Beverages for Thought: Exploring the Relationship Between Blood Glucose and Cognition

The objective of this study is to conduct novel research on the relationship between blood sugar and cognition.

This study is an acute parallel study design with one intervention visit needed per participant. There are 2 groups and 80 participants will be randomized into each group. Following the consent process, participants in each group will be seated individually in quiet rooms, with written instructions, several magazines, and a mini-fridge with beverages containing 110-120 kcals/8 fl oz. Participants will be provided instructions for the study, stating, "The study we are conducting explores the relationship between blood glucose and cognitive abilities. After consuming food or drink, your body regulates your blood glucose. Physical exertion can also affect blood glucose. Therefore, we ask that you relax in this space for 10-15 minutes. You can read the provided magazines during this time. Drinking a beverage will bring your body's blood glucose into the right phase for our questionnaires. In the fridge are some beverages, and we ask that you drink something." After 10-15 minutes, participants will be given a cognitive test (a questionnaire on paper) and asked to complete as much of it as they can within 5 minutes. Then, moving to a separate area, weight and height measurements will be taken.

Participant will consume beverage one (milk) and complete novel cognitive assessment questionnaire on paper.

Participant will consume beverage two (fruit drink) and complete novel cognitive assessment questionnaire on paper.

Results of cognitive task after consuming a study beverage (milk or fruit-flavored drink). More questions answered correctly results in a higher score. The assessment has a total of 10 questions, and participants will be asked to complete as much of this assessment as they can within a 5 minute timeframe.

Inclusion Criteria: Healthy weight to overweight (BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2) No food allergies or food intolerances Healthy (no chronic disease) as determined by online questionnaire Non-pregnant and non-lactating Not currently dieting or planning to follow a special diet Minimal restricted eating practices Exclusion Criteria: Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) Pregnant or lactating Currently dieting or planning to follow a special diet