Almost a quarter of people in the UK choose to eat cereal for their go-to breakfast choice on a typical weekday. But could this everyday food staple help our memory and thinking? A new study is looking into nutrient-enriched breakfast to see if it will support brain function and mood. 

How could cereal help our brain function?

As we age, we see a decline in how our brain functions. The foods that we eat can have a significant impact on how we feel and how our brain reacts. Some research suggests that certain foods may slow down cognitive decline as we age. Other research has also shown certain foods can improve cognitive function. 

What we consume can have a positive or negative effect on our immediate brain function. Previous research found that eating foods such as blueberries or walnuts helps support the brain throughout the day. Whilst, other food such as high-sugar foods and drinks may lead to a dip in brain performance.

There are many different physiological pathways through which diet can influence the brain. This includes glucose regulation, anti-inflammatory effects and changes in blood flow. Diet impacts the gut microbiota, and neurotransmitter function.

This Cereal Study is investigating the benefits of fortified cereal on brain function and mood throughout the day. The researchers will also investigate how the cereal could have a positive impact on blood flow and neural activity.

Professor Claire Williams, lead author and lecturer at the University of Reading’s Nutrition, Cognition and Health Lab, explains: “Good nutrition doesn’t always have to take time to convey a tangible benefit. Some of our previous research in young adults has demonstrated that eating a nutritious breakfast can benefit brain function throughout the same day. This cereal study seeks to investigate whether similar immediate benefits of a nutritious breakfast can be observed in older adults.”

What does the study involve?

Volunteers will receive 4 different versions of cereal. This includes various nutrient-enriched cereals and a placebo cereal. Repeated cognitive testing will determine whether the nutrient-enriched cereal leads to any improvements throughout the day. The study will investigate adults aged 65 to 80. Volunteers will be generally healthy. They will also have no diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment or other health conditions.

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