Nicorio Co., Ltd. Confirms Favorable Changes in Some Cognitive Function Indicators Through Intake of Food Containing Butyric Acid Bacteria

Nicorio Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Motohiro Nakagami) announces that research results examining the effects on cognitive function from the intake of capsules containing butyric acid bacteria (Clostridium butyricum), 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (hereinafter referred to as HMPA) derived from fermented rice bran, and salmon milt-derived DNA have been published in the medical journal "Shinryo to Shinyaku" (June 2026 issue).

This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 80 middle-aged and older adults aged 55-79 who reported subjective concerns about memory. Participants took one capsule of the test food or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.

As a result, in the overall analysis, the number of correct answers in the Symbol Digit Coding (SDC) test, which is related to attention and cognitive processing speed, showed a significant improvement in the test food group compared to the placebo group, as evaluated by Cognitrax (Note 1) for cognitive function. Furthermore, in a subgroup analysis of individuals aged 65 and over with an MMSE-J score (Note 2) of 24-27, significant improvements were confirmed in scores related to verbal memory in the test food group.

Additionally, as exploratory evaluations, favorable changes were observed in metabolic indicators such as fasting blood glucose, HbA1c (Note 3), γ-GT (Note 4), and uric acid. On the other hand, no consistent inter-group differences were observed in bowel movement-related indicators.

These results suggest that foods combining butyric acid bacteria, HMPA, and salmon milt-derived DNA may support some indicators of cognitive function, and that changes in metabolic status, not just intestinal indicators, may be involved in the background.

*1: Cognitrax

A computer-based test that evaluates cognitive function. It measures multiple cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and information processing speed.

*2: MMSE-J Score

A Japanese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination score. It is a test that evaluates cognitive function, including orientation, memory, calculation, and language, on a 30-point scale, and is used as an indicator to grasp the state of cognitive function.

*3: HbA1c

A blood test item that reflects the average blood glucose state over the past 1-2 months. It is used as an indicator to check the state of glucose metabolism.

*4: γ-GT

A blood test item that checks the condition of the liver and bile ducts. It is used as an indicator related to drinking habits and changes in liver function.

Research Overview: Effects of 12-week intake of a food combining butyric acid bacteria, HMPA, and salmon milt-derived DNA on cognitive and metabolic indicators

Publication Information

Journal Name: "Shinryo to Shinyaku" Vol. 63, No. 6 (June 2026 issue)

Paper Title:

Effects of a Capsule Containing Clostridium butyricum, 3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) propionic Acid, and Salmon Milt-Derived DNA on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Authors:

Yuji TANAKA, Misato IKI, Ayane UNO, Shukuko EBIHARA

Publication URL:

https://www.shinryo-to-shinyaku.com/db/pdf/sin_0063_06_0369.pdf

Company Profile

Company Name: Nicorio Co., Ltd.

Location: Carrot Tower 17F, 4-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Established: December 2000

President and CEO: Motohiro Nakagami

Business Activities: Wholesale and sales of general food products, wholesale and sales of health equipment, manufacturing, wholesale, and sales of cosmetics

Capital: 100 million yen

URL: https://www.nicorio.co.jp/

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/nicorio_jp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicorio_official/

[Contact for Inquiries]

Nicorio Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department

E-mail: info@nicorio.co.jp