Cognitive function

Biotherapeutic targeting gut-derived metabolites may ease autism symptoms, study finds

07-Mar-2022 By Will Chu

Targeting gut-derived metabolites with an oral biotherapeutic is effective in improving irritability and anxiety associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to Axial Therapeutics.

Science shorts: Diagnostics and health, pre/probiotics, and brain health focus

07-Mar-2022 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up features new innovations in the area of health diagnostics, based on interviews with Kao, Designs for Health, OmegaQuant, clinical trials involving pre/probiotics, and more.

Creatine could benefit cognitive function, but more research is needed

01-Mar-2022 By Liza Laws

Evidence to show that creatine supplementation could increase its content in the human brain is gathering pace but more studies are needed, a review has found.

Turmeric extract may boost blood flow to the brain: RCT

28-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of a turmeric extract may increase cerebral oxygenation linked to better blood flow to the brain, says a new study from Brazil.

Immunity, analytical advances, and sleep: Themes and first speakers announced for IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas

23-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Delegate registration is now open for the IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas in Washington DC, with speakers already for a blockbuster opening session on microbiome modulation to boost immunity and improve COVID outcomes.

Perilla seed oil with citrus peel powder improves cognitive function in elderly – 12-month Japan RCT

22-Feb-2022 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of perilla seed oil and citrus peel powder is reported to have significantly improve age-related cognitive decline in healthy elderly, according to a one-year RCT conducted in Japan.

Gut bacteriophages linked to improved cognitive ability in humans (and mice & flies)

21-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The presence of a specific bacteriophage – a virus that targets bacteria – in the human gut has been linked to an improvement in cognitive functions and memory in humans, mice, and flies.

Scientists show ‘cause and effect’ for gut-metabolite and brain function

21-Feb-2022 By Lynda Searby

Shedding new light on the workings of the gut-brain axis, scientists have found that a gut-derived molecule induces anxiety in mice.

Swiss government recommends high vitamin D intake for those over 65

18-Feb-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

The Swiss government has issued new guidance on vitamin D consumption for consumers over the age of 65 and recommend a daily dose of 800 IU (20 µg).

Probiotic mix may boost mood for people with moderate depression

16-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

A multispecies probiotic product may improve mood and some cognitive measures, says a new study from the University of Oxford that suggests the product may be an “early intervention strategy” for people with moderate depression.

Goji berries compound reduces subthreshold depression in teens – Six-week RCT

16-Feb-2022 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide extracted from goji berries has shown to reduce subthreshold depression in teenagers, according to a six-week RCT conducted in China.

Lodaat build science for ingredient portfolio with new studies

15-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

From ashwagandha for sleep to Holy Basil for daytime functioning and concentration, ingredient supplier Lodaat has reported the publication of a number of studies for its ingredients.

A global approach to personalised nutrition is best, says scientists

15-Feb-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Evaluating diet as a whole offers a better insight into gut microbiome than individual dietary features and could facilitate the design of more personalised dietary strategies, according to new research funded by Danone Nutricia Research.

Probiotic may help students manage stress levels, says new RCT

14-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a specific probiotic strain may reduce perceived stress levels by university students, says a new study from Belgium.

Higher vitamin intake reduced risk of depression associated with heavy metal exposure – Korean national cohort study

14-Feb-2022 By Tingmin Koe

A higher intake of vitamin A, B1, B3 has shown to reduce the risk of depression associated with heavy metal exposure, said a Korean national cohort study.

Vitamin B6 supplements may improve mood in college-aged women: Study

10-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of vitamin B6 may reduce depression symptoms in young women using oral contraceptives, suggests a small study from Arizona State University.

Probiotic blends and adaptogens to boom as part of ‘body and mind’ industry predictions

09-Feb-2022 By Will Chu

“Body and mind” formulations which combine mood, focus-enhancing ingredients with extracts to support immunity and/or metabolism, will be a long-term trend for consumers over the next five years.

Black cumin oil may boost sleep quality, help with stress: Human data

08-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a standardized oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa) may significantly improve sleep quality in people with sleep problems, says a new study from India.

Nutrition to tackle neurodegeneration? A future possibility, predicts review

08-Feb-2022 By Will Chu

Deeper research into microbiota–gut–brain mechanisms could slow down neurodegeneration and calm anxiety and hyperactivity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a new paper suggests.

Correlations found between gut mycobiome and MS: Study

03-Feb-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

A comparison of gut mycobiome of multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects with a healthy control group has identified correlations between specific mycobiome and the autoimmune disease.

No link between green tea intake and depression symptoms among Japanese working population - study

02-Feb-2022 By Guan Yu Lim

Evidence from the Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study in Japan found no association between green tea consumption and symptoms of depression.

CBD companies told to provide sufficient toxicology data or risk losing product selling rights

31-Jan-2022 By Lynda Searby

Up to 40 CBD (cannabinoid) companies have been contacted by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and told they have until 28 February to provide sufficient toxicology data or risk their products being removed from sale.

Bacopa extract may boost sleep, cognitive & mood measures in kids: Study

26-Jan-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of a specific Bacopa monnieri extract may improve measures of cognitive flexibility and executive functioning in children aged 6 to 14 years, says a new study from Australia.

Flavonoid-like peanut extracts appear to promote sleep quality, study suggests

20-Jan-2022 By Will Chu

The flavonoid-like components of peanut stem and leaf extract appear to promote sleep quality via a mechanism of action that decreases neuronal excitability, according to researchers.

Green Mediterranean diet: “a simple, safe and promising avenue to slow age-related neurodegeneration”

20-Jan-2022 By Lynda Searby

A large brain MRI trial has shown that the ‘Green’ Mediterranean diet, high in polyphenols and low in processed and red meat, may slow brain atrophy in the over 50s

Palmitoylethanolamide a viable, non-toxic alternative to cannabidiols, say scientists

19-Jan-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a safer and more pervasive therapeutic alternative to cannabidiol, say the authors of the Gencor Pacific-commissioned review, ‘Palmitoylethanolamide: A Potential Alternative to Cannabidiol.’

Study: Positive signs that GOS supplementation can reduce stress and anxiety

07-Jan-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

A UK study into the relationship between diet and gut microbiota suggests supplementation with Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) could plug the ‘fibre gap’ by promoting healthy gut bacteria, and reduce anxiety.

NIU’s predictions: The categories, ingredients, & industry issues to watch in 2022

05-Jan-2022 By By Stephen Daniells and Hank Schultz

The year is new, and a lot of people are getting out their crystal balls. NutraIngredients-USA is no exception, and here are our issues and topics to watch in the dietary supplements space in 2022.

Doubling prenatal choline intake improves cognitive performance in childhood, say scientists

05-Jan-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

There are “population-wide benefits of adding choline to a standard prenatal vitamin regimen,” according to a nutrition expert.

Collaboration for cognition: Zeon Lifesciences to ramp up botanical solutions for neuro health

04-Jan-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Uttar Pradesh-based Zeon Lifesciences is ramping up its offerings in the botanicals, phyto-pharmaceuticals, and medical nutrition space via research and commercialisation partnerships with several local institutes.

Omega-3 fatty acids could tackle atherosclerosis but not depression, studies conclude

24-Dec-2021 By Will Chu

Two separate omega-3 fatty acid studies conclude that while the fats could help reduce the onset of atherosclerosis, they could also have minimal effects on improving mood or preventing depression.

The FSA issues warning on responsible CBD food marketing

23-Dec-2021 By Kavitha Sivasubramaniam

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA)’s chief executive is urging the CBD industry to market their products responsibly and has offered support to local authorities that need help with their enforcement efforts.

Guest article

Curcumin: The powerful botanical that could

22-Dec-2021 By Traci Kantowski, Communications Director, Global Curcumin Association

When asked to write this article, the Simple Minds song “Don’t You forget about me” immediately popped in my head. While it’s no longer the exciting new kid on the block, curcumin is the “friend” the industry needs.

Nutrition21's Nitrosigine may boost cognitive performance in healthy adults: Study

22-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Acute supplementation with Nutrition 21’s inositol-stabilized arginine silicate ingredient may enhance cognitive function and memory in healthy aduts, says a new study.

Probiotics from Centenarians show anti-aging effects: Mouse data

22-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Four probiotic strains isolated from Centenarians may exhibit anti-aging potential and protect against neuro-inflammation via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, suggests new data from a mouse study.

Omega-3s plus carotenoids and vitamin E show ‘synergistic’ benefits for memory: RCT

21-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin, and vitamin E may improve working memory in cognitively healthy older adults, says a new study from Ireland.

Sustained release ashwagandha extract shows stress-reducing activity

20-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release capsules may boost memory and focus, while also improving sleep quality and lowering stress levels, says a new study.

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