Glucose Intake Improves Executive Attention

Abstract

Glucose is the essential energy source for brain, and glucose consumption is reported to be beneficial in multiple cognitive brain functions. However, it was unclear that if oral glucose intake has any effect on improving executive attention in human subjects. In this study, we firstly investigated the effect of one-shot intake of 29 g glucose on executive attention in human subjects using an internet-based Stroop color and word test (SCWT). The time interference score, defined by the reaction times in the SCWT under three different rules, was significantly lower in the glucose intake group than in the control group. The error rate in the color patch condition of the SCWT was also significantly lower in the glucose group. These results suggest that glucose enhances executive attention.