Breakfast Composition for Cognitive Function in Children

Overseen By Audrey Martinez, MS, RD, LD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

Must not be taking: Any medications

Disqualifiers: Chronic illness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 9-10 years

151 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will help us learn more about how what a child eats can affect how their brain works.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes children who are taking medications, so participants cannot be on any medications to join this study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment High carbohydrate/low protein, High protein/low carbohydrate for cognitive function in children?

Research shows that eating breakfast can improve cognitive performance in children, especially in tasks that require complex thinking. Different types of breakfast, like oatmeal, can enhance memory and attention, suggesting that what children eat for breakfast can impact their brain function. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe for children to consume high carbohydrate/low protein or high protein/low carbohydrate breakfasts?

Research on breakfast composition in children suggests that different types of breakfasts, such as oatmeal or ready-to-eat cereal, are generally safe and can enhance cognitive performance. There is no specific safety concern mentioned for high carbohydrate/low protein or high protein/low carbohydrate breakfasts in the studies provided. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

How does the breakfast composition treatment improve cognitive function in children?

This treatment focuses on the specific composition of breakfast, such as oatmeal, which provides a slower and more sustained energy release due to its higher protein and fiber content. This is different from other breakfasts like ready-to-eat cereal, which have a higher glycemic score and may not support cognitive function as effectively. ^{1 4 5 8 9}

Research Team

Linda Larson-Prior, PhD

Principal Investigator

Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for right-handed children aged 9-10 in grades 3 to 5, who are obese and typically eat breakfast. They must be able to hear well, have decent vision (at least 20/40), and their biological mother must attend the visit. Children with an IQ below 80 or those on medication for chronic illnesses cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Biological mother available to attend visit

I am between 9 and 10 years old, in grades 3 to 5.

I can hear sounds as quiet as 20 decibels.

Exclusion Criteria

My child is on medication or has a chronic illness.

Full scale IQ <80

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either a high carbohydrate/low protein or high protein/low carbohydrate breakfast shake

9-10 years

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• High carbohydrate/low protein
• High protein/low carbohydrate

Trial Overview The study examines how a child's morning meal composition—specifically high carbohydrate/low protein versus high protein/low carbohydrate—affects cognitive function.

Participant Groups

Group I: High protein/low carbohydrate Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

A breakfast shake will be made with high protein/low carbohydrate mixture.

Group II: High carbohydrate/low protein Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

A breakfast shake will be made with high carbohydrate/low protein mixture.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

141

Recruited

5,025,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of breakfast composition on cognitive processes in elementary school children. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of the effect of breakfast on the cognitive performance of children and adolescents. [2018]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ready-to-eat cereal and milk for breakfast compared with no breakfast has a positive acute effect on cognitive function and subjective state in 11-13-year-olds: a school-based, randomised, controlled, parallel groups trial. [2023]

4. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Breakfast eating habit and its influence on attention-concentration, immediate memory and school achievement. [2016]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ingesting breakfast meals of different glycaemic load does not alter cognition and satiety in children. [2012]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Breakfast Positively Impacts Cognitive Function in College Students With and Without ADHD. [2021]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Acute Effects of Breakfast Drinks with Varying Protein and Energy Contents on Appetite and Free-Living Energy Intake in UK Older Adults. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The extent to which breakfast covers the morning energy expenditure of adolescents with varying levels of physical activity. [2006]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of Breakfast and Breakfast Composition on Cognition in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. [2023]