Effect of Whey-Derived Lactopeptide β-Lactolin on Memory in Healthy Adults: An Integrated Analysis of Data from Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Abstract Context Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of dairy products reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in older individuals. Tryptophan-tyrosine-related β-lactopeptides and their representative β-lactolin of glycine-threonine-tryptophan-tyrosine tetra-peptide have been identified as agents in dairy products, which improve cognitive function as well as memory function via the activation of the dopaminergic system in a mouse model of amnesia. Previous clinical trials have shown that supplementation with β-lactolin improves memory retrieval in healthy older adults. Specifically, β-lactolin improved the scores in some neuropsychological tests. However, the effects of β-lactolin on memory function have not been clarified. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-lactolin on memory function using statistical methods. Data Sources We searched the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and JDream III until November 2021 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials for integrated analysis. Data Synthesis Three randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of β-lactolin on memory in healthy adults were selected for the integrated analysis. The results showed that the score of cued recall among the neuropsychological tests in the β-lactolin group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (g=0.33; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.55). In addition, the total memory score was higher but this difference was not significant (g=0.17; 95% CI: −0.09, 0.43). Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that supplementation with β-lactolin improves cued recall in healthy older adults.