NCT06900452

The Effect of Pistachio-Rich Breakfast Meals on Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Cognitive, Vascular, Neural and Biochemical Effects of Acute Pistachio Intervention in Older Adults

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Reading · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate the effect of a breakfast meal containing varying serving sizes (doses) of pistachio nuts on cognitive function throughout the course of the day in healthy ageing adults aged 65-80.

Detailed description

This crossover RCT investigates the acute postprandial effect (over a 6-hour period) of a breakfast meal containing varying serving sizes (doses) of pistachio nuts on the cognitive behaviour in healthy adults aged 65-80 years old. The study will also assess markers of inflammation and brain health by taking blood samples, and explore brain function (EEG) and blood flow (FMD) to understand how pistachio nuts may positively influence cognitive health. The study will involve a screening visit and four testing visits, with a week interval between each. On the evening prior to each test visit, participants are asked not to consume any food or drinks expect water, including tea/coffee and alcohol, after 8.30pm, and on the morning of test visits to only consume one slice of buttered white toast and a glass of water prior to attending the visit. During the four testing visits, cognitive and mood battery tests will be taken at baseline and then at 2-, 4- and 6-hour intervals following the consumption of the intervention meal. Blood draws are taken at the end of the day. For the subset of participants taking part in FMD, this will be measured at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 hours prior to cognitive testing. For those taking part in EEG, this data will be collected at 6 hours.

Conditions

• Cognition

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	0.5 serving of pistachios	The equivalent of 0.5 servings (15g) of shelled, roasted pistachio nuts, crushed and mixed into a muesli-based breakfast meal for consumption. Ingredients: 15g pistachio, 35g muesli base, 150g full fat natural yoghurt, 15g unsalted butter (melted), 10g unflavoured whey powder
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	1 serving of pistachios	The equivalent of 1 serving (30g) of shelled, roasted pistachio nuts, crushed and mixed into a muesli-based breakfast meal for consumption. Ingredients: 30g pistachio, 35g muesli base, 150g full fat natural yoghurt, 10g unsalted butter (melted), 5g unflavoured whey powder
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	2 servings of pistachios	The equivalent of 2 servings (60g) of shelled, roasted pistachio nuts, crushed and mixed into a muesli-based breakfast meal for consumption. Ingredients: 60g pistachios, 25g muesli base, 150g low fat natural yoghurt
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Placebo	Macronutrient-matched placebo breakfast meal. Ingredients: 40g muesli base, 150g full fat natural yoghurt, 25g unsalted butter (melted), 15g unflavoured whey powder

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-06
• Primary completion: 2025-11-01
• Completion: 2026-02-01
• First posted: 2025-03-28
• Last updated: 2025-05-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United Kingdom