NHSc’s ketogenic beverage helps fight senior cognitive decline, finds study

27 Oct 2020 --- People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experienced significant improvement in brain function when consuming a ketogenic beverage containing Nestlé Health Science (NHSc)’s BrainXpert Energy Complex twice a day for six months.

The “ground-breaking” results established that the complex, rich in ketogenic medium chain triglycerides (kMCT) and milk protein, could be an alternative brain energy source for people living with MCI.

“Work on ketones and Alzheimer’s over the past ten years by various groups around the world gave us reason to be hopeful,” the trial’s principal investigator, Professor Stephen Cunnane from the University of Sherbrooke, Canada, tells NutritionInsight. 

“Seeing a broad effect on several domains of cognition in people living with MCI was also very encouraging because it strongly suggests a global effect of ketones on the brain, probably as a replacement fuel for glucose,” he adds. 

The new clinical research paves the way for NHSc to commercially launch the beverage for people living with MCI. NHSc plans to roll out BrainXpert later this year in Switerzland, Spain and the UK.

“This is only the beginning and the hope is that more innovations can be found to, not just boost brain function, but to slow down progression to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline linked to aging,” explains Cunnane. 

NHSc describes the findings as “a major breakthrough for the MCI community that, until now, has had no available treatments.”

“These results should significantly improve the quality of life for people living with MCI,” he adds. 

Participants showed a statistically significant reduction in MCI symptoms.BrainXpert is for people who display symptoms of MCI as diagnosed by their doctor, and is typically aimed at people aged 55 years and over, Jacquelyn Campo, senior director of global communications at NHSc, tells NutritionInsight. 

“However, people younger than 55 who also display symptoms of MCI can be recommended BrainXpert by their doctor,” she notes. 

Increasing the brain’s source of energy
Affecting 15 to 20 percent of people aged 65 and over, MCI is a decline in cognitive functioning considered a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia. 

In part, MCI develops when a person’s brain has less glucose available as a source of energy, resulting in symptoms including memory loss, forgetfulness and a decline in decision-making ability and judgment. 

The trial investigated the role of ketones, which can be used by the brain as an alternative fuel source to glucose.

Eighty-two participants with MCI participated in the six-month randomized controlled BENEFIC (Brain ENErgy, Functional Imaging and Cognition) trial. The participants were split into an intervention and a placebo group. 

Slashing brain energy deficit
The results confirmed that an intervention with this ketogenic drink clinically demonstrated a doubling of the ketones used by the brain, thereby significantly reducing the brain energy deficit caused by impaired brain glucose metabolism. 

Participants also showed a statistically significant reduction in MCI symptoms. They had improved memory, improved word recall, were able to think quicker and were more able to multitask versus participants that were given the placebo drink.

Results from the new clinical research conducted by the University of Sherbrooke, Canada were published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Ketogenic making waves
While researchers are examining the impact of ketones at a scientific level, ketogenic terminology is also becoming more familiar to consumers due to the popularity of the keto diet.
An intervention with NHSc’s ketogenic drink demonstrated a doubling of the ketones used by the brain.

Unlike fads, the keto diet is often described as a way of life. “No one these days wants to be on a diet, but we all want to manage our weight for our health,” Lu Ann Williams, director of innovation at Innova Market Insights previously told NutritionInsight.

“Keto isn’t really a diet; it’s more of a lifestyle. With keto, you’re either on it or off it – you can’t be halfway in or out.” 

This year, research from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus in Canada found that ketone monoester drinks may prove a viable way to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes or pre-diabetes. 

Ketones are known for their action in physical performance. Last month, keto esters were in the spotlight as cyclists admitted to using them for increased performance. 

A new study has also shown potential cardioprotective benefits of a high-fat diet following research done in mice. Researchers found that ketogenic diets could prevent heart failure caused by metabolic processes in mice. 

The ketogenic diet has also been a source of food and beverage NPD inspiration.

Last month, General Mills revealed new ketogenic yogurts, while Fat Snax launched Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies and Mini Cookies. 

By Missy Green