BACKGROUND: Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) phospholipids have been linked to improved cognitive function, especially in infants, but evidence in healthy older adults is limited.
OBJECTIVES: This project investigated MFGM phospholipid supplementation in older adults and focused on clinically meaningful cognitive function and other health-related outcomes.
METHODS: This study was a multicenter, repeated-measures, parallel groups, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of N = 263 participants aged 55-75 y were randomly assigned to receive: 1) powdered milk fortified with low-dose MFGM (1.7-g phospholipid/d); 2) powdered milk fortified with high-dose MFGM (4.0-g phospholipid/d); or 3) rice starch powder (Control). Randomization used minimization to balance groups across study sites, sex, age, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (MoCA). Participants consumed the product daily for 16 wk and attended their local study site at baseline, week 8, and endpoint. At each visit, they completed various cognitive, behavioral, biochemical, and physical measures.
RESULTS: For the primary cognitive outcome, Repeatable Battery for Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), there were no significant treatment effects, nor for the secondary cognitive outcome, Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS); however, alertness (Bond-Lader Visual Analogue Scales) was better maintained during cognitive testing at endpoint in the high-dose group. TNF-α was reduced in the high-dose group, whereas γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin increased in both MFGM groups. Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were also reduced in both MFGM groups. Active B12 increased, and homocysteine tended to decrease in the high-dose group.
CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant effects were evident for cognitive function, subjective alertness during cognitive testing was improved in the high-dose group. Reduced inflammation, cholesterol, and LDL impacts for long-term cardiovascular health, linked with cognitive decline in aging. MFGM supplementation positively impacted active B12 (high and low dose) and homocysteine (high dose only), which have been associated with brain health. Longer study durations are needed to demonstrate cognitive benefits. This trial was registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12620000270910; www.anzctr.org.au.
