1.
Association between cognitive function and supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs and other nutrients in ≥ 75 years old patients: A randomized multicenter study.
Baleztena, J, Ruiz-Canela, M, Sayon-Orea, C, Pardo, M, Añorbe, T, Gost, JI, Gomez, C, Ilarregui, B, Bes-Rastrollo, M
PloS one. 2018;13(3):e0193568
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Plain language summary
Nutrition may play an important role in the prevention of dementia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multinutrient supplementation rich in omega-3 fatty acids on the cognitive function of adults aged 75 years and over with either no, or mild, cognitive impairment. Participants were given either a multinutrient capsule (each containing DHA 250 mg, EPA 40 mg, vitamin E 5 mg, phosphatidylserine 15 mg, tryptophan 95 mg, vitamin B 12 5 μg, folate 250 μg and ginkgo biloba 60 mg) or a placebo, three times a day for one year. Supplementation with the multinutrient did not improve overall cognitive function in the group. However, it did result in an improvement in memory in a sub-group of older people who were previously well nourished, but not in those with worse nutritional status.
Abstract
A few studies have assessed the association between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and cognitive impairment (CI) in very old adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multinutrient supplementation rich in n-3 PUFA on the cognitive function in an institutionalized ≥75-year-old population without CI or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial was conducted between 2012 and 2013. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and after one year using 4 neuropsychological tests. Nutritional status was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Interaction between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and nutritional status were analyzed using linear regression models. A total of 99 participants were randomized to receive placebo or pills rich in n-3 PUFA. After 1-year follow-up, both groups decreased their MMSE score (-1.18, SD:0. 53 and -0.82, SD:0. 63, p = 0.67 for the control and the intervention group respectively). The memory subscale of the MMSE showed an improvement (+0.26, SD:0.18) in the intervention group against a worsening in the control group (-0.11, SD: 0.14; p = 0.09 for differences between groups). Patients at intervention group with normal nutritional status (MNA ≥24) showed an improvement in the MMSE (+1.03, p = 0.025 for differences between 1-y and baseline measurements) against a worsening in the group with malnutrition (MNA<24) (-0.4, p = 0.886 for differences between 1-y and baseline; p of interaction p = 0.05). Supplementation with n-3 PUFA did not show an improvement in the global cognitive function in institutionalized elderly people without CI or with MCI. They only suggest an apparent improvement in memory loss if previously they were well nourished.
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Effect of protein and carbohydrate solutions on running performance and cognitive function in female recreational runners.
Gui, Z, Sun, F, Si, G, Chen, Y
PloS one. 2017;12(10):e0185982
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Plain language summary
Research has shown that consuming a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES) during endurance exercise can improve performance, delay fatigue and ameliorate post-exercise cognitive dysfuction when compared with a noncaloric placebo (PLA). The addition of protein to the CES (CPES) has been suggested to increase these benefits however the current data is limited. The aim of this crossover study was to investigate whether the added protein to a CES would improve exercise performance and cognitive function in 11 female recreational marathon runners. Participants were randomised to consume one of the three solutions (CES, CPES or PLA) every 2.5km during a 21km run, with a 28-day interval, and their VO2max and cognitive function were recorded after the run. This study showed that CES improved endurance performance compared with PLA, however adding protein to the CES did not provide any additional performance benefit. The CPES solution did benefit visual motor speed compared to PLA, but no differences were found in the other cognitive function tests.
Abstract
This study compared the effects of a carbohydrate-electrolyte-protein solution (CEPS, 2% protein plus 4% carbohydrate), carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES, 6% carbohydrate), and noncaloric sweetened placebo (PLA) on both 21-km running performance and cognitive function. Eleven female recreational endurance runners performed a 21-km time-trial running on three occasions, separated by at least 28 days. In a randomized cross-over design, they ingested CEPS, CES, or PLA at a rate of 150 mL every 2.5 km with no time feedback. A cognitive function test was performed before and after the run. Participants ingested approximately 24 g/h carbohydrate plus 12 g/h protein in CEPS trial, and 36 g/h carbohydrate in CES trial during each 21-km trial. Time to complete the time-trial was slightly shorter (P < 0.05) during CES (129.6 ± 8.8 min) than PLA (134.6 ± 11.5 min), with no differences between CEPS and the other two trials. The CEPS trial showed higher composite of visual motor speed than the PLA trial (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CES feedings might improve 21-km time-trial performance in female recreational runners compared with a PLA. However, adding protein to the CES provided no additional time-trial performance benefit. CEPS feeding during prolonged exercise could benefit visual motor speed compared to PLA alone, but no differences in the performance of the other cognitive function tests were found.