Whey to go? study tests protein drink for sharper memory and better mood
NCT ID NCT06107075
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed study tested whether taking a daily whey protein drink rich in phospholipids for 6 to 12 weeks could improve memory, mood, and overall wellbeing in healthy adults aged 25 to 49. 119 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the active supplement or a placebo (pea protein). Researchers measured cognitive performance and mood using computer tests and questionnaires. The goal is to see if this simple dietary addition can support brain health in everyday life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- whey protein concentrate powder containing phospholipids
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple dietary supplement to support memory and mood in healthy adults.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial in healthy people, not a patient group. Results may not apply to those with cognitive decline, and the effect may be modest or absent.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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119 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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25 to 49 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must self-assess themselves as being in good health. * Participants must be aged 25 to 49 years at the time of giving consent. * Participant must be fluent in English and/or English is their first language Exclusion Criteria: * Have any pre-existing medical conditions/illness which will impact taking part in the study. There may be other, unforeseen exceptions and these will be considered on a case-by-case basis: i.e., participants may be allowed to progress to screening if they have a condition/illness which would not interact with the active treatments or impede performance. It is therefore worth discussing any medical conditions with the researcher prior to booking lab appointments * Are currently taking any prescription medications (NOTE the explicit exceptions to this are contraceptive treatments for female participants, and those taking "as needed" in the treatment of asthma and/or hay fever. There may be other instances of medication use which, where no interaction with the active treatment is likely, and which would not be expected to have any impact on brain function, participants may be able to progress to screening * Have high blood pressure (systolic over 159 mm Hg or diastolic over 99 mm Hg). NOTE: that we must measure this in the lab using our blood pressure monitors and can only use our measurements to assess eligibility rather than home or GP readings * Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) outside of the range 18.5-35 kg/m2. * Are pregnant, seeking to become pregnant or lactating. * Have been diagnosed with a neurological condition, or assessed as having a learning/behavioural or neurodevelopmental difference (e.g. dyslexia, autism, ADHD. * Have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses (including colour-blindness) * Smoke tobacco or vape nicotine or use nicotine replacement products (if you have recently quit smoking or using replacements you must have stopped using them altogether for a period of 3 months before participating in this study) * Have excessive caffeine intake (\>500 mg per day). Note: This will be calculated at screening but feel free to query this with the researcher prior to attendance * Have relevant food allergies/ intolerances/ sensitivities * Have taken antibiotics within the past 4 weeks. * Have taken dietary supplements e.g., vitamins, omega 3 fish oils etc. in the last 4 weeks (Note: participation is possible following a 4 week supplement wash out prior to participating and for the duration of the study on the proviso that the supplements they are taking are out of choice and not medically prescribed or advised. Please discuss with the researcher if unsure. NOTE: we would never advise stopping supplements prescribed by your doctor e.g., iron, calcium etc., only those you use out of choice) * Have any health condition that would prevent fulfilment of the study requirements (this includes non-diagnosed conditions for which no medication may be taken) * Are unable to complete all of the study assessments (this will be assessed by the researcher at your training appointment, you must be able to reach minimum scores for each of the cognitive tasks to progress with the trial) * Are currently participating in other clinical or nutrition intervention studies, or have in the past 4 weeks * Have been diagnosed with/ undergoing treatment for alcohol or drug abuse in the last 12 months. * Have been diagnosed with/ undergoing treatment for a psychiatric disorder in the last 12 months, including a medical diagnosis of anxiety or depression. * Suffers from frequent migraines that require medication (more than or equal to 1 per month) * Have any sleep disorders or take any sleep medications. * Have any known active infections. * Have, previously have had, or think you are at risk of having syphilis, hepatitis, the Human T - lymphotropic virus or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) * Have ever had breast cancer and/or a mastectomy. * Have haemophilia or any similar clotting/blood disorder. * Have had unprotected sexual intercourse with any person from an HIV high risk population. * Have ever been involved in intravenous drug use. * Does not have a bank account (required for payment) * Are non-compliant with regards treatment consumption * Follow an "extreme" or very "strict" diet i.e., Keto, very high protein, sugar free, raw paleo etc. * Are planning a major lifestyle change regarding diet or exercise regime in the next 3 months. * Have a current diagnosis of renal impairments or phenylketonuria
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Northumbria University - Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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