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Open Access 01-09-2016 | Original Contribution

Flavonoid-rich orange juice is associated with acute improvements in cognitive function in healthy middle-aged males

Authors: Mudi H. Alharbi, Daniel J. Lamport, Georgina F. Dodd, Caroline Saunders, Laura Harkness, Laurie T. Butler, Jeremy P. E. Spencer

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Epidemiological evidence suggests that chronic consumption of fruit-based flavonoids is associated with cognitive benefits; however, the acute effects of flavonoid-rich (FR) drinks on cognitive function in the immediate postprandial period require examination. The objective was to investigate whether consumption of FR orange juice is associated with acute cognitive benefits over 6 h in healthy middle-aged adults.

Methods

Males aged 30–65 consumed a 240-ml FR orange juice (272 mg) and a calorie-matched placebo in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced order on 2 days separated by a 2-week washout. Cognitive function and subjective mood were assessed at baseline (prior to drink consumption) and 2 and 6 h post consumption. The cognitive battery included eight individual cognitive tests. A standardized breakfast was consumed prior to the baseline measures, and a standardized lunch was consumed 3 h post-drink consumption.

Results

Change from baseline analysis revealed that performance on tests of executive function and psychomotor speed was significantly better following the FR drink compared to the placebo. The effects of objective cognitive function were supported by significant benefits for subjective alertness following the FR drink relative to the placebo.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that consumption of FR orange juice can acutely enhance objective and subjective cognition over the course of 6 h in healthy middle-aged adults.

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Title: Flavonoid-rich orange juice is associated with acute improvements in cognitive function in healthy middle-aged males
Authors: Mudi H. Alharbi
Daniel J. Lamport
Georgina F. Dodd
Caroline Saunders
Laura Harkness
Laurie T. Butler
Jeremy P. E. Spencer
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-015-1016-9

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