Cognitive ChangeAdCog-ONCT05581108
Enhancement of Learning and Memory Following Supplementation With Juice PLUS+® OMEGA in an Adolescent Population
A study testing Juice PLUS+® OMEGA in people with Cognitive Change and Development, Adolescent, run by University of Reading at 1 site in United Kingdom.
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the effect of chronic supplementation with a commercially available, plant-derived, omega-3 intervention and cognitive performance in adolescent participants aged 13-14 years. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 14 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cognitive Change, Development, Adolescent
- What is being tested?
- Juice PLUS+® OMEGA
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 66 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Kingdom
- Study dates
- 4 Oct 2021to 21 Jul 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 13 to 14 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- age 13-14, fruit and vegetable intake less than or equal to 3 servings per day, not more than 2 servings of fish per week, English as a first language, adequate visual and auditory acuity to perform the cognitive tasks, normal BMI for age, normal British Ability Scales (BAS) score
Who cannot join
- psychological or psychiatric disorders, ADHD or dyslexia diagnosis, fruit/vegetable or histamine intolerance, use of medications or dietary supplements that may impact study outcomes, conditions altering absorption of nutrients (e.g. celiac disease), antibiotic use within the last 3 months, adherence to any specific diets that may impact study outcomes (e.g. vegetarian, paleo etc.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United Kingdom1 site
School of Psychology and Clinical Languages, University of Reading
Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AL
About this study
This study aims to investigate the effect of chronic supplementation with a commercially available, plant-derived, omega-3 intervention and cognitive performance in adolescent participants aged 13-14 years.
Read the detailed description
A healthy diet is an essential factor for healthy ageing. Previous studies of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) intake have shown beneficial actions on a range of human health conditions. The influence of n-3 PUFAs on cognition throughout the lifespan is particularly apparent, with beneficial effects documented on cognitive development in infants and children, cognitive performance in young adults, and to slow age-related cognitive impairment in older adults. Despite these positive findings, there has been little consideration of the influence of n-3-PUFAs on cognition in adolescence. Adolescence is characterized by profound brain development, with brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex continuing to mature into the late twenties). In this period of brain development, the basis is laid for executive functions (e.g., shifting, updating, and short-term memory), among others. Optimal development of the prefrontal cortex is very important, as the executive functions have been related to academic achievements. The positive effects from n-3 PUFAs on cognition, if translated to adolescents, would be of clear practical and theoretical importance, particularly in an academic context.

This project will examine the relationship between supplementation with a commercially available, plant-derived, omega-3 intervention and cognitive performance in adolescent participants aged 13-14 years. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial, we will examine the effect of 16 weeks repeated daily dosing of Juice PLUS+® OMEGA (or matched placebo) on a wide range of cognitive processes (measured using a battery of computer-based cognitive tests). Changes in cognitive performance will be mapped both to changes in omega-3 index (O3I) of our participants (measured using dried blood spots obtained via finger prick) and to changes in brain activity (measured using electrodes placed on the scalp, in a subset of participants). Participants will attend the Department on 3 separate occasions. At an initial screening visit, participants will practice the cognitive tests and provide a 3-day food diary as a measure of habitual diet. Participants will then attend a baseline test visit, where they will perform the cognitive tests and receive a 16-week supply of capsules (either placebo or active treatment) to be taken daily. After the 16 weeks, the participants will attend a post-intervention test day where they will perform the cognitive tests for a final time. Finger prick blood spot samples will be taken at each of the 3 visits.
- Conditions
- Cognitive Change, Development, Adolescent
- Being tested
- Juice PLUS+® OMEGA, Placebo
- Keywords
- Learning, Memory
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Juice PLUS+® OMEGADietary supplement
Daily dose of total Omega blend: 925 mg (2 capsules)
PlaceboDietary supplement
matched placebo (2 capsules)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Juice PLUS+® OMEGA | Experimental | The Juice Plus+®Omega Blend capsules contain the following ingredients: DHA and EPAenriched oil of the micro algae Schizochytrium sp., pomegranate seed oil, coating agent: pullulan; raspberry seed oil, sea buckthorn oil 9, release agent: silicon dioxide; high oleic safflower seed oil, tomato seed oil, orange oil, vanilla oil, antioxidant: rosemary extract. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Juice PLUS+® OMEGA |
| Matched placebo | Placebo comparator | Placebo capsules consist of medium chain triglycerides oil+ excipients like silicon dioxide aerosil, lecithin, vanilla flavor, orange oil, water and hypromellose(shell). Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Rate of Learning (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Participants will be presented with a sequential list of 15 words, at a rate of 1 word per second. The participant will then have 60s to say out loud as many of these words as possible, with the resulting score recorded as a percentage of accuracy. This occurs 5 times for the same word list, and the rate of learning is determined through change in accuracy across the 5 recalls.
Measured: Baseline
Rate of Learning (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Participants will be presented with a sequential list of 15 words, at a rate of 1 word per second. The participant will then have 60s to say out loud as many of these words as possible, with the resulting score recorded as a percentage of accuracy. This occurs 5 times for the same word list, and the rate of learning is determined through change in accuracy across the 5 recalls.
Measured: 16 weeks
Delayed Word Recall (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
After a period of time subject are asked to recall as many words as possible from list A
Measured: Baseline
Delayed Word Recall (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
After a period of time subject are asked to recall as many words as possible from list A
Measured: 16 weeks
Word Recognition (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Following the delayed word recall, words from list A, list B and novel words are displayed sequentially on the screen and participants are asked to indicate which words were from list A only.
Measured: Baseline
Word Recognition (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Following the delayed word recall, words from list A, list B and novel words are displayed sequentially on the screen and participants are asked to indicate which words were from list A only.
Measured: 16 weeks
Secondary outcomes (5)
Change in Modified Attention Network Task (MANT)
This task examines execution function, attention and inhibition. In this task, participants have to respond to a centrally presented arrow, pointing to the left or the right by pressing the corresponding key on the keyboard. The central arrow is flanked by arrows that point in the same (congruent) or opposite (incongruent) direction. In order to perform the task effectively, participants have to ignore the flanking arrows. Previous studies have found that participants show larger latencies and more errors on incongruent trials when compared with congruent trials due to the conflicting interference of the incongruently facing arrows. The response latencies to congruent trials reflect processing speed, while the amount of interference during incongruent trials indicates susceptibility to interference.
Measured: 16 weeks
Change in N-Back
The N-Back task is a measure of working memory where participants are instructed to monitor a series of stimuli and to respond whenever a stimulus is presented that is the same as the one presented n trials previously. In this simplified 0-back version, participants respond when the target matches a fixed target specified at the beginning of the task (similar to a Go/No-Go task). Data will be analysed for both accuracy and reaction time on correct trials. For a subset of participants, this task will be conducted while recording EEG in order to monitor change in brain activity in response to target trials. The N-Back was selected as it has been shown in previous work to elicit a strong P300 signal (see EEG as additional outcome).
Measured: 16 weeks
Change in PANAS-c
A validated self-report measure of affective state in children. The PANAS comprises of two distinct affective states (positive and negative), as well as 11 individual affective states (fear, guilt, sadness, surprise, hostility, shyness, joviality, self-assurance, attentiveness, fatigue and serenity. Subjects use a likert scale from 1 - 5 to indicate how the word relates to how they are currently feeling.
Measured: 16 weeks
Change in Task Switching Test (TST)
This task requires executive function and sustained attention, and provides a measure of cognitive flexibility. Participants view a circle with 8 equally spaced radii 2 of which form a bold bisecting line. Numbers are chosen randomly from a set of 1-4 \& 6-9 and displayed sequentially in a clockwise direction. A response of higher or lower than 5 is made for trials below the bold line, and even or odd for numbers above the line. Outcome measures include overall accuracy and reaction time (RT) on correct trials, as well as accuracy and RT on trials where there is a 'switch cost' from stimuli moving from below to above the bold line and vice versa.
Measured: 16 weeks
Change in Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adults (ERQ-CA)
A validated 10-item questionnaire used to assess emotion regulation, specifically reappraisal and suppression.
Measured: 16 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Oct 2022
- Study start4 Oct 2021
- Primary completion21 Jul 2023
- Study completion21 Jul 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Cognitive ChangeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Reading
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Juice PLUS
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Prof Claire Williams, University of Reading
- Investigators
- Claire Williams, Prof, Principal investigator, University of Reading
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05581108
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RDG-007
- Acronym
- AdCog-O
- Status last verified
- Oct 2023
- First submitted
- 13 Jun 2022
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Bell L, Eastwood J, Lamprecht M, Williams CM. Investigating enhancement of learning and memory following supplementation with Juice Plus+(R) Omega in an adolescent population. Eur J Nutr. 2026 Jun 29;65(5):182. doi: 10.1007/s00394-026-04012-9.
PubMed 42371128
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Oct 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Enhancement of Learning and Memory Following Supplementation With Juice PLUS+® OMEGA in an Adolescent Population
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05581108
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AdCog-O / RDG-007
- Conditions
- Cognitive Change, Development, Adolescent
- Keywords
- Learning, Memory
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ReadingUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Juice PLUS
- Study start
- 4 Oct 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 21 Jul 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 21 Jul 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Oct 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to investigate the effect of chronic supplementation with a commercially available, plant-derived, omega-3 intervention and cognitive performance in adolescent participants aged 13-14 years.
Detailed description
A healthy diet is an essential factor for healthy ageing. Previous studies of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) intake have shown beneficial actions on a range of human health conditions. The influence of n-3 PUFAs on cognition throughout the lifespan is particularly apparent, with beneficial effects documented on cognitive development in infants and children, cognitive performance in young adults, and to slow age-related cognitive impairment in older adults. Despite these positive findings, there has been little consideration of the influence of n-3-PUFAs on cognition in adolescence. Adolescence is characterized by profound brain development, with brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex continuing to mature into the late twenties). In this period of brain development, the basis is laid for executive functions (e.g., shifting, updating, and short-term memory), among others. Optimal development of the prefrontal cortex is very important, as the executive functions have been related to academic achievements. The positive effects from n-3 PUFAs on cognition, if translated to adolescents, would be of clear practical and theoretical importance, particularly in an academic context.

This project will examine the relationship between supplementation with a commercially available, plant-derived, omega-3 intervention and cognitive performance in adolescent participants aged 13-14 years. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial, we will examine the effect of 16 weeks repeated daily dosing of Juice PLUS+® OMEGA (or matched placebo) on a wide range of cognitive processes (measured using a battery of computer-based cognitive tests). Changes in cognitive performance will be mapped both to changes in omega-3 index (O3I) of our participants (measured using dried blood spots obtained via finger prick) and to changes in brain activity (measured using electrodes placed on the scalp, in a subset of participants). Participants will attend the Department on 3 separate occasions. At an initial screening visit, participants will practice the cognitive tests and provide a 3-day food diary as a measure of habitual diet. Participants will then attend a baseline test visit, where they will perform the cognitive tests and receive a 16-week supply of capsules (either placebo or active treatment) to be taken daily. After the 16 weeks, the participants will attend a post-intervention test day where they will perform the cognitive tests for a final time. Finger prick blood spot samples will be taken at each of the 3 visits.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Juice PLUS+® OMEGA | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Juice PLUS+® OMEGAThe Juice Plus+®Omega Blend capsules contain the following ingredients: DHA and EPAenriched oil of the micro algae Schizochytrium sp., pomegranate seed oil, coating agent: pullulan; raspberry seed oil, sea buckthorn oil 9, release agent: silicon dioxide; high oleic safflower seed oil, tomato seed oil, orange oil, vanilla oil, antioxidant: rosemary extract. |
| Matched placebo | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: PlaceboPlacebo capsules consist of medium chain triglycerides oil+ excipients like silicon dioxide aerosil, lecithin, vanilla flavor, orange oil, water and hypromellose(shell). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 14 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- age 13-14, fruit and vegetable intake less than or equal to 3 servings per day, not more than 2 servings of fish per week, English as a first language, adequate visual and auditory acuity to perform the cognitive tasks, normal BMI for age, normal British Ability Scales (BAS) score
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- psychological or psychiatric disorders, ADHD or dyslexia diagnosis, fruit/vegetable or histamine intolerance, use of medications or dietary supplements that may impact study outcomes, conditions altering absorption of nutrients (e.g. celiac disease), antibiotic use within the last 3 months, adherence to any specific diets that may impact study outcomes (e.g. vegetarian, paleo etc.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Juice PLUS+® OMEGADaily dose of total Omega blend: 925 mg (2 capsules) | Dietary supplement | Juice PLUS+® OMEGA |
| Placebomatched placebo (2 capsules) | Dietary supplement | Matched placebo |
Primary outcome
Rate of Learning (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Time frame: Baseline
Participants will be presented with a sequential list of 15 words, at a rate of 1 word per second. The participant will then have 60s to say out loud as many of these words as possible, with the resulting score recorded as a percentage of accuracy. This occurs 5 times for the same word list, and the rate of learning is determined through change in accuracy across the 5 recalls.
Rate of Learning (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Time frame: 16 weeks
Participants will be presented with a sequential list of 15 words, at a rate of 1 word per second. The participant will then have 60s to say out loud as many of these words as possible, with the resulting score recorded as a percentage of accuracy. This occurs 5 times for the same word list, and the rate of learning is determined through change in accuracy across the 5 recalls.
Delayed Word Recall (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Time frame: Baseline
After a period of time subject are asked to recall as many words as possible from list A
Delayed Word Recall (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Time frame: 16 weeks
After a period of time subject are asked to recall as many words as possible from list A
Word Recognition (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Time frame: Baseline
Following the delayed word recall, words from list A, list B and novel words are displayed sequentially on the screen and participants are asked to indicate which words were from list A only.
Word Recognition (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task)
Time frame: 16 weeks
Following the delayed word recall, words from list A, list B and novel words are displayed sequentially on the screen and participants are asked to indicate which words were from list A only.
5 secondary outcomes
Change in Modified Attention Network Task (MANT)
Time frame: 16 weeks
Change in N-Back
Time frame: 16 weeks
Change in PANAS-c
Time frame: 16 weeks
Change in Task Switching Test (TST)
Time frame: 16 weeks
Change in Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adults (ERQ-CA)
Time frame: 16 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Oct 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42371128Bell L, Eastwood J, Lamprecht M, Williams CM. Investigating enhancement of learning and memory following supplementation with Juice Plus+(R) Omega in an adolescent population. Eur J Nutr. 2026 Jun 29;65(5):182. doi: 10.1007/s00394-026-04012-9.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Claire Williams, Prof principal investigator
University of Reading
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Juice PLUS+® OMEGA in people with Cognitive Change and Development, Adolescent, run by University of Reading at 1 site in United Kingdom.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Oct 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Rate of Learning (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task) (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05581108, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Oct 2023.