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Effects of Prebiotics on Cognition and Health

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Gastrointestinal Health
Cognitive Change
Physiological Stress
Interventions
Other: Lactose Free 1% Milk + 10 g prebiotic
Other: Lactose Free 1% Milk
Registration Number
NCT04551937
Lead Sponsor
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Brief Summary

This research intervention aims to examine the effects of prebiotic consumption on changes in behavioral and biological measures of cognition and stress among adults.

Detailed Description

Evidence-based dietary strategies provide behavioral means benefiting physical and cognitive function. Pertinent to the proposed work, dietary intake has been recently shown to have the potential to directly influence the gut microbiota composition as well as brain function. Specifically, the consumption of prebiotics or fibers metabolized by gut bacteria may also play a role. These foods are readily available in the marketplace, however, their implications for physical and cognitive function are not clear. Accordingly, the proposed study aims to investigate effects of prebiotic beverage consumption on changes in behavioral and biological measures of cognition and stress among adults.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
24
Inclusion Criteria
  • Males and females
  • Between the ages of 25-45 years at the time of consent
  • BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2
  • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision based on the minimal 20/20 standard in order to complete the cognitive task.
  • Ability to drop-off fecal sample within 15 minutes of defecation
Exclusion Criteria
  • Current pregnancy or lactation
  • Tobacco use
  • Dairy allergy or intolerance
  • Prior diagnosis of metabolic and gastrointestinal disease (cardiovascular disease and type 1 or type 2 diabetes, chronic constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, hepatitis, HIV, cancer, etc.)
  • Prior diagnosis of cognitive or physical disability, including ADHD, severe asthma, epilepsy, chronic kidney disease
  • Use of any anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, antianxiety, or ADD/ADHD medications
  • Use of medications that alter normal bowel function and metabolism (e.g., recent antibiotic use, laxatives, enemas, anti-diarrheal agents, narcotics, antispasmodics, diuretics, anticonvulsants).
  • Prior malabsorptive bariatric surgery (i.e. gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy) or restrictive bariatric surgery (i.e. adjustable gastric band)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PrebioticLactose Free 1% Milk + 10 g prebiotic4-5 week period where participant will consume the intervention beverage
ControlLactose Free 1% Milk4-5 week period where participant will consume control beverage
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Biological markers of stress4-5 weeks

Changes in 24-hour urinary cortisol, inflammatory markers (e.g. IL-6, CRP).

Behavioral markers of stress4-5 weeks

Change in reported questionnaire responses specific to depression, stress, and anxiety using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DASS) Questionnaire.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Gastrointestinal Microbiota composition4-5 weeks

Impact on bacterial genera abundances.

Cognitive function4-5 weeks

Computer tasks will be used to assess working memory, interference control, cognitive flexibility, and hippocampal function/relational memory

Gastrointestinal Microbiota alpha-diversity4-5 weeks

Impact on alpha-diversity measures

Gastrointestinal microbiota beta-diversity4-5 weeks

Impact on beta-diversity measures

Sleep4-5 weeks

The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will also be used to assess sleep, as will actigraphy.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Illinois

🇺🇸

Urbana, Illinois, United States

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