None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of eating unsalted almonds on major cognitive domains (attention/concentration, executive function, working memory, secondary memory, spatial memory) and the secondary aims are to explore potential cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms underpinning cognitive enhancement following 12 weeks of almond consumption.This study will be a 12 week randomized, controlled, parallel arm study that investigates the effects of unsalted almond consumption or alternative snack food (at 15% of energy intake) on cognitive function and established and emerging cardiometabolic biomarkers of disease in healthy participants in a free living environment. Participants will be asked to continue with their usual lifestyle whilst avoiding consumption of other nuts or nut butters apart from study foods. At the start of the study and after 12 weeks of eating almonds or the alternate snack food we will examine cognitive function in a computerised cognitive test battery, as well as cardiometabolic biomarkers (lipids, glucose regulation), vascular function (blood pressure, arterial compliance, circulating adhesion molecules) and markers of systemic inflammation.
Interventions
12-week randomized, controlled, parallel-arm study that investigates the effects of daily unsalted almond consumption on cognitive function and established and emerging cardiometabolic biomarkers of disease in healthy participants in a free-living environment. Participants will be randomly allocated to consuming unsalted almonds (at 15% of energy intake) in conjunction with their habitual diet for 12 weeks. Overall calorie intake will remain the same as their habitual diet so participants will b
12-week randomized, controlled, parallel-arm study that investigates the effects of daily unsalted almond consumption on cognitive function and established and emerging cardiometabolic biomarkers of disease in healthy participants in a free-living environment. Participants will be randomly allocated to consuming unsalted almonds (at 15% of energy intake) in conjunction with their habitual diet for 12 weeks. Overall calorie intake will remain the same as their habitual diet so participants will be advised by a dietitian on how to substitute foods to maintain the equivalent energy intake. Test foods can be eaten at any time of the day as decided by the participant. Test food checklists, serum and erythrocyte alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) levels will used to assess compliance.
Sponsors
Assoc.Prof Alison Coates
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
50 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Overweight healthy adults with BMI between 25-39.9 kg/m2. Non-smokers. Weight stable in the past 3 months. No diagnosis of cognitive impairment or memory loss or a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of >18. Non-restrained eaters. No allergies or food intolerances to nuts or ingredients in control foods.
Exclusion criteria
Have a BP of > 160/100 mmHg. Regularly consume large amounts of nuts or nut butters (more than 210 g per week). Have cardiovascular disease (including uncontrolled high blood pressure) and chronic diseases including Type 1 and 2 diabetes. Has a history of depression in the prior 2 years or Geriatric Depression Score (GDS)-15 score of more than 10. Has any neurological disorder, including but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, intracranial haemorrhage and brain lesions including tumours. Has a recent history (within 12 months) or strong potential for alcohol abuse. Defined as >14 standard drinks per week. Are colour blind. Have changed medications in the last 3 months. Take medications or supplements that may have an impact on the study outcomes. Have a history of infective or inflammatory brain disease or head injury. Are planning on dieting to control weight during the study. Are already involved in a research study that may influence the outcomes of this study within 30 days of commencing present study. Are pregnant or breast feeding.
Outcome results
None listed