Archive | 2021
β-Lactolin, a Whey-Derived Gly-Thr-Trp-Tyr Lactopeptide, Promotes Cerebral Blood Flow During Cognitive Tasks: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
\n \n \n Due to the rapid aging of society, the prevention of age-related cognitive decline and dementia has gained increasing attention. Recent epidemiological investigations have shown that the consumption of dairy products reduces the risk of dementia in older adults. β-lactolin, a whey-derived Gly-Thr-Trp-Tyr lactopeptide, activates the dopaminergic system, improves memory impairment, and prevents Alzheimer s pathologies in a rodent model. We have demonstrated that β-lactolin supplementation improves memory retrieval and selective attention in randomized trials. On the other hand, the mechanisms underlying the effects of β-lactolin on human brain activity have not been investigated.\n \n \n \n We examined the effects of β-lactolin on cerebral blood flow (CBF) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in a placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study. Fifty healthy participants (45–60 years old) were randomly allocated to the β-lactolin and placebo groups and supplemented for 6 weeks. At 0 and 6 weeks of the intervention, oxyhemoglobin (Hb) was measured using 34-channel (CH) NIRS during the working memory tasks.\n \n \n \n The changes in oxy-Hb in CH23 located at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the spatial working memory task showed a higher statistical significance (false discovery rate (q) = 0.045) in the β-lactolin than in the placebo group. The CBF changes in CH23 were correlated with the reaction time for the working memory task. A recent trial using a 2-CH NIRS also showed a significant CBF increase in the DLPFC area after β-lactolin supplementation.\n \n \n \n β-lactolin supplementation increases CBF in the DLPFC area, which contributes to improved cognitive functions.\n \n \n \n Current study was funded by Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.\n