Effects of Seaweed Extract on Mental Performance Following a High-carbohydrate Meal

Northumbria University60 enrolled

Overview

The current study will explore the impact of seaweed extract on cognitive function following a high-carbohydrate meal at a number of time-points post-consumption.

The current randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel groups study will examine the impact of a brown seaweed extract (InSea2) on cognitive function post-prandially in 60 healthy non-elderly adults who self-report post-meal drowsiness. Computerised measures of episodic memory, attention and subjective state will be completed at baseline and for 3 hours following lunch with either seaweed or placebo consumed 30 minutes prior to a carbohydrate-rich meal.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Cognitive Change

Interventions

500mg brown seaweed powderDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

PlaceboDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Report post-meal drowsiness Exclusion Criteria: Below 18 or above 65 years old at the time of giving consent * Do not report post-meal drowsiness * Any pre-existing medical condition/illness * History of/current head trauma * History of intestinal tract surgery * History of/current diagnosis of drug/alcohol abuse * Currently taking prescription medications (excluding the contraceptive pill) * Habitual use of dietary/herbal supplements * Learning difficulties, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia * Frequent migraines that require medication more than once/month. * Visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses * Smoking * Excessive use of caffeine (\>500mg per day) from all dietary sources * Not a native English speaker * Food intolerances/sensitivities, including seafood/fish allergy * Pregnancy, seeking to become pregnant, or current lactation * BMI \<18.5 or \>30 kg/m2 * Any health condition that would prevent fulfilment of the study requirements * Inability to complete all of the study assessments

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Cognitive performance

Immediate word recall, simple reaction time, digit vigilance and choice reaction time measured via the Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS, Northumbria University)

Time frame: Change from baseline following acute treatment, measured at 50, 90, 130, 170 and 210 minutes post-dose

Secondary Outcomes

Subjective state

Concentration, mental stamina, physical stamina, mental tiredness, physical tiredness, hunger, thirst and fullness visual analogue scales measured via the Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS, Northumbria University)

Time frame: Change from baseline following acute treatment, measured at 50, 90, 130, 170 and 210 minutes post-dose

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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