Acute High Fat Bulletproof Coffee vs Black Coffee on Metabolism, Inflammation and Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults

Acute High Fat Bulletproof Coffee vs Black Coffee on Metabolism, Inflammation and Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults

This study will determine whether acute ingestion of a high fat "Bulletproof Coffee" will lead to changes in plasma triglycerides, immune cell function, as well as cognitive function when compared to a black coffee.

In a randomized crossover design, participants will consume a single bulletproof coffee or a single black coffee separated by ~7 days. Each visit commences in the morning after an overnight fast of 10-12 hours, with no exercise the day prior, no coffee consumption the morning of testing, and completion of a food log for dietary duplication prior to visit 2. A fasting blood draw is obtained and cognitive function tests administered, along with questionnaires to assess gastrointestinal distress, arousal, and hunger/fullness before coffee consumption. Following this, one of the coffee beverages is consumed (randomized to each visit). Cognitive testing and questionnaires are completed at 60 minutes after finishing the coffee, another blood draw at 90 minutes, and then cognitive testing, questionnaires and a final blood draw 180 minutes after consuming the coffee. This procedure is repeated during their second experimental visit, in which they consume the remaining coffee based on their randomization.

A black coffee (bullet proof coffee keurig pod) with 29 grams of added fat (1 tablespoon bullet proof brain octane medium chain triglyceride oil, and 1 tablespoon bullet proof grass fed ghee) blended for 20 seconds with butter scent that is added to the lid.

Measures of cognitive function including Stroop test, digit substitution, and reaction time measured via computerized test battery.

Assessment of activation markers on monocytes and neutrophils measured as median fluorescence intensity by flow cytometry.

Inclusion Criteria: Must be over the age of 18 Must drink between 1-4 cups of coffee per day (on average) Must be able to tolerate lactose and dairy products Have not been sick for the past 3 weeks (immune function) Non smoker Must be able to fast for 10-12 hours Exclusion Criteria: If you are required to take corticosteroids (immune function) Cannot understand or speak English Individual has an auto-immune disease and requires medication Individual is following a ketogenic diet Individual has allergy or sensitivity to dairy, coffee or caffeine or coconut oil Individual has hypertension

Data used for publication will be shared in a raw data format. This will include participant ID, and all participant characteristics with no personally identifying information.

The study protocol and informed consent form will be available immediately upon study publication. The statistical analytical plan will be outlined in detail in the manuscript, however if more details are required, these will be provided. All information will be provided for 36 months following publication of results.

IPD will be provided to credentialed research institutions/university labs. This data may be used for meta-analyses as well as direction for pilot work and future studies. Upon query, it will be determined whether the requesting party is eligible to view the data, both to maintain anonymity of the participants, and to ensure adequate, ethical and responsible use of IPD.