Effects of Flavonoids on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Young Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to investigate changes in cerebral blood flow, blood flavonoid levels, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular reactivity and cognitive performance in young adults as a result of acute administration of a fruit-derived flavonoid-rich or flavonoid-poor drink.

Detailed Description
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There has recently been an increasing interest in the potential of flavonoids, plant derived compounds found in foods such as fruit and vegetables, to ameliorate age-related cognitive decline. Research suggests that flavonoids improve memory and learning, possibly as a result of their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects for example by increasing cerebral blood flow, protecting vulnerable neurons, enhancing existing neuronal function or by stimulating neuronal function. The research will initially involve a randomised cross-over human dietary intervention trial using two flavonoid-rich drinks (flavanone-rich and flavanone-poor) to investigate changes in cerebral blood flow in young adults (n=6; age range 18-30 years). Changes in cognitive performance and measures of serum BDNF levels will then be investigated in a second randomised cross-over trial using the intervention drink showing the greatest effect on cerebral blood flow in young adults (n=24; age range 18-30 years) and using a range of sensitive tests of executive function. The study is designed to measure acute effects of types of flavonoid supplementation and, as well as the primary cognitive outcome, will assess flavonoid/metabolite and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels in blood and changes in vascular reactivity.

Official Title
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Effects of Flavonoids on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Young Adults

Conditions
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Neurodegeneration

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Fruit juice beverage


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: MMSE between 26 and 30 18-30 years of age Native or good English speaker Normal BMI/body fat composition No significant vision, hearing or language problems Able to consume the beverages Exclusion Criteria: Any form of disease/major mental illness/chronic fatigue syndrome On medication for hypertension/elevated lipids/diabetes On medication known to impact endothelial function Gall bladder/gastrointestinal abnormalities Sensitivity to orange or apple High consumer of fruit, vegetables, fruit beverages High consumer of caffeine or alcohol Consumer of illegal substances Vegetarian/vegan/other dieter/vigorous exerciser Use of antibiotics in the previous 8 weeks Consumer of dietary supplements

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Fruit beverage<br> | Other: Fruit juice beverage<br>* 500ml fruit juice beverage, single dose per visit<br>* Other names: Robinson's Lemon Barley Water;|
| Experimental: Control beverage<br> | Other: Fruit juice beverage<br>* 500ml fruit juice beverage, single dose per visit<br>* Other names: Robinson's Lemon Barley Water;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Executive function | 45-minute computer-based test battery of executive function tasks administered twice per visit day, at 0 hours (baseline) and 2 hours post-intervention. Visit days are at least one week apart. | change in attention between baseline and 2h | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cerebral blood flow | Non-invasive fMRI (arterial spin labelling) is conducted pre- and post-intervention at 3 time-points: 0 (baseline), and 2 and 5 hours post-intervention on 3 study days at least one week apart | change in attention between baseline and 2h | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Flavonoid, Cognitive performance, Cognitive function, Executive function, fMRI, Cerebral blood flow, Acute