Investigating the Effects of a Multinutrient Supplement on Cognition, Mood and Biochemical Markers in Middle-Aged Adults with 'Optimal' and 'Sub-Optimal' Diets: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial

The Moderating Role of Dietary Quality and Dietary Fibre Intake on the Mood Effects of Positive Expressive Writing: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Positive expressive writing is associated with enhanced psychological wellbeing. Several individual differences are known to moderate the enhancement effects of positive expressive writing, but no studies to date have investigated the optimal dietary conditions under which expressive writing effects occur. In this pilot study, we sought to investigate whether diet quality and dietary fibre intake moderate the effects of positive writing on mood.

METHODS

The participants (12 males, 25 females, Mage = 33.0, SDage = 13.1) completed self-reported measures of dietary quality, dietary fibre intake, and positive and negative affect. They were then randomly allocated to complete either a positive expressive writing or neutral writing activity for 10 min. Positive and negative affect were measured again immediately after each activity.

RESULTS

Those participants who reported better diet quality and greater dietary fibre intake exhibited a significantly greater increase in positive affect following positive expressive writing relative to neutral writing. No significant effects were observed for negative affect.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, we report that the effects of positive expressive writing on positive mood are enhanced under optimal dietary conditions. Further replication studies are needed to determine whether dietary factors can influence the conditions under which positive expressive writing benefits occur. We speculate that dietary influences on the gut-brain axis are a potential mechanism.

Towards consistency in dietary pattern scoring: standardising scoring workflows for healthy dietary patterns using 24-h recall and two variations of a food frequency questionnair

Healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) have been evaluated for their potential association with health outcomes. However, the lack of standardisation in scoring methodologies can hinder reproducibility and meaningful cross-study comparisons. Here we provide a reproducible workflow for generating the MeDi, DASH and MIND dietary pattern scores from frequently used dietary assessment tools including the 24-h recall tool and two variations of FFQ. Subjective aspects of the scoring process are highlighted and have led to a recommended reporting checklist. This checklist enables standardised reporting with sufficient detail to enhance the reproducibility and comparability of their outcomes. In addition to these aims, valuable insights in the strengths and limitations of each assessment tool for scoring the MeDi, DASH and MIND diet can be utilised by researchers and clinicians to determine which dietary assessment tool best meets their needs.

Post-Prandial Cognitive and Blood Pressure Effects of a DHA-Rich Omega-3 Powder in Middle-Aged Males: A Pilot Study

The use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplements is increasingly common among middle-aged and older adults. Users of ω-3 PUFA supplements often report using such supplements to support cognitive health, despite mixed findings reported within the ω-3 PUFA literature. To date, very few studies have explored cognitive effects in distinctly middle-aged (40 to 60 years) adults, and none have examined the acute effects (in the hours following a single dose) on cognitive performance. The current study evaluated whether a single dose of ω-3 PUFA (4020 mg docosahexaenoic acid and 720 mg eicosapentaenoic acid) influences cognitive performance and cardiovascular function in middle-aged males. Cognitive performance and cardiovascular function were assessed before and 3.5-4 h after consumption of a high dose of ω-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) or placebo, incorporated into a standardized meal (i.e., single serve of Greek yogurt). In this study of middle-aged males, no significant differential treatment effects were observed for cognitive performance. However, a significant reduction in aortic systolic blood pressure (pre-dose to post-dose) was apparent following consumption of the ω-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) treatment (mean difference = -4.11 mmHg, p = 0.004) but not placebo (mean difference = -1.39 mmHg, p = 0.122). Future replication in a sample comprising females, as well as patients with hypertension, is merited.