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Smoothie Program for Achieving and Resilient Kids
Sponsor: Penn State University
Summary
The proposed study will examine whether eating yogurt every day can improve brain and gut health in children. Prior research suggests that yogurt may support cognitive functions like self-control, but more studies are needed to confirm this. The study will follow 60 children from Central Pennsylvania, ages 7 to 9, who will be randomly assigned to drink either fruit juice (control group) or yogurt smoothies once or twice a day for four weeks. Researchers will compare how different amounts of yogurt affect children's thinking skills (like memory and focus), brain activity, and gut bacteria. These changes will be measured through brain scans, computer-based thinking tasks, surveys, and stool samples. The study will also collect information about children's overall diet. The goal is to find out if yogurt can support healthy brain and gut development and to determine the right amount to include in a child's daily diet. Results will help guide future research on how nutrition supports children's health.
Official title: Effect of Daily Yogurt Smoothies on Neurocognitive Function in Children
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
7 Years - 9 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-03
Completion Date
2028-09
Last Updated
2025-09-26
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Yogurt Smoothie (1 per day)
Children consume one yogurt smoothie per day for 4 weeks (93 mL and \~70 kcal).
Yogurt Smoothie (2 per day)
Children consume two yogurt smoothies per day for 4 weeks (186 mL and \~140 kcal).
Fruit Juice Control
Children consume one fruit juice per day for 4 weeks (\~140 kcal, isocaloric with 2 yogurt smoothie).
Locations (1)
Metabolic Kitchen and Children's Eating Behavior Lab
State College, Pennsylvania, United States