Enhancement of Learning and Memory Following Supplementation With Juice PLUS+® OMEGA in an Adolescent Population
Condition: Cognitive Change; Development, Adolescent
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study aims to investigate the effect of chronic supplementation with a commercially
      available, plant-derived, omega-3 intervention and cognitive performance in adolescent
      participants aged 13-14 years.
    

Detailed description: 
      A healthy diet is an essential factor for healthy ageing. Previous studies of omega-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) intake have shown beneficial actions on a range of
      human health conditions. The influence of n-3 PUFAs on cognition throughout the lifespan is
      particularly apparent, with beneficial effects documented on cognitive development in infants
      and children, cognitive performance in young adults, and to slow age-related cognitive
      impairment in older adults. Despite these positive findings, there has been little
      consideration of the influence of n-3-PUFAs on cognition in adolescence. Adolescence is
      characterized by profound brain development, with brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex
      continuing to mature into the late twenties). In this period of brain development, the basis
      is laid for executive functions (e.g., shifting, updating, and short-term memory), among
      others. Optimal development of the prefrontal cortex is very important, as the executive
      functions have been related to academic achievements. The positive effects from n-3 PUFAs on
      cognition, if translated to adolescents, would be of clear practical and theoretical
      importance, particularly in an academic context.

      ￼

      This project will examine the relationship between supplementation with a commercially
      available, plant-derived, omega-3 intervention and cognitive performance in adolescent
      participants aged 13-14 years. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind,
      parallel-group clinical trial, we will examine the effect of 16 weeks repeated daily dosing
      of Juice PLUS+® OMEGA (or matched placebo) on a wide range of cognitive processes (measured
      using a battery of computer-based cognitive tests). Changes in cognitive performance will be
      mapped both to changes in omega-3 index (O3I) of our participants (measured using dried blood
      spots obtained via finger prick) and to changes in brain activity (measured using electrodes
      placed on the scalp, in a subset of participants). Participants will attend the Department on
      3 separate occasions. At an initial screening visit, participants will practice the cognitive
      tests and provide a 3-day food diary as a measure of habitual diet. Participants will then
      attend a baseline test visit, where they will perform the cognitive tests and receive a
      16-week supply of capsules (either placebo or active treatment) to be taken daily. After the
      16 weeks, the participants will attend a post-intervention test day where they will perform
      the cognitive tests for a final time. Finger prick blood spot samples will be taken at each
      of the 3 visits.
    

Intervention name(s): Juice PLUS+® OMEGA; Placebo
Intervention type(s): Dietary Supplement; Dietary Supplement
Intervention description(s): Daily dose of total Omega blend: 925 mg (2 capsules); matched placebo (2 capsules)
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Learning; Memory