Effects of Peanut Intake on Cognitive Functions

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Inflammation; Cognition
• Interventions: Other: Habitual Diet; Dietary Supplement: Peanuts

• Registration Number: NCT05532007
• Lead Sponsor: Loma Linda University

Brief Summary

The study will test the effects of Peanuts on task-related brain activation and cognitive functions in older adults with memory complaints.

Detailed Description

The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of peanuts on cognitive performance and task-related brain activation on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in older adults. The specific aim of the study is to explore the neuroprotective effects of a peanut-enriched diet (2-3 oz of peanuts to replace 20% of the total energy of the habitual diet) for 12 weeks compared to a peanut-excluded habitual diet in elderly men and women with increased risk for CVD and self-reported memory complaints. The study population is older adults 60-80 years in age.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2022-03-29
• Study First Submitted: 2022-08-31
• Study First Submitted QC: 2022-09-06
• Study First Posted: 2022-09-08
• Primary Completion: 2022-10-26
• Study Completion: 2022-10-26
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-04
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

• Non-demented elderly between 60-80 years of age
• Self-reported memory complaints
• Two cardiovascular risk factors
• Stable weight for at least 6 months prior to recruitment

Exclusion Criteria

• Peanut allergy
• Smoker
• Endocrine, metabolic and neuropsychological disorders
• Ineligible to get an MRI
• Consuming more than 3 servings/week of nuts including peanuts

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Control Group	Habitual Diet	Habitual diet abstain from eating peanuts
Peanut Group	Peanuts	Peanuts: 2-3 ounces per day to replace 20% of daily energy intake

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
changes from baseline in Brian activation	baseline to 12 weeks	Changes will be assessed by Functional MRI (fMRI) on participants. there is no units of measure
changes from baseline serum markers of inflammation	baseline to 12 weeks	changes in serum inflammation markers which includes hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM/VCAM, eSelectin, F2-isoprostanes, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) will all be assessed using ELISA

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
changes from baseline in global cognitive composite score	baseline to 12 weeks	The composite score will be calculated using the scores from the tests listed below. We will calculate the standardized scores of each test as the score of each participant minus the group mean and divide by its standard deviation. The composite score is the mean of the standardized scores. the 5 tests are: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Digit Span, FAS Word Fluency, Symbol Digit Modalities Test
Change in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pg/mL)	baseline to 12 weeks	changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pg/mL) assessed by ELISA

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Loma Linda University School of Public Health; 🇺🇸 Loma Linda, California, United States