35-55 years) performed a battery of memory and non-memory tasks after either 25 g or 50 g glucose or a sweetness matched placebo drink. To assess the impact of individual differences in glucose regulation, blood glucose measurements were taken on four occasions during testing. A lifestyle and diet questionnaire was also administered. Consistent with previous research, episodic memory ability benefited from glucose ingestion when task demands were high. Blood glucose concentration was also found to predict performance across a number of cognitive domains. Interestingly, the risk factors associated with poor glucose regulation were linked to dietary impacts traditionally associated with poor health, e.g. the consumption of high-sugar sweets and drinks. The research replicates earlier work suggesting that task demands are critical to the glucose facilitation effect. Importantly, the data demonstrate clear associations between elevated glycaemia and relatively poor cognitive performance, which may be partly due to the effect of dietary and lifestyle factors.     

血清同型半胱氨酸、超敏C-反应蛋白、载脂蛋白E与脑血管疾病相关性的研究

目的探讨血清同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）、超敏C-反应蛋白（hs—CRP）、载脂蛋白E（ApoE）与脑血管疾病的关系。方法选择脑血管疾病患者82例,分为两组,其中脑梗死组45例,脑出血组37例,正常对照组50例,测定其血清同型半胱氨酸、超敏C-反应蛋白、载脂蛋白E水平。结果脑梗死组和脑出血组血清Hcy和hs-CRP均有不同程度增高,与正常对照组比较均有显著性差异（P〈0．01）,ApoE也升高,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。以上指标在脑梗死组与脑出血组的差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,疾病组hs—CRP水平与Hcy水平呈正相关（r=0．465,P〈0．01）。结论血清Hcy和hs—CRP升高与脑血管病相关。     

脑血管疾病中血清HCY和血脂检测结果相关性分析

目的：探讨脑血管疾病患者血清同型半胱氨酸（HCY）和血脂中各指标的含量与脑血管疾病发生的相关性。方法：检测66例脑血管患者和56例非脑血管疾病对照组人群血清同型半胱氨酸（HcY）、总胆固醇frC）、甘油三（TG）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL—c）及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL—c）水平。结果：脑血管疾病患者血清HCY、TG、TCHO、LDL—c含量分别为（16．11±9．19）μmol／L、（1．26±0．40）mmol／L、（4．61±0．83）mmol／L、（3．20±0．75）mmol／L,而非脑血管疾病患者血清中其相应含量分别为（11．70±4．75）μmol／L、（1．02±0．34）mmol／L、（3．93±O．82）mmol／L、（2．64±0．70）mmol／L,各指标在两组血清中含量具有显著性差异（P〈0．05）;而HDL—C两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉O．05）。结论：血清中HCY和TCHO、TG血脂指标水平与脑血管疾病两者有关联,可以作为相关危险因素为脑血管疾病进行研究和治疗提供参考依据。     

Influence of moderate energy restriction and seafood consumption on bone turnover in overweight young adults

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are increasing in young adults. However, moderate energy restriction aimed at lowering body weight may promote bone turnover and bone loss. Inclusion of fish or fish oils in a weight-loss diet may attenuate these adverse skeletal effects. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of incorporating fish or fish oil into an energy-restricted diet on bone turnover markers in young overweight adults. DESIGN: While following a strict hypoenergetic (-30% relative to estimated requirements) diet for 8 wk, 276 overweight men and women [body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 27.5-32.5; age: 20-40 y) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary groups: sunflower-oil capsules (3 g/d; control), cod (3 x 150 g/wk), salmon (3 x 150 g/wk), and fish-oil capsules (3 g/d). Body weight, bone biomarkers, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured at baseline and endpoint. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance and general linear models. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) weight loss was 5.14 +/- 3.0 kg (5.8% +/- 3.2% body weight) during the 8 wk in the 4 dietary groups combined. Urinary N-telopeptides of type I collagen and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen increased (P < 0.05), whereas serum osteocalcin (but not bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) decreased (P < 0.05) from baseline to endpoint. Increased fish or fish-oil consumption had no effect (P > 0.1) on the changes in bone markers induced by weight loss. In contrast, increased salmon consumption increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A nutritionally adequate but energy-restricted diet, with different contents of n-3 fatty acids, which resulted in modest weight loss, unfavorably altered bone turnover markers in young overweight adults. Such changes were not prevented by increased fish or fish-oil consumption.     

Relation between alcohol consumption and arterial stiffness: A cross-sectional study of middle-aged Japanese women and men

Epidemiological data indicate the existence of a J–shaped association between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular mobility and mortality. However, studies assessing the relationship between alcohol consumption and pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a marker of arterial stiffness have provided inconsistent results. In addition, data regarding the effect of alcohol on arterial stiffness in women has been limited. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and PWV among female and male workers in Japan. Study participants were local government employees in Hokkaido, Japan, who underwent annual health check-ups. All data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The average daily alcohol consumption of the previous month, based on the alcohol concentration of each beverage type (g/day, ethanol equivalent), was estimated according to the frequency and amount of consumption. Data from 3893 participants (812 women and 3081 men) were analyzed. In women, non-drinkers had significantly higher PWV than women who consumed <10 g/day of alcohol. In men, compared with those who reportedly drank 20–39 g/day, non-drinkers and those who drank <20 g/day and ≥60 g/day had significantly higher PWV. Alcohol consumption showed a J–shaped association with PWV in men (p for quadratic term < 0.036) and marginally in women (p < 0.056). The results of stratified analyses by age groups showed a significant J–shaped association, which was most notable for men ≥45 years (p < 0.005). In middle-aged Japanese women and men, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower PWV, which in turn correlates with a reduction in vascular stiffness.     

糖尿病肾病患者脑血管病变特点及危险因素分析

目的观察糖尿病肾病患者脑血管特点及其危险因素。方法将135例2型糖尿病患者,根据尿蛋白水平分为正常蛋白尿组（DM）、微量蛋白尿组（DN—Ⅲ）、大量蛋白尿组（DN～Ⅳ）、肾衰竭组（DN—Ⅴ）四组。用经颅多普勒超声检测各组患者颈内动脉及椎基底动脉系统的搏动指数（PI）、平均血流速度（Vm）。结果DN-Ⅴ组左右大脑中动脉、大脑后动脉及基底动脉的反映血管弹性的搏动指数高于其余各组（P〈0．05）。随着肾病进展,大脑后动脉平均血流速度明显下降（P〈0．05）。多元逐步回归分析显示年龄、血肌酐、收缩压、糖尿病病程是PI值的独立危险因素（P〈0．05）。年龄、尿蛋白是Vm的独立危险因素（P〈0．05）。结论随着糖尿病肾病进展,尿蛋白的增加,糖尿病患者脑血管弹性减弱,脑血流速度减慢。年龄、血肌酐、收缩压、糖尿病病程、尿蛋白是糖尿病肾病患者脑血管异常的独立危险因素。     

Hair mercury levels, fish consumption, and cognitive development in preschool children from Granada, Spain ,

The main source of human exposure to mercury is the consumption of fish contaminated with methylmercury, which may adversely affect early neurodevelopment. This study assessed mercury levels in hair of preschoolers in Spain, where fish consumption is elevated, with the aim of investigating the influence of their fish intake and other factors on mercury exposure, and evaluating their association with cognitive development. A population-based birth cohort from Granada (Spain) was studied at the age of 4 yr. Total mercury (T-Hg) levels were determined in children's hair, and daily fish intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) were used to assess children's motor and cognitive abilities. Complete data were gathered on 72 children, and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of mercury exposure and fish intake on MSCA outcomes. Mean concentration of T-Hg in hair was 0.96 μg/g (95% confidence interval=0.76; 1.20 μg/g). T-Hg levels were associated with higher frequency of oily fish consumption, place of residence, maternal age, and passive smoking. After adjustment for fish intake, T-Hg levels ≥1 μg/g were associated with decrements in the general cognitive (−6.6 points), memory (−8.4 points), and verbal (−7.5 points) MSCA scores. Higher mercury exposure in children from this Mediterranean area was associated with cognitive development delay. Studies on the putative benefits of fish intake during early development should consider mercury exposure from different fish species.     

Effects of resistance or aerobic exercise training on total and regional body composition in sedentary overweight middle-aged adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of aerobic endurance training (AET), resistance exercise training (RET), or a control (CON) condition on absolute and relative fat mass (FM) or fat-free mass (FFM) in the total body (TB) and regions of interest (ROIs) of sedentary overweight middle-aged males and females. Following prescreening, 102 subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and strength and aerobic exercise testing. Randomized subjects (male RET, n = 16; female RET, n = 19; male AET, n = 16; and female AET, n = 25) completed supervised and periodized exercise programs (AET, 30-50 min cycling at 70%-75% maximal heart rate; RET, 2-4 sets × 8-10 repetitions of 5-7 exercises at 70%-75% 1 repetition maximum) or a nonexercising control condition (male CON, n = 13 and female CON, n = 13). Changes in absolute and relative TB-FM and TB-FFM and ROI-FM and ROI-FFM were determined. At baseline, and although matched for age and body mass index, males had greater strength, aerobic fitness, body mass, absolute and relative TB-FFM and ROI-FFM, but reduced absolute and relative TB-FM and ROI-FM, compared with females (p < 0.05). After training, both female exercise groups showed equivalent or greater relative improvements in strength and aerobic fitness than did the male exercise groups (p < 0.05); however, the male exercise groups increased TB-FFM and reduced TB-FM more than did the female exercise groups (p < 0.05). Male AET altered absolute FM more than male RET altered absolute FFM, thus resulting in a greater enhancement of relative FFM. Despite equivalent or greater responses to RET or AET by female subjects, the corresponding respective increases in FFM or reductions in FM were lower than those in males, indicating that a biased dose-response relationship exists between sexes following 10 weeks of exercise training.     

Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk containing lactononadecapeptide (NIPPLTQTPVVVPPFLQPE) improves cognitive function in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomised,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

This study aimed to determine the effects of a Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk drink containing lactononadecapeptide (NIPPLTQTPVVVPPFLQPE) on the cognitive function of healthy middle-aged adults. A randomised, double-blind controlled study was conducted in healthy participants who were randomly assigned to receive a L. helveticus-fermented milk drink (190?g/day) or the equivalent amount of a placebo drink once a day for eight weeks. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Japanese version of the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS) test. There was a statistically significant improvement in the total score, attention score, and delayed memory score of participants who received the L. helveticus-fermented milk drink. There was also a significant difference in the attention score between the placebo and test groups after eight weeks (p?=?.028). Therefore, supplementation of healthy middle-aged adults with a L. helveticus-fermented milk drink for eight weeks improved both attention and delayed memory.