The Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Inflammation and Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults

The Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Inflammation and Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults

The Acute and Chronic Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Inflammation and Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults

Previous research has suggested that high levels of systemic inflammation can contribute to cognitive deficits and additional health problems; consumption of polyphenols have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found primarily in red grape skins, has previously been shown to improve brain blood flow and possibly brain function and may potentially reduce systemic inflammation, however there is limited research into this. This study will investigate the effects of 4 weeks daily consumption of resveratrol on inflammation and cognitive function in healthy adults.

Each participant will be required to attend the laboratory on three occasions. The first of these will be an initial screening/training visit, this will take place in the afternoon and last 2 1/2 hours in total. During the initial visit participants will be asked to provide written informed consent. They will provide lifestyle and demographic data and screened regards to physical health (height, weight, blood pressure, waist to hip ratio). They will then complete a food frequency questionnaire and be trained on the computerised cognitive and mood tasks. Participants will also be trained on completing the cognitive assessment battery on their mobile phone, they will complete a further 5 assessments on their phone, once the day before their first visit and every 7 days during the supplementation period. Study days 1 and 2 (4 weeks apart) : Participants will arrive at the laboratory at an agreed time in the morning (7am, 8.30am or 10am) having fasted for 12 hours, avoided caffeinated products for 18 hours, alcohol and over the counter medication for 24 hours and oral antihistamines for 48 hours prior to the session commencing. Participants will provide a blood sample, they will then complete a short computerised cognitive assessment (~20 minutes in length), followed by measurements of blood pressure and heart rate. Following this the participants will consume their treatment for the day, followed by a 40 minute absorption period and then will complete the second cognitive assessment. Participants will then provide a second blood sample. At the end of the first study session participants will be provided with their treatment and treatment diary, they will be instructed to take one tablet twice a day (30 minutes after breakfast and dinner). Both study visits will be identical and will take place 29 days (+/- 2 days) apart.

Assessment of change from baseline: C reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6.

This will be assessed using a computerised cognitive battery (administered using COMPASS cognitive assessment program). Changes in episodic memory, working memory, spatial memory, executive function and attention as compared to pre-treatment performance on day 1. All tasks have the same x3 outcome measures; accuracy (% correct), errors (% incorrect) and speed (milliseconds) and the individual task scores will therefore be collapsed into global cognitive domains.

This will be assessed using a computerised cognitive battery, this will be administered using 'Cognimapp'mobile phone program, participants will complete this battery away from home using their own mobile phone. Changes in attention, executive function, working memory and episodic memory as compared to performance on Day -1. All tasks have the same x3 outcome measures; accuracy (% correct), errors (% incorrect) and speed (milliseconds) and the individual task scores will therefore be collapsed into global cognitive domains.

This will be assessed using a computerised cognitive battery (administered using COMPASS cognitive assessment program). Changes in episodic memory, working memory, spatial memory, executive function and attention as compared to pre-treatment performance on day 1. All tasks have the same x3 outcome measures; accuracy (% correct), errors (% incorrect) and speed (milliseconds) and the individual task scores will therefore be collapsed into global cognitive domains.

Assessed using Visual Analogue Mood Scales at each assessment during each cognitive assessment. Participants will complete 27 separate visual analogue mood scales that load onto 3 mood outcomes: Alertness, Stress and Tranquillity (the individual scale results are averaged to create this score). A score between 0 and 100 can be obtained, where a higher value indicates that the participant felt more Alert, Stressed or Tranquil.

Assessed using Visual Analogue Mood Scales at each assessment during the interim supplementation period. Participants will complete 27 separate visual analogue mood scales that load onto 3 mood outcomes: Alertness, Stress and Tranquillity (the individual scale results are averaged to create this score). A score between 0 and 100 can be obtained, where a higher value indicates that the participant felt more Alert, Stressed or Tranquil.

Assessed using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, completed at the start of each testing visit. The questionnaire includes 65 items and participants rate their mood on a scale of 0-4 (not at all - extremely). These scores are collapsed into 6 mood outcomes (Tension, depression, anger, vigour, fatigue and confusion) and a total mood disturbance score.

Biomarkers of insulin, glucose, cholesterol and resveratrol metabolites will be measured in plasma and serum using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and ELISA analysis in association with other endpoints.

Biomarkers of insulin, glucose, cholesterol and resveratrol metabolites will be measured in plasma and serum using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and ELISA analysis in association with other endpoints.

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be taken after each cognitive assessment (measured in mm Hg).

Inclusion Criteria: Participants must self-assess themselves as being in good health. Aged 18 to 55 at the time of giving consent Exclusion Criteria: Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) outside the range of 18.5-42kg/m2