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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:08
Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory
Published on: June 18, 2014
Milk-based phospholipids increase morning cortisol availability and improve memory in chronically stressed men
Melanie Schubert1, Carina Contreras, Nadin Franz
1Diagnostic Assessment and Clinical Research Organization (Daacro), Science Park Trier, Max-Planck-Str. 22, D-54296 Trier, Germany. schubert@daacro.de
Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.)
|July 13, 2011
Summary
Phospholipids (PLs) may enhance cortisol availability in chronically stressed men. Supplementation with PLs also showed potential to improve memory performance after acute stress exposure.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Phospholipids (PLs) are known to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA).
- Chronic stress impacts HPAA activity and cognitive function, particularly memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stress-protective effects of phospholipid supplementation in chronically stressed men.
- To test if phospholipids normalize cortisol response and mitigate stress-related memory impairment.
Main Methods:
- A 42-day randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 75 chronically stressed men (aged 30-51).
- Participants consumed a bovine milk drink with 0.5% PL, 1% PL, or placebo.
- Assessed HPAA activity via cortisol awakening response and stress reactivity using the Trier Social Stress Test.
Main Results:
- Both PL groups exhibited a delayed decline in morning salivary cortisol, indicating prolonged cortisol availability.
- The 0.5% PL group showed a stronger cortisol awakening response compared to placebo.
- No significant differences in acute stress response were observed, but exploratory analysis suggested improved memory in older adults with higher PL dosage.
Conclusions:
- Phospholipid supplementation may increase cortisol availability and attenuate stress-induced memory impairments in chronically stressed men.
- Findings suggest a potential role for phospholipids in managing stress responses and cognitive function.
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