Navigation
Flavonoid-rich mixed berries maintain and improve cognitive function over a 6 h period in young healthy adults
Although flavonoid-rich berry interventions have demonstrated enhancements in executive function (EF) and positive affect between 20 minutes and 2 hours post-consumption, Whyte et al. (2019) consider the use of only one berry type ubiquitous and the studies to fail in taking into account the berry’s effects over a whole working day. This single-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, between-subjects study provided a mixed berry intervention and monitored the EF and mood changes of participants over 6 hours after consuming the berry drink. The researchers hypothesized that the benefits of taking berries would be highlighted at periods where the participants would be cognitively taxed such as on performing a demanding task and during periods of fatigue. Of the 40 subjects (aged 20-30) in this study, 20 people were randomly selected to receive a smoothie containing equal portions of blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry, while the remaining 20 individuals received a matched placebo. EF was assessed using the Modified Attention Network (MANT) and Task Switching (TST) Tasks, while the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule reported the participants’ mood. The sample was examined at baseline and 2, 4 and 6 hours post-dosing. While the placebo group’s performance decreased across the day as cognitive fatigue increased, individuals given the mixed berry smoothie maintained accuracy on both of the cognitive tasks up to and including 6 hours following the intervention, and were found to respond quicker on the MANT (at 2h and 4h) and on the TST (at 6h). This trial provides evidence that flavonoid-enriched berries are effective in the enhancement/maintenance of performance across a 6-hour day. [NPID: cognition, flavonoids, executive function, mood, fatigue, performance]
Year: 2019
