RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Black Rice Consumption on Cognitive Function, Inflammation and Microvascular Function in Older Adults

This study aims to find out if eating black rice could help improve brain function (like memory), reduce inflammation in the body, and improve how blood vessels work in people aged 50 to 80. As we get older, our memory can sometimes get a bit worse, and inflammation in the body can increase, which might play a part in this. Black rice is rich in special helpful compounds called anthocyanins, which are also found in other colourful fruits and vegetables. These compounds have been linked to better brain function and less inflammation. While previous studies have shown good things about black rice, no one has specifically looked at its effects on memory linked to inflammation in humans before. Volunteers will eat either black rice or brown rice, and researchers will check for changes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Reading

Enrolment target

Start

05 Dec 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2024

Older Adults

What is this study about?

As we get older, many of us start to notice small changes in our memory and thinking skills. This is a normal part of ageing, but scientists are very interested in understanding why it happens and how we might keep our brains healthy for longer. One idea is that increased inflammation in the body and changes in our blood vessels could play a role. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, but long-term inflammation can sometimes have negative effects.

This study is looking into whether a food you might not eat every day – black rice – could help. Black rice is special because it's full of natural compounds called anthocyanins, which are what give it its dark colour. These compounds are also found in other colourful foods like blueberries and purple grapes, and they're thought to have health benefits, including helping with inflammation and protecting our hearts and blood vessels. Scientists have seen promising results in lab studies and animal research, but it's important to test these ideas in people.

Researchers want to see if eating black rice, either for a short time or over several days, can improve memory and thinking, lower inflammation markers in the blood, and make blood vessels work better in older adults. They will carefully compare the effects of black rice with brown rice, which will act as a control. This will help them understand if any changes are truly due to the black rice itself. This research is important because it could point towards simple dietary changes that might support brain and overall health as we age.

Key takeaways

Study explores black rice's impact on memory and inflammation.
Compares black rice to brown rice in older adults.
Tests involve computer brain games, blood tests, and blood vessel checks.
Participants will attend a screening and 4 study visits.
Anthocyanins in black rice are a key focus for health benefits.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a generally healthy adult aged between 50 and 80. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 35, which is a common measure of healthy weight.

You would not be able to take part if you are currently taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin or ibuprofen) or drugs to lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Also, if you have a serious medical condition like dementia, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, diabetes, or active cancer, this study won't be suitable for you.

Other reasons why you might not be able to join include having had major surgery recently, being a heavy smoker or drinker, having certain allergies (like to rice), or if you already take very high doses of vitamin supplements. The study also cannot include individuals who have issues that would prevent them from doing computer-based memory tests, such as severe vision or hearing problems.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 50 and 80 years old?
Are you generally healthy?
Do you avoid taking anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen) regularly?
Do you avoid taking medicines for blood fats or blood pressure?
Do you have good vision and hearing to do computer tasks?
Are you NOT allergic to rice, eggs, soy sauce, or vegetable oil?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are interested and meet the initial criteria, you would first fill out an online health questionnaire. If you seem suitable, you'd be invited for a screening visit at the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition. This visit would take about 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, researchers will explain the study in detail, confirm your eligibility, measure your height, weight, waist, blood pressure, and heart rate, and ask you to do a simple memory test.

If you're chosen for the study, you'll have 4 more study visits. The study uses a 'crossover' design, meaning you will try both black rice and brown rice at different times, with a break in between. Researchers will test your brain function using computer games, take blood samples to check for inflammation, and use special equipment to look at your blood vessel function. Each of these study visits will involve these assessments. The total duration of your participation, including all visits and the break periods, will be explained during your screening visit.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits guaranteed from taking part in this study, but your contribution will be very valuable to scientific understanding of how diet might affect ageing and health. All procedures are generally considered safe, but there's a small risk of discomfort from blood samples or minor side effects if you have sensitivities to any of the foods. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What exactly is black rice?

Black rice is a type of rice known for its dark, purplish colour. It gets this colour from natural plant compounds called anthocyanins, which are also found in fruits like blueberries.

Will I eat only black rice during the study?

No, you will also eat brown rice at different times during the study. This helps researchers compare the effects of both types of rice.

What kind of tests will I have to do?

You'll have some computer-based memory games, blood tests to check for inflammation, and measurements of your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood vessel function.

How long does each visit take?

The first screening visit takes about 1-1.5 hours. The duration of the other 4 study visits will be explained to you during your screening.

Can I still take my regular vitamins if I join?

You cannot take very high doses of vitamins or other supplements (more than 200% of the daily recommended amount for the UK) while participating in this study.

How to find out more

Jeremy Spencer, PhD

j.p.e.spencer@reading.ac.uk +44 1183788724 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.