Impact of sugar replacers on cognitive performance and function in rats

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Neuroscience
• Animal Models

Background:

• Previous studies examined glycaemic responses to dextrin (Dex) and maltitol (Mal).
• The impact of Dex and Mal on vigilance and cognitive performance remained unknown.
• This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess dose-related glycaemic responses to Dex.
• To test the hypothesis that Dex and Mal can modulate glycaemic response, enhance vigilance under stress, and improve cognitive performance in rats.
• To compare the effects of Dex and Mal with corn syrup (CoS).

Main Methods:

• Experiment 1: Oral administration of Dex and CoS solutions (0.3, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg) to measure glycaemic response.
• Experiment 2: Rats consumed cereal bars (CoS, Dex, or Dex/Mal) followed by vigilance and cognitive tests (aversive light stimulus avoidance conditioning).
• Cognitive performance was assessed via a two-lever discrimination task.

Main Results:

• Glycaemic response to Dex and CoS was dose-dependent, with CoS eliciting a threefold higher response than Dex.
• No significant difference in glycaemic response was observed between rats consuming different cereal bars.
• Rats fed Dex/Mal bars showed increased vigilance.
• Dex and Dex/Mal bar consumption improved cognitive performance (lever discrimination).

Conclusions:

• Glycaemic response alone does not predict a food ingredient's effect on vigilance and cognitive performance.
• Dextrin and maltitol, particularly in combination, can enhance cognitive functions and vigilance.
• These findings suggest novel applications for Dex and Mal in functional foods.