In February 2020 researchers from Japan published the results of their study to assess the effect of rice wine lees on cognitive function in physically active older adults. A total of 35 individuals, aged 68-80 years, who had performed mild exercises before and during the study were included in the study. Each individual underwent cognitive assessment and measurements of predictive biomarkers (transthyretin, apolipoprotein A1, and complement C3) were undertaken at the start of the study and during follow-up. The individuals were divided into two groups, with 17 receiving the 50g rice wine lees powder and 18 a placebo powder made from soy protein and dextrin for a 12 weeks period. Results showed that rice wine lees supplements significantly improved visual selective attention and transthyretin levels, whereas there was no significant change in the placebo group. No significant difference between the two groups was observed in the remaining cognitive performance tests.
Nagai N et al. Effects of Rice Wine Lees on Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Physically Active Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2020;7(2):95-103.