Something to snack on: Can dietary modulators boost mind and body?
In recent years, it has become evident that maintaining a nutritious diet is crucial for preserving brain health and function, while poor dietary choices can jeopardize it. However, there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness and impact of so-called “healthy” drinks or snacks and their immediate effects on cognition and physical performance. In this study by Guillaumin et al. (2023), the authors formulated dietary modulators containing essential macronutrients at varying ratios and a balanced control modulator. Using a sample of healthy adult mice, the authors examined the short-term effects of physical and cognitive performance modulators administered shortly before tests with different cognitive and physical demands. Analysis of the results revealed that a high-fat diet modulator sustained increased motivation compared to a carbohydrate-rich modulator, showing a declining effect on motivation. Conversely, a high-carbohydrate modulator was found to improve cognitive flexibility initially. Notably, none of the dietary modulators appeared to affect physical exercise performance. With a growing demand for substances that enhance cognitive and motor functions for daily activities like work, studying, or sports, the authors’ findings suggest that such enhancers should be tailored to the specific cognitive demands of the task. Different dietary modulators are likely to produce distinct effects when consumed shortly before engaging in a task. [NPID: Nutrition, macronutrients, dietary modulators, cognition, motivation, exercise, memory, learning, mice]
Year: 2023
