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JP-2026076322-A - MCT preparations for improving cognitive function

JP2026076322AJP 2026076322 AJP2026076322 AJP 2026076322AJP-2026076322-A

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a composition for improving at least one of cognitive functions, such as episodic memory, executive function, or language skills; supporting memory and/or recall; providing energy and/or ketones to the brain; and/or preventing and/or treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in an individual. [Solution] A composition is provided comprising medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), wherein the MCTs comprise octanoic acid and decanoic acid, and the composition comprises protein in a weight ratio of at least 0.8 g per 1.0 g of MCTs, and/or carbohydrates in a weight ratio of at least 1 g per 1.0 g of MCTs, and/or lipids in a weight ratio of at least 0.1 g per 1.0 g of MCTs. [Selection Diagram] None

Inventors

  • クナウド， ベルナルト
  • クネイン， ステファン， コスグレイブ

Assignees

  • ソシエテ・デ・プロデュイ・ネスレ・エス・アー
  • ソクプラ サイエンシーズ サンテ エ ヒューメインズ， エス．イー．シー．

Dates

Publication Date
20260511
Application Date
20260216
Priority Date
20200519

Claims (20)

  1. A method for improving cognitive function, including at least one of episodic memory, executive function, or language skills, comprising the step of administering to the individual a composition containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in a daily dose containing about 15 g to about 45 g of MCTs and/or about 51% to about 90% by weight of MCTs containing octanoic acid.
  2. A method for supporting memory and/or recall in an individual, comprising the step of administering a composition containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to the individual in a daily dose containing about 15 g to about 45 g of MCTs and/or about 51% to about 90% by weight of MCTs containing octanoic acid.
  3. A method for providing energy and/or ketones to the brain of an individual, comprising the step of administering a composition containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to the individual in a daily dose containing about 15 g to about 45 g of MCTs.
  4. A method for preventing and/or treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI), comprising the step of administering a composition containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to an individual in a daily dose containing approximately 15 g to approximately 45 g of MCTs.
  5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the daily dose comprises at least two servings of the composition, with each serving containing approximately 15 g of MCT.
  6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the daily dose comprises two servings of the composition.
  7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the daily dose comprises three servings of the composition, with each serving containing approximately 15 g of MCT.
  8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the MCT contains approximately 51% to approximately 90% by weight of octanoic acid.
  9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the MCT contains approximately 51% to approximately 70% by weight of octanoic acid.
  10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the MCT contains approximately 71% to approximately 90% by weight of octanoic acid.
  11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the MCT contains approximately 60% by weight of octanoic acid.
  12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the composition further comprises decanoic acid.
  13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the weight ratio of octanoic acid to decanoic acid is approximately 60:40.
  14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition is administered to the individual for at least six months.
  15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual is 65 years of age or older.
  16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual has mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
  17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual suffers from at least one of the following: memory impairment, cognitive impairment including lack of sound decision-making ability and impaired judgment, depression, or anxiety disorder.
  18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual has or suffers from a state of brain energy deficiency or disease, neurological condition, and/or cognitive impairment.
  19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual has a condition selected from the group consisting of epilepsy, neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure, congenital metabolic disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cancer, cerebral energy deficiency, migraine, memory impairment, age-related memory impairment, brain injury, stroke, amyloid lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), post-intensive care cognitive impairment, age-related cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, congenital metabolic disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and combinations thereof.
  20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of beverages, mayonnaise, salad dressings, margarine, low-fat spreads, dairy products, cheese spreads, processed cheese, dairy desserts, flavored milk, cream, fermented dairy products, cheese, butter, condensed milk products, ice cream mixes, soy products, pasteurized liquid eggs, bakery products, confectionery products, candy bars, chocolate bars, high-fat bars, liquid emulsions, spray-dried powders, freeze-dried powders, UHT puddings, pasteurized puddings, gels, jellies, yogurts, foods having fat-based or water-containing fillings, and combinations thereof.

Description

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to compositions comprising medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and further comprising a food matrix containing at least a portion of the MCTs. These compositions may improve cognitive function, support memory and/or regeneration, provide energy and/or ketones to the brain, and/or prevent and/or treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI). [0002] The two main types of ketones, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate (AcA), are important alternative energy sources for extrahepatic tissues such as the brain, heart, or skeletal muscle. Furthermore, there is growing evidence suggesting that ketones may also play direct or indirect roles in signal transduction. Products aimed at increasing blood ketones may have therapeutic effects in several conditions, including but not limited to epilepsy, neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure, congenital metabolic disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, impaired athletic performance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). [0003] BHB and AcA are actively transported to the brain by monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (MCT1), and as a result, brain concentrations are directly proportional to blood concentrations. Therefore, products that make plasma ketone concentrations more sustained are expected to have a longer effect (longer plasma ketone half-life T k1 /2 ) compared to products that increase blood ketones for a shorter period (shorter half-life). [0004] Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are efficient ketone precursors when administered orally as a bolus. MCTs are rapidly digested, and the free medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) produced by digestion are efficiently absorbed via the portal vein without undergoing the normal digestive absorption process of long-chain fatty acids, and are transported to the liver where most of them are metabolized into ketones. These specific formulations may affect the efficiency of ketone body production and gastrointestinal tolerability. [0005] Brain energy rescue is a promising strategy for reducing cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Impairment in certain cognitive functions, such as episodic memory and language skills, is a precursor to MCI and AD. In individuals at high risk of early-onset or late-onset AD, brain glucose uptake is already reduced prior to the onset of mild cognitive deficits associated with MCI. Therefore, there is approximately a 10% deficit in brain energy (glucose) before the onset of symptoms, and this deficit is sufficient to contribute to cognitive decline in MCI. [0006] Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the inventors discovered that intervention with a ketogenic diet, such as medium-chain triglyceride supplements (kMCTs), statistically and clinically significantly improved several specific cognitive functions, including episodic memory and language skills. This indicates a mechanistic relationship between ketone-induced improvements in cognitive function and improvements in brain energy state. [0007] Accordingly, in non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for improving cognitive functions, including at least one of an individual's episodic memory, executive function, and language skills. The method may include administering a composition comprising medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to an individual in a daily dose containing about 15 g to about 45 g of MCTs. The daily dose may comprise at least two servings of the composition, each serving containing about 15 g of MCTs. [0008] MCT may contain 51% to 90% by weight of octanoic acid. MCT may contain 51% to 70% by weight of octanoic acid. MCT may contain 71% to 90% by weight of octanoic acid. MCT may contain 60% by weight of octanoic acid. MCT may further contain decanoic acid. [0009] The composition may be administered to the individual for at least about six months. [0010] The individual may be 65 years of age or older. The individual may have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The individual may have at least one of the following: memory impairment, cognitive impairment including lack of sound decision-making ability and impaired judgment, depression, or anxiety disorder. The individual may have or be suffering from a brain energy deficiency state or disease, neurological condition, and/or cognitive impairment. [0011] The composition may further contain at least one of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid (vitamin B9), or cobalamin (vitamin B12). [0012] The composition may further contain protein at a weight ratio of at least 0.1 g of protein per 1.0 g of MCT. The composition may further contain protein at a weight ratio of at least 0.4 g of protein per 1.0 g of MCT. Each serving of the composition may contain approximately 6.5 g of protein. [0013] The composition may optionally further contain (i) carbohydrates in a weight ratio of at least 0.1 g per 1.0 g of MCT, and/or (ii) lipids oth