Anthony Watson

Vitamins and psychological functioning: a mobile phone assessment of the effects of a B vitamin complex, vitamin C and minerals on cognitive performance and subjective mood and energy

Despite being widely consumed, the effects of multi‐vitamin supplements on psychological functioning have received little research attention.

Protein for Life : Review of Optimal Protein Intake, Sustainable Dietary Sources and the Effect on Appetite in Ageing Adults

With an ageing population, dietary approaches to promote health and independence later in life are needed. In part, this can be achieved by maintaining muscle mass and strength as people age. New evidence suggests that current dietary recommendations for protein intake may be insufficient to achieve this goal and that individuals might benefit by increasing their intake and frequency of consumption of high-quality protein. However, the environmental effects of increasing animal-protein production are a concern, and alternative, more sustainable protein sources should be considered. Protein is known to be more satiating than other macronutrients, and it is unclear whether diets high in plant proteins affect the appetite of older adults as they should be recommended for individuals at risk of malnutrition. The review considers the protein needs of an ageing population (>40 years old), sustainable protein sources, appetite-related implications of diets high in plant proteins, and related areas for future research.

Effects of the Red Bull energy drink on cognitive function and mood in healthy young volunteers

The present study compared the cognitive and mood effects of two commercially available products, Red Bull energy drink 250 mL and Red Bull Sugarfree energy drink 250 mL, together with a matching placebo 250 mL. Twenty-four healthy young volunteers took part in a randomised, placebo controlled, double-blind, three-way cross-over study. Cognitive function was assessed using an integrated set of nine computerised tests of attention, working and episodic memory. On each study day the volunteers received a standardised breakfast prior to completing a baseline performance on cognitive tests and mood scales, followed by the consumption of the study drink. The cognitive tests and scales were then re-administered at 30, 60 and 90 min post-dose. Red Bull was found to produce significant improvements over both the Sugarfree version and the placebo drink on two composite scores from the six working and episodic memory tests; one combining the 12 accuracy measures from the six tasks and the other the average speed of correct responses from the working memory and episodic recognition memory tasks. These improvements were in the range of a medium effect size, which reflects a substantial enhancement to memory in young volunteers.

The impact of blackcurrant juice on attention, mood and brain wave spectral activity in young healthy volunteers

There is a growing body of evidence from randomized controlled trials which indicates that consumption of berries has a positive effect upon the cognitive function of healthy adults. It has been recommended that studies combining cognitive and physiological measures be undertaken in order to strengthen the evidence base for the putative effects of flavonoid consumption on cognitive outcomes. This pilot study utilized a randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled crossover design to assess the influence of the acute administration of anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant juice, standardized at 500 mg of polyphenols, on mood and attention. Additionally, this trial used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess if any changes in cognitive performance are associated with changes in localized prefrontal cortex neuronal activity in nine healthy young adults. Outcomes from the pilot EEG data highlight an anxiolytic effect of the consumption of a single serve blackcurrant juice, as indexed by a suppression of α spectral power, and an increase in the slow wave δ and θ spectral powers. There was also an indication of greater alertness and lower fatigue, as indexed by an increase in β power and suppression of α spectral power. Outcomes from the CogTrack™ system indicated a small acute increase in reaction times during the digit vigilance task.

Protein for Life: Towards a focussed dietary framework for healthy ageing

Abstract ‘Ageing well’ has been highlighted as an important research area by the World Health Organization. In the UK, healthy ageing has been identified as a priority research area by multiple Research Councils and is a key NHS priority. Sarcopaenia, the decline of muscle mass/strength and a key component of healthy ageing, can have a major impact on quality of life and is associated with premature mortality. Increasing protein intake at all stages of the life course may help to reduce the rate of muscle decline and the onset of associated health conditions. However, there is a lack of understanding of the social, demographic and psychological drivers of food choices surrounding protein intake. This report describes the multidisciplinary approach that has been adopted by the Protein for Life project to create a framework for the development of palatable, cost‐effective higher‐protein foods suitable for an ageing population.

Effects of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Consumption on Markers of CVD Risk

A number of epidemiological studies have suggested that diets rich in whole grains are linked to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality. Quinoa, a pseudo-cereal, is included in the “whole grain” category but the effects of quinoa consumption in humans is not widely studied. Our aim was to undertake a dietary intervention study to investigate the effects of daily consumption of quinoa-enriched bread (providing 20 g quinoa flour) on CVD risk markers compared with a 100% refined wheat bread control. Thirty-seven healthy overweight men (35–70 years, body mass index >25 kg/m2) completed a 4-week cross-over intervention, separated by a 4-week washout period. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each intervention period. Continuous glucose monitoring was undertaken at the end of each intervention period. After 4 weeks of intervention, blood glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly lower than baseline in both groups but there was no difference between quinoa and control. Anthropometric measures and other blood metabolites were not different between the two treatments. The cumulative area under the blood glucose curve for the last 4 days of the quinoa intervention tended to be lower than the first 4 days of wash-out (p = 0.054), and was significantly lower than the corresponding period of the wheat treatment (p = 0.039). In conclusion, daily consumption of quinoa in this short-term intervention appears to modify glucose response, but has minimal effects on other CVD risk biomarkers.

Correction to: A comparison of isomaltulose versus maltodextrin ingestion during soccer-specific exercise.

The article “A comparison of isomaltulose versus maltodextrin ingestion during soccer-specific exercise”, written by “Emma J. Stevenson, Anthony Watson, Stephan Theis, Anja Holz,·Liam D. Harper, Mark Russell”, was originally published Online First without open access. After publication in volume [117], issue [11], page.

New metrics for exploring the relationship between mobility and successful ageing

A decline in health is often a major worry as people grow older. People fear not being able to look after themselves and being a burden onto others. Often a cause of this dependence is a decline in mobility. This study aimed to examine mobility patterns in successfully ageing adults and to assess the relationship between mobility, health and lifestyle by examining the predictors and consequences of mobility. The findings will help to determine interventions that could have an impact on maintenance of mobility, so that future generations can be informed of these interventions and encouraged to implement them. The study also examined the utility and acceptability of mobility tracking technologies as healthcare interventions.