Nutrition and the brain
Investigating the effects of nutrition and dietary supplementation on brain function.
From nutrients to whole diets, we’re conducting research to help understand the impacts of what we eat on the brain. More broadly, we’re interested in the effects of lifestyle on brain functioning and mental health across the lifespan and what we can do reduce age-associated decline in brain function and the risk of dementia.
Like many Western countries, Australia is faced with an unprecedented ageing population. Ageing is accompanied by a host of health problems including increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Current research evidence proposes that not all people age in the same way and such inter-individual differences may be attributable to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. There is an urgent need for modifiable lifestyle interventions to reduce the negative impact of ageing on the brain.
Our area of research focuses on the effect of diet on the brain across the lifespan. By studying the relationship between nutrition and brain at early, middle and later life, our research aims to help identify appropriate intervention strategies.
Our human clinical trials range from whole dietary interventions to nutraceuticals, with outcomes spanning cognitive performance, mood and response to stress. We have a rich catalogue of measures to capture these outcomes including age-sensitive batteries for cognition, detailed cardiovascular measures and facilities for biochemical testing and neuroimaging on site to measure the structure and function of the brain.
1.Hardman RJ, Meyer D, Kennedy G, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. Findings of a Pilot Study Investigating the Effects of Mediterranean Diet and Aerobic Exercise on Cognition in Cognitively Healthy Older People Living Independently within Aged-Care Facilities: The Lifestyle Intervention in Independent Living Aged Care (LIILAC) Study. Curr Dev Nutr. 2020;4(5):nzaa077.
2.Cox KHM, White DJ, Pipingas A, Poorun K, Scholey A. Further Evidence of Benefits to Mood and Working Memory from Lipidated Curcumin in Healthy Older People: A 12-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Partial Replication Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(6).
3.Young LM, Pipingas A, White DJ, Gauci S, Scholey A. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: Effects on Healthy and 'At-Risk' Individuals. Nutrients. 2019;11(9).
4.Reddan JM, Macpherson H, White DJ, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Examining the relationship between nutrition and cerebral structural integrity in older adults without dementia. Nutr Res Rev. 2019;32(1):79-98.
5.Marx W, George ES, Mayr HL, Thomas CJ, Sarapis K, Moschonis G, et al. Effect of high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil on markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy Australian adults (OLIVAUS): A protocol for a double-blind randomised, controlled, cross-over study. Nutr Diet. 2019.
6.Reddan JM, White DJ, Macpherson H, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Glycerophospholipid Supplementation as a Potential Intervention for Supporting Cerebral Structure in Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci. 2018;10:49.
7.Marx W, Kelly JT, Marshall S, Cutajar J, Annois B, Pipingas A, et al. Effect of resveratrol supplementation on cognitive performance and mood in adults: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev. 2018;76(6):432-43.
8.Kennedy G, Meyer D, Hardman RJ, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. Physical Fitness and Aortic Stiffness Explain the Reduced Cognitive Performance Associated with Increasing Age in Older People. J Alzheimers Dis. 2018;63(4):1307-16.
9.Irvine MA, Scholey A, King R, Gillings R, Vauzour D, Demichele SJ, et al. The Cognitive Ageing, Nutrition and Neurogenesis (CANN) trial: Design and progress. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2018;4:591-601.
10.Hardman RJ, Meyer D, Kennedy G, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. The association between adherence to a Mediterranean style diet and cognition in older people: The impact of medication. Clin Nutr. 2018;37(6 Pt A):2156-65.
11.White DJ, Camfield DA, Maggini S, Pipingas A, Silberstein R, Stough C, et al. The effect of a single dose of multivitamin and mineral combinations with and without guarana on functional brain activity during a continuous performance task. Nutr Neurosci. 2017;20(1):8-22.
12.Travica N, Ried K, Sali A, Scholey A, Hudson I, Pipingas A. Vitamin C Status and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017;9(9).
13.Kennedy G, Hardman RJ, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. How Does Exercise Reduce the Rate of Age-Associated Cognitive Decline? A Review of Potential Mechanisms. J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;55(1):1-18.
14.Macpherson H, Rowsell R, Cox KH, Reddan J, Meyer D, Scholey A, et al. The Effects of Four-Week Multivitamin Supplementation on Mood in Healthy Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:3092828.
15.Hardman RJ, Kennedy G, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. Adherence to a Mediterranean-Style Diet and Effects on Cognition in Adults: A Qualitative Evaluation and Systematic Review of Longitudinal and Prospective Trials. Front Nutr. 2016;3:22.
16.Wong WP, Camfield DA, Woods W, Sarris J, Pipingas A. Spectral power and functional connectivity changes during mindfulness meditation with eyes open: A magnetoencephalography (MEG) study in long-term meditators. Int J Psychophysiol. 2015;98(1):95-111.
17.White DJ, Cox KH, Peters R, Pipingas A, Scholey AB. Effects of Four-Week Supplementation with a Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Preparation on Mood and Blood Biomarkers in Young Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2015;7(11):9005-17.
18.Pase MP, Grima N, Cockerell R, Stough C, Scholey A, Sali A, et al. The effects of long-chain omega-3 fish oils and multivitamins on cognitive and cardiovascular function: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(1):21-31.
19.Pase MP, Grima N, Cockerell R, Pipingas A. Habitual intake of fruit juice predicts central blood pressure. Appetite. 2015;84:68-72.
20.Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Savage K, Meyer M, Ibarra A, Roller M, et al. Improved working memory performance following administration of a single dose of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) to healthy middle-age adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2015;30(2):108-22.
21.Lee J, Pase M, Pipingas A, Raubenheimer J, Thurgood M, Villalon L, et al. Switching to a 10-day Mediterranean-style diet improves mood and cardiovascular function in a controlled crossover study. Nutrition. 2015;31(5):647-52.
22.Cox KH, Pipingas A, Scholey AB. Investigation of the effects of solid lipid curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population. J Psychopharmacol. 2015;29(5):642-51.
23.Pipingas A, Cockerell R, Grima N, Sinclair A, Stough C, Scholey A, et al. Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of fish oil and multivitamin supplementation on the incorporation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids into red blood cells. Nutrients. 2014;6(5):1956-70.
24.Pipingas A, Camfield DA, Stough C, Scholey AB, Cox KH, White D, et al. Effects of multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement on cognition in younger adults and the contribution of B group vitamins. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(1):73-82.
25.Bauer I, Hughes M, Rowsell R, Cockerell R, Pipingas A, Crewther S, et al. Omega-3 supplementation improves cognition and modifies brain activation in young adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(2):133-44.
26.Bauer I, Crewther S, Pipingas A, Sellick L, Crewther D. Does omega-3 fatty acid supplementation enhance neural efficiency? A review of the literature. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(1):8-18.
27.Scholey A, Bauer I, Neale C, Savage K, Camfield D, White D, et al. Acute effects of different multivitamin mineral preparations with and without Guarana on mood, cognitive performance and functional brain activation. Nutrients. 2013;5(9):3589-604.
28.Pipingas A, Camfield DA, Stough C, Cox KH, Fogg E, Tiplady B, et al. The effects of multivitamin supplementation on mood and general well-being in healthy young adults. A laboratory and at-home mobile phone assessment. Appetite. 2013;69:123-36.
29.Pase MP, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Kras M, Nolidin K, Gibbs A, et al. Cocoa polyphenols enhance positive mood states but not cognitive performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2013;27(5):451-8.
30.Camfield DA, Wetherell MA, Scholey AB, Cox KH, Fogg E, White DJ, et al. The effects of multivitamin supplementation on diurnal cortisol secretion and perceived stress. Nutrients. 2013;5(11):4429-50.
31.Camfield DA, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Silberstein RB, Kure C, Zangara A, et al. The neurocognitive effects of Hypericum perforatum Special Extract (Ze 117) during smoking cessation. Phytother Res. 2013;27(11):1605-13.
32.Macpherson H, Silberstein R, Pipingas A. Neurocognitive effects of multivitamin supplementation on the steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) measure of brain activity in elderly women. Physiol Behav. 2012;107(3):346-54.
33.Harris E, Kirk J, Rowsell R, Vitetta L, Sali A, Scholey AB, et al. The effect of multivitamin supplementation on mood and stress in healthy older men. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011;26(8):560-7.
34.Camfield DA, Owen L, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Stough C. Dairy constituents and neurocognitive health in ageing. Br J Nutr. 2011;106(2):159-74.
35.Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Ibarra A, Pipingas A, He K, et al. Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010;212(3):345-56.
2.Cox KHM, White DJ, Pipingas A, Poorun K, Scholey A. Further Evidence of Benefits to Mood and Working Memory from Lipidated Curcumin in Healthy Older People: A 12-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Partial Replication Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(6).
3.Young LM, Pipingas A, White DJ, Gauci S, Scholey A. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: Effects on Healthy and 'At-Risk' Individuals. Nutrients. 2019;11(9).
4.Reddan JM, Macpherson H, White DJ, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Examining the relationship between nutrition and cerebral structural integrity in older adults without dementia. Nutr Res Rev. 2019;32(1):79-98.
5.Marx W, George ES, Mayr HL, Thomas CJ, Sarapis K, Moschonis G, et al. Effect of high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil on markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy Australian adults (OLIVAUS): A protocol for a double-blind randomised, controlled, cross-over study. Nutr Diet. 2019.
6.Reddan JM, White DJ, Macpherson H, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Glycerophospholipid Supplementation as a Potential Intervention for Supporting Cerebral Structure in Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci. 2018;10:49.
7.Marx W, Kelly JT, Marshall S, Cutajar J, Annois B, Pipingas A, et al. Effect of resveratrol supplementation on cognitive performance and mood in adults: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev. 2018;76(6):432-43.
8.Kennedy G, Meyer D, Hardman RJ, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. Physical Fitness and Aortic Stiffness Explain the Reduced Cognitive Performance Associated with Increasing Age in Older People. J Alzheimers Dis. 2018;63(4):1307-16.
9.Irvine MA, Scholey A, King R, Gillings R, Vauzour D, Demichele SJ, et al. The Cognitive Ageing, Nutrition and Neurogenesis (CANN) trial: Design and progress. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2018;4:591-601.
10.Hardman RJ, Meyer D, Kennedy G, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. The association between adherence to a Mediterranean style diet and cognition in older people: The impact of medication. Clin Nutr. 2018;37(6 Pt A):2156-65.
11.White DJ, Camfield DA, Maggini S, Pipingas A, Silberstein R, Stough C, et al. The effect of a single dose of multivitamin and mineral combinations with and without guarana on functional brain activity during a continuous performance task. Nutr Neurosci. 2017;20(1):8-22.
12.Travica N, Ried K, Sali A, Scholey A, Hudson I, Pipingas A. Vitamin C Status and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017;9(9).
13.Kennedy G, Hardman RJ, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. How Does Exercise Reduce the Rate of Age-Associated Cognitive Decline? A Review of Potential Mechanisms. J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;55(1):1-18.
14.Macpherson H, Rowsell R, Cox KH, Reddan J, Meyer D, Scholey A, et al. The Effects of Four-Week Multivitamin Supplementation on Mood in Healthy Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:3092828.
15.Hardman RJ, Kennedy G, Macpherson H, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. Adherence to a Mediterranean-Style Diet and Effects on Cognition in Adults: A Qualitative Evaluation and Systematic Review of Longitudinal and Prospective Trials. Front Nutr. 2016;3:22.
16.Wong WP, Camfield DA, Woods W, Sarris J, Pipingas A. Spectral power and functional connectivity changes during mindfulness meditation with eyes open: A magnetoencephalography (MEG) study in long-term meditators. Int J Psychophysiol. 2015;98(1):95-111.
17.White DJ, Cox KH, Peters R, Pipingas A, Scholey AB. Effects of Four-Week Supplementation with a Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Preparation on Mood and Blood Biomarkers in Young Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2015;7(11):9005-17.
18.Pase MP, Grima N, Cockerell R, Stough C, Scholey A, Sali A, et al. The effects of long-chain omega-3 fish oils and multivitamins on cognitive and cardiovascular function: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(1):21-31.
19.Pase MP, Grima N, Cockerell R, Pipingas A. Habitual intake of fruit juice predicts central blood pressure. Appetite. 2015;84:68-72.
20.Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Savage K, Meyer M, Ibarra A, Roller M, et al. Improved working memory performance following administration of a single dose of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) to healthy middle-age adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2015;30(2):108-22.
21.Lee J, Pase M, Pipingas A, Raubenheimer J, Thurgood M, Villalon L, et al. Switching to a 10-day Mediterranean-style diet improves mood and cardiovascular function in a controlled crossover study. Nutrition. 2015;31(5):647-52.
22.Cox KH, Pipingas A, Scholey AB. Investigation of the effects of solid lipid curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population. J Psychopharmacol. 2015;29(5):642-51.
23.Pipingas A, Cockerell R, Grima N, Sinclair A, Stough C, Scholey A, et al. Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of fish oil and multivitamin supplementation on the incorporation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids into red blood cells. Nutrients. 2014;6(5):1956-70.
24.Pipingas A, Camfield DA, Stough C, Scholey AB, Cox KH, White D, et al. Effects of multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement on cognition in younger adults and the contribution of B group vitamins. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(1):73-82.
25.Bauer I, Hughes M, Rowsell R, Cockerell R, Pipingas A, Crewther S, et al. Omega-3 supplementation improves cognition and modifies brain activation in young adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(2):133-44.
26.Bauer I, Crewther S, Pipingas A, Sellick L, Crewther D. Does omega-3 fatty acid supplementation enhance neural efficiency? A review of the literature. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(1):8-18.
27.Scholey A, Bauer I, Neale C, Savage K, Camfield D, White D, et al. Acute effects of different multivitamin mineral preparations with and without Guarana on mood, cognitive performance and functional brain activation. Nutrients. 2013;5(9):3589-604.
28.Pipingas A, Camfield DA, Stough C, Cox KH, Fogg E, Tiplady B, et al. The effects of multivitamin supplementation on mood and general well-being in healthy young adults. A laboratory and at-home mobile phone assessment. Appetite. 2013;69:123-36.
29.Pase MP, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Kras M, Nolidin K, Gibbs A, et al. Cocoa polyphenols enhance positive mood states but not cognitive performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2013;27(5):451-8.
30.Camfield DA, Wetherell MA, Scholey AB, Cox KH, Fogg E, White DJ, et al. The effects of multivitamin supplementation on diurnal cortisol secretion and perceived stress. Nutrients. 2013;5(11):4429-50.
31.Camfield DA, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Silberstein RB, Kure C, Zangara A, et al. The neurocognitive effects of Hypericum perforatum Special Extract (Ze 117) during smoking cessation. Phytother Res. 2013;27(11):1605-13.
32.Macpherson H, Silberstein R, Pipingas A. Neurocognitive effects of multivitamin supplementation on the steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) measure of brain activity in elderly women. Physiol Behav. 2012;107(3):346-54.
33.Harris E, Kirk J, Rowsell R, Vitetta L, Sali A, Scholey AB, et al. The effect of multivitamin supplementation on mood and stress in healthy older men. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011;26(8):560-7.
34.Camfield DA, Owen L, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Stough C. Dairy constituents and neurocognitive health in ageing. Br J Nutr. 2011;106(2):159-74.
35.Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Ibarra A, Pipingas A, He K, et al. Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010;212(3):345-56.
Our research in the media
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- Health
Mediterranean diet and exercise research secures $1.77 million funding
Clinical trial exploring effects of a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise on cognitive decline awarded $1.77 million.Thursday 18 July 2019 -
- Health
Eating a Mediterranean diet can improve your mind
New research shows that the Mediterranean diet can improve your mind, as well as your heart.Friday 19 August 2016 -
PhD candidate Lauren Young on Triple R Radio
Listen to our PhD candidate Lauren Young discuss her research on diet quality, mood and cognition in ageing on Triple R’s science show Einstein A Go-Go.Sunday 02 February 2020 -
PhD candidate Sarah Gauci on Triple R radio
Listen to our PhD candidate Sarah Gauci discuss her research on the relationship between diet and cognitive health on Triple R’s science show Einstein A Go-Go.Monday 18 May 2020 -
Mellow yellow? The mood and cognitive effects of curcumin from turmeric
Around 150 curcumin studies are underway to investigate the effects of curcumin (alone or in combination with other drugs) on cancer, heart disease, diabetes and dementia.Wednesday 05 October 2016 -
Six things you can do to reduce your risk of dementia
Although we can’t change our age or genetic profile, there are nevertheless several lifestyle changes we can make that will reduce our dementia risk.Tuesday 24 April 2018
Contact the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology
There are many ways to engage with us. If your organisation is dealing with a complex problem, get in touch to discuss how we can work together to provide solutions. Call us on +61 3 9214 4444 or email chp@swinburne.edu.au.