EU injects €1m into ‘social cognition’ supplement research

By Shane STARLING

- Last updated on GMT

EU injects €1m into ‘social cognition’ supplement research

Related tags Nutrition Amino acid Psychology

A €1m EU-backed joint project between academia and industry is investigating the potential of probiotics and amino acids to boost brain performance among Europe’s increasingly ageing population.

Led by the Institute for Psychological Research at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, the project is specifically investigating the role supplements can play in boosting something known as ‘social cognition’, or rather their ability to slow its decline.

Social cognition reflects how people view themselves and others and declines as people age. It is based on how people select, interpret and remember information to make decisions in social situations.

Those in the trial to begin in early 2016 will be given an 8-strain ‘specifically developed multispecies probiotic’ called Ecologic ​BARRIER and supplied by Dutch probiotic supplier, Winclove.

The amino acid tryptophan, which is linked to production of the hormone, serotonin, which plays a part in the regulation of mood, will also be examined.

3-year study

probiotics live bacteria gut health

Dr Lorenza Colzato, project leader from the University of Leiden, said the project, part of the Joint Programming Initiative 'A Healthy Diet for A Healthy Life' (JPI HDHL), would be the first to examine social and affective cognition in aging.”

She told us “we have already found elderly people willing to participate in the [3-year] study.”

Dr Colzato added: “Among others, for the first time ever, we will use epigenetics (changes in gene expression triggered by the environment) to study and understand the mechanisms underlying the interactions between brain, nutritional intervention, and social behavior.

“If our project will be successful, we will be able to develop proof-of-principle regarding personalised food programs that are tailored to individual needs.”

Other research centres in the project include the Central Institute for Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany; the University of Bonn in Germany and the University of Extremadura in Spain.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Expanding Probiotic Possibilities with MuniSpore®

Expanding Probiotic Possibilities with MuniSpore®

Content provided by Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes | 05-Jun-2023 | Product Brochure

The trillions of microorganisms in the human gut do more than aid digestion. Gut microbes also stimulate the immune system to get into gear when needed,...

Prebiocran™, the new gut health solution

Prebiocran™, the new gut health solution

Content provided by Diana Food | 24-May-2023 | Research Study

Symrise is launching Prebiocran™, a 100% cranberry extract in powder designed to fit most of dietary supplement applications thanks to a low dosage: only...

Immune support for everyone

Immune support for everyone

Content provided by Kerry | 12-May-2023 | Infographic

Consumers of all ages cite immune health as a top benefit driving their purchases, along with improving gut/digestive health.

Related suppliers

3 comments

brain food

Posted by harry,

Organic fresh and raw fruit and vegetables as salad. With PERSONALly selected high potency supplementary nutrition.

Report abuse

healthy aging? controls? Flavors? Age needs+.

Posted by harry,

Food for children. WHY NOT FOOD, specific for retirees? Add acids of lemon grapefruit and orange for better flavors. More Amino acid of bovine source only for the human brain functions. For savory foods add bovine fats salt for improved flavors.Currently the shift in dietary (advances)? Are of no interest to most retirees.

Report abuse

healthy aging? controls?

Posted by harry,

What a good idea with the following controls?

Must eliminate PRESERVATIVES, ALCOHOL. Use only Organic fresh food and maximise phenolic food additions for highest performance proving. Include exercise performance before and after, include heart & physical rating,before after.

Report abuse

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars