Elements for improving friendliness and / or the ability to empathize with others.

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a composition for improving friendliness and / or empathetic capacity, and a method for improving friendliness and / or empathetic capacity, that make it possible to improve friendliness and / or empathetic capacity. The present invention pertains to a composition for improving friendliness and / or empathetic capacity, the composition containing one or more selected from the group consisting of C20 or higher long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof.

Description

Composition for improving friendliness and / or empathy

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for improving friendliness and / or empathy. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for improving friendliness and / or empathy, comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives. The present invention also relates to a method for improving friendliness and / or empathy. The present invention also relates to the use of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives, for improving friendliness and / or empathy.

[0002] People live their daily lives interacting with the society to which they belong. Therefore, maintaining and improving sociality improves people's quality of life (QOL) and leads to the creation of a richer life. Good sociality, such as building relationships with others and increasing contact with the external environment, is thought to be influenced by an individual's friendliness and empathy toward others.

[0003] In fact, epidemiological studies have reported that empathy has a positive effect on sociability (Non-Patent Document 1), and it has been shown that improving friendliness and empathy toward others leads to improved sociability.

[0004] Such friendliness and empathy are abilities distinct from attention, memory, executive function, etc., and are considered to be a type of brain function. The brain is an organ composed of approximately 60% lipids, excluding water, and the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids that make up the cell membranes (phospholipids) of brain cells are primarily arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. However, these arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid cannot be synthesized de novo in the animal body, and must be ingested directly or indirectly (through linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, which are precursors of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) from the diet.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a composition containing arachidonic acid and / or a compound having arachidonic acid as a constituent fatty acid as an active ingredient as a composition having an effect of preventing or improving diseases caused by a decline in brain function. However, although the composition has been shown to have an effect of improving decline in memory and learning ability, decline in cognitive ability, emotional disorders (e.g., depression), and intellectual disabilities (e.g., dementia, specifically Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia), no effect on friendliness or empathy has been demonstrated.

[0006] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 2 discloses the effects of oral nutritional supplements containing n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids on the quality of life and functional status of lung cancer patients undergoing multidisciplinary treatment (DISCUSSION). Non-Patent Document 3 discloses that long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids, the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, are essential for the growth and development of the brain and retina, and that the intake of fish oil supplements (containing docosahexaenoic acid and eicopentaenoic acid) by pregnant women during the perinatal period is beneficial for the neurodevelopment of 4-month-old infants in the communication domain. Non-Patent Document 4 discloses that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced cortical functional connectivity related to social cognition, and that arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may play an important role in the maturation of brain networks, suggesting that the intake of DHA and ARA improves impaired social interaction in people with autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 5 suggests that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids improve cognitive depressive symptoms. However, these documents do not demonstrate any effects on friendliness or empathy.

[0007] As such, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have been studied for some time. However, the effects of consuming long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on friendliness and empathy have not been proven, and many aspects remain unknown.

[0008] Furthermore, according to Non-Patent Document 6, exercise has been shown to improve social function, but the effects of exercise on friendliness and empathy have not been demonstrated and are unclear.

[0009] JP 2012-036214 A

[0010] Aging & Mental Health Vol. 12, No. 4, July 2008, 499-503“Empathy and social functioning in late adulthood”European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2012) 66, 399-404, “Oral nutritional supplements containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids affect quality of life and functional status in lung cancer patients during multimodality treatment: an RCT”Eur J Nutr (2018) 57:2387-2397, “The effect of perinatal fish oil supplementation on neurodevelopment and growth of infants: a randomized controlled trial”Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Volume 32, Number 2, April 2012, “Effects of Large Doses of Arachidonic Acid Added to Docosahexaenoic Acid on Social Impairment in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders”JACC:HEART FAILURE VOL.6,NO.10,2018“Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements in Depressed Heart Failure Patients”Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2005 Vol.51 “Effects of a water-based program on women 65 years and over: A randomised controlled trial”

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for an agent for improving friendliness and / or empathy, which can improve friendliness and / or empathy, which particularly affect relationships with others in social life. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving friendliness and / or empathy.

[0012] That is, the present invention relates to the following compositions, methods for improving friendliness and / or empathy, etc. [1] A composition for improving friendliness and / or empathy, comprising one or more long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and derivatives thereof. [2] The composition according to [1] above, which is used to improve sociability through the improvement of friendliness and / or empathy. [3] The composition according to [1] or [2] above, in which the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. [4] The composition according to [3] above, in which the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid is arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. [5] The composition according to [4], wherein the weight ratio of the arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid is 0.01 to 500 for docosahexaenoic acid and 0.01 to 500 for eicosapentaenoic acid per 1 part of arachidonic acid. [6] The composition according to any of [1] to [5], wherein the improvement in friendliness and / or empathy is evaluated using POMS2 (trademark). [7] The composition according to [6], wherein the improvement in friendliness and / or empathy is evaluated using the "Friendship" scale of POMS2 (trademark). [8] The composition according to any of [1] to [7], wherein the composition is used in combination with exercise. [9] The composition according to any of [1] to [8], wherein the composition is a food composition or a pharmaceutical composition.

[10] The composition according to [9], wherein the food composition is a functional food, a nutritional supplement, a food for specified health uses, or a food for the elderly.

[11] A method for improving friendliness and / or empathy by administering one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and derivatives thereof.

[12] Use of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and derivatives thereof to improve friendliness and / or empathy.

[0013] According to the present invention, a composition for improving friendship and / or empathy can be provided, which contains as an active ingredient one or more selected from the group consisting of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives, which can improve friendship and / or empathy.

[0014] The composition of the present invention is a composition for improving friendship and / or empathy, comprising one or more long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids (hereinafter also referred to as LCPUFA) having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives. The composition for improving friendship and / or empathy of the present invention comprises, as an active ingredient, one or more long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives. Here, examples of derivatives of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) having 20 or more carbon atoms include esters and vinyl ethers of LCPUFA having 20 or more carbon atoms, and also include compounds having a structure in which LCPUFA having 20 or more carbon atoms are bonded, and compounds that can be separated (produce) LCPUFA having 20 or more carbon atoms by hydrolysis.

[0015] The long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid used in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has 20 or more carbon atoms and two or more carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds, but specific examples include at least one selected from eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatrienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosadienoic acid, tetracosatrienoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid. Preferably, the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid.

[0016] As the derivative of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms, all compounds having a structure in which a long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms is bonded, and all compounds from which a long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms can be separated by hydrolysis can be used. When the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms is, for example, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and / or eicosapentaenoic acid, all compounds having a structure in which arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and / or eicosapentaenoic acid is bonded, and all compounds from which arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and / or eicosapentaenoic acid can be separated by hydrolysis can be used. Examples of compounds having a structure in which long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms are bonded, and compounds from which long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms can be separated by hydrolysis, include salts of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms, such as calcium salts and sodium salts, and also include alcohol esters of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms, such as methyl arachidonic acid ester, ethyl docosahexaenoic acid ester, ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid ester, etc. Furthermore, examples of the derivatives that can be used include triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, phospholipids, and even glycolipids, some or all of whose constituent fatty acids are the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms.

[0017] When the one or more selected from the group consisting of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and derivatives thereof is at least one selected from arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and derivatives thereof, in consideration of application to foods, it is desirable that the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms are in the form of triglycerides or phospholipids, particularly derivatives in the form of triglycerides.

[0018] Therefore, in the present invention, a triglyceride (a triglyceride containing the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms) in which some or all of the constituent fatty acids are the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms can be used as a derivative of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms. For triglycerides containing the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms, a fat or oil (triglyceride) in which the proportion of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms among the total fatty acids constituting the triglyceride is 5% by weight (w / w) or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 20% by weight or more, and most preferably 30% by weight or more is desirable when applied to foods. The origin of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives is not particularly limited. For example, in the present invention, any derivative of arachidonic acid can be used as long as it is obtained by culturing a microorganism capable of producing an oil or oil (triglyceride) containing arachidonic acid (microbially fermented fat or oil). Furthermore, as derivatives of docosahexaenoic acid and / or eicosapentaenoic acid, any fish oil or concentrated fish oil from blue fish or the like containing fats and oils (triglycerides) containing docosahexaenoic acid and / or eicosapentaenoic acid can be used.

[0019] When there are multiple types of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms, the triglyceride containing the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms is preferably an oil (triglyceride) in which the total proportion of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms among all the fatty acids constituting the triglyceride is 5% by weight (w / w) or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 20% by weight or more, and even more preferably 30% by weight or more, which is a desirable form when applied to foods.

[0020] Furthermore, the composition of the present invention more preferably contains arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid as the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms.

[0021] Furthermore, when the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms include arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, the weight ratio of the docosahexaenoic acid to the eicosapentaenoic acid is preferably 0.01 to 500 and 0.01 to 500, respectively, per 1 part of the arachidonic acid. Furthermore, the weight ratio of the docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid to the arachidonic acid is more preferably 0.05 to 100, and even more preferably 0.1 to 50, respectively.

[0022] The composition of the present invention is a composition for improving friendliness and / or empathy, and the improvement in friendliness and / or empathy is preferably evaluated using POMS2 (Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition). POMS2 is an unregistered trademark of Multi-Health Systems Inc. Psychological tests vary in testing method depending on the target population, such as for adults or adolescents, and in the number of questions asked during the test, such as full-item versions or shortened versions. However, the testing method and number of questions can be appropriately selected depending on the condition of the subject.

[0023] Specifically, POMS2 measures the factors of "Tension-Anxiety (TA)," "Depression-Dejection (D)," "Anger-Hostility (AH)," "Vigor Activity (VA)," "Fatigue-Inertia (FI)," "Confusion-Bewilderment (CB)," and "Friendliness (F)."

[0024] Examples of POMS2 include "POMS2 Full Edition for Adults (Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition-Adult; POMS 2-A)" and "POMS2 Short Edition for Adults (Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition-Adult Short; POMS 2-A Short Edition)" (original: Heuchert, J. P. et al. Japanese version: translation supervised by Yokoyama Kazuhito, Kaneko Shobo, 2015).

[0025] Mood assessment using the "POMS2 Adult Full Version," "POMS2 Adult Short Version," "POMS2 Adolescent Full Version," and "POMS2 Adolescent Short Version" is a type of test that uses a questionnaire to objectively measure the psychological state of the subject. The validity of the POMS2 assessment has been confirmed around the world, and it is used to understand mood changes caused by medicines, foods, exercise, relaxation, etc.

[0026] In the composition for improving friendliness and / or empathy of the present invention, the improvement in friendliness and / or empathy is preferably measured using either the "POMS2 Adult Full Item Version" or the "POMS2 Adult Short Item Version," and more preferably using the "POMS2 Adult Full Item Version." The "POMS2 Adult Full Item Version" includes items for measuring the factor of "friendship," such as (1) enjoying social interactions, (2) caring about others, (3) feeling sympathy, (4) feeling like one is helpful to others, (5) being able to warm to others, and (6) trusting others. Of the above questions (1) to (6), (1) to (4) are questions related to empathy and can measure friendliness and empathy.

[0027] The "friendliness" factor of POMS2 represents a state of feeling trust and consideration for others, and in this specification, "improved friendliness" refers to an improvement in the numerical value of "friendliness" evaluated by POMS2. Also, in this specification, "improved empathy" refers to an improvement in the numerical value of at least one of the following question items when measuring "friendliness" in POMS2: (1) I enjoy interacting with others, (2) I care about others, (3) I sympathize, and (4) I feel like I can be helpful to others.

[0028] The composition of the present invention is preferably used to improve sociability through the improvement of friendliness and / or empathy. Generally, sociability is described as the tendency to form groups and live together, or as a lifestyle (sociability) that seeks to interact with people around oneself rather than remaining isolated. In this specification, "sociability" refers to a lifestyle (sociability) that seeks to interact with people around oneself. Specifically, improved sociability refers to an increase in the frequency of social activities, such as visiting others, participating in local activities such as clubs, meeting people to talk, or eating out. Note that improving sociability includes maintaining sociability and suppressing a decline in sociability.

[0029] Recent studies, such as the aforementioned Non-Patent Document 1, have reported through epidemiological research that empathy has a positive effect on sociability. Therefore, improving friendliness and / or empathy leads to improved sociability.

[0030] The composition of the present invention is used to improve friendliness and / or empathy, and is preferably used in combination with exercise. By using the composition in combination with exercise, the friendliness and / or empathy-improving effect can be more effectively achieved. The exercise referred to here may be, for example, aerobic exercise such as jogging, walking, gymnastics, or aerobics; resistance exercise for increasing muscle mass or strength such as squats, bench presses, side raises, rowing, calf raises, or sit-ups; or flexibility exercise (stretching). The composition of the present invention is more preferably used in combination with two or more of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and flexibility exercise, and more preferably in combination with aerobic exercise and resistance exercise. For example, the composition of the present invention may be used in combination with at least one of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise and flexibility exercise (stretching), or may be used in combination with aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and flexibility exercise. In this case, flexibility exercise may be performed either before or after aerobic exercise and / or resistance exercise, or both before and after aerobic exercise and / or resistance exercise.

[0031] The frequency and duration of the exercise may be, for example, at least one day per week, for at least 5 minutes (preferably at least 30 minutes), preferably at least two days per week, for at least 5 minutes (preferably at least 30 minutes), more preferably at least three days per week, for at least 5 minutes (preferably at least 30 minutes), and even more preferably at least five days per week, for at least 5 minutes (preferably at least 30 minutes). The frequency and / or duration of the exercise may also be determined depending on the subject, the type of exercise, and / or the combination of exercises. For example, aerobic exercise may be performed for approximately 10 to 60 minutes, 2 to 5 days per week, resistance exercise may be performed for approximately 10 to 60 minutes, 1 to 3 days per week, and flexibility exercise may be performed for approximately 5 to 30 minutes, 1 to 7 days per week.

[0032] The intensity of exercise to be combined with the composition of the present invention is preferably 2.0 METs (e.g., walking / very slowly / 17151) or more, more preferably 2.3 METs (e.g., stretching / relaxed / 02101) or more, and even more preferably 3.5 METs (e.g., resistance weight training / 02054) or more. The exercise load is preferably determined according to the subject. (For the intensity of exercise, see the "Revised Physical Activity METs Table (National Institute of Health and Nutrition 2012).")

[0033] The composition of the present invention is preferably a food composition or a pharmaceutical composition. Examples of food compositions include general foods, functional foods, nutritional supplements, foods for specified health uses, formulas for premature babies, formulas for infants, foods for infants, foods for pregnant women, and foods for the elderly. Among these, the food composition of the present invention is preferably a functional food, nutritional supplement, food for specified health uses, or food for the elderly.

[0034] The food is preferably one containing fats and oils, and examples thereof include natural foods that inherently contain fats and oils such as meat, fish, or nuts, foods to which fats and oils are added during cooking such as soup, foods to which fats and oils are used as a heat transfer medium such as donuts, oily foods such as butter, processed foods to which fats and oils are added during processing such as cookies, and foods to which fats and oils are sprayed or applied during processing and finishing such as hard biscuits. Furthermore, the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms, which is the active ingredient of the present invention, can be added to agricultural foods, fermented foods, livestock foods, marine foods, or beverages that do not contain fats and oils.

[0035] Furthermore, the composition of the present invention may be in the form of a functional food, pharmaceutical, or quasi-drug, and may be in processed forms such as enteral nutrients, powders, granules, lozenges, oral liquids, suspensions, emulsions, and syrups. The food composition of the present invention comprises one or more long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives, preferably at least one of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, and compounds containing these fatty acids. The food composition may be labeled as having an effect of improving friendship and / or empathy, or an effect based on such an effect. Examples of such a label may include maintaining or improving cognitive empathy, maintaining or improving emotional empathy, enjoying social interactions, caring for others, feeling sympathy, feeling helpful to others, being able to show warmth to others, trusting others, maintaining or improving compassion, maintaining or improving motivation for social participation, maintaining or improving sociability, maintaining or improving communication skills, maintaining or improving listening skills, and maintaining or improving conversational skills.

[0036] The composition of the present invention contains, as an active ingredient, one or more selected from the group consisting of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and derivatives thereof, and preferably contains, as the active ingredient, at least one of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and compounds containing these as constituent fatty acids, but may also contain various carriers and additives generally used in foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs. In particular, it is preferable to contain an antioxidant to prevent oxidation of the active ingredient. Examples of antioxidants include natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, flavone derivatives, phyllodulcins, kojic acid, gallic acid derivatives, catechins, butterbur acid, gossypol, pyrazine derivatives, sesamol, guaiaol, guaiac acid, p-coumaric acid, nordihydroguaiatetic acid, sterols, terpenes, nucleic acid bases, carotenoids, and lignans, as well as synthetic antioxidants such as ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), mono-t-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and 4-hydroxymethyl-2,6-di-t-butylphenol (HMBP).

[0037] Examples of tocopherols include α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, tocopherol, and tocopherol esters (such as tocopherol acetate), etc. Examples of carotenoids include β-carotene, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin, etc.

[0038] Examples of the carriers include various carriers, extenders, diluents, bulking agents, dispersants, excipients, binder solvents (e.g., water, ethanol, vegetable oil), solubilizers, buffers, dissolution promoters, gelling agents, suspending agents, wheat flour, rice flour, starch, corn starch, polysaccharides, milk protein, collagen, rice oil, lecithin, etc. Examples of the additives include, but are not limited to, vitamins, sweeteners, organic acids, colorants, flavorings, moisturizing agents, fiber, electrolytes, minerals, nutrients, antioxidants, preservatives, fragrances, humectants, natural food extracts, vegetable extracts, etc.

[0039] The daily intake of the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 g to 20 g, more preferably 0.01 g to 10 g, even more preferably 0.05 g to 5 g, and particularly preferably 0.1 g to 2 g, per adult (e.g., based on a body weight of 60 kg) as a long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms. In particular, it is preferable that the total intake of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid falls within the above range.

[0040] When the active ingredient of the present invention is actually applied to foods and beverages, the absolute amount of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms to be incorporated into the food is also important. However, since the absolute amount to be incorporated into foods and beverages also varies depending on the intake of the foods and beverages to be incorporated, when a triglyceride containing triglycerides in which some or all of the constituent fatty acids are long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms is incorporated into a food, it is preferable to incorporate it so that the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms are 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by weight or more. Furthermore, it is preferable to incorporate it so that the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms are 90% by weight or less, more preferably 85% by weight or less, and even more preferably 80% by weight or less.

[0041] When the composition of the present invention is used as a pharmaceutical, it can be prepared according to a method commonly used in the pharmaceutical technology field, for example, the method described in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia or a method equivalent thereto. When the composition of the present invention is used as a pharmaceutical, the amount of the active ingredient in the composition is not particularly limited as long as the object of the present invention is achieved, and it can be used at an appropriate blend ratio. When the composition of the present invention is used as a pharmaceutical, it is desirable to administer it in a dosage unit form, and oral administration is particularly preferred.

[0042] The dosage of the composition of the present invention varies depending on factors such as age, body weight, symptoms, and the number of administrations. For example, for an adult (weight: approximately 60 kg), the daily dosage is usually 0.001 g to 20 g, preferably about 0.01 g to 10 g, more preferably about 0.05 g to 5 g, and even more preferably about 0.1 g to 2 g, calculated as a long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms, administered in divided doses once to three times a day.

[0043] One example of a method for producing a food or beverage that has the effect of improving friendship and / or empathy is a method of blending a long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid having 20 or more carbon atoms and / or a derivative thereof alone into a food or beverage ingredient that is substantially free of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms. Note that a food or beverage ingredient that is substantially free of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms includes a food or beverage that contains long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms but whose daily intake, converted into the amount of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms, does not reach 0.001 g.

[0044] The target subjects (or administration subjects) of the composition of the present invention are not particularly limited and can be humans or non-human mammals, with humans being preferred. Examples of target subjects include those who desire or need improved friendliness and / or empathy, and those who desire or need improved sociability through improved friendliness and / or empathy. Examples of such target subjects include healthy adults and healthy middle-aged and elderly people who have a decline in friendliness and / or empathy. As used herein, "middle-aged and elderly" refers to adults aged 40 or older. In recent years, the proportion of elderly people has been increasing in countries such as Japan, making extending healthy lifespan and improving quality of life (QOL) a priority. For example, improving the sociability of elderly people is expected to contribute to improving their healthy lifespan and QOL. Therefore, healthy elderly people are preferred as the target subjects (or administration subjects) of the composition of the present invention. As used herein, "elderly" refers to adults aged 60 or older.

[0045] The present invention also encompasses the following uses and methods. Use of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives, or a composition for improving friendship and / or empathy containing the compounds, for improving friendship and / or empathy. Use of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives, or a composition for improving friendship and / or empathy containing the compounds, for improving sociability through improved friendship and / or empathy. A method for improving friendship and / or empathy, comprising the step of administering to a subject one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives, or a composition for improving friendship and / or empathy containing the compounds. A method for improving sociability through improved friendship and / or empathy, comprising the step of administering to a subject one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives, or a composition for improving friendship and / or empathy containing the compounds.

[0046] In the above uses and methods, the long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives, the composition of the present invention, the subjects to which it is administered, and their preferred embodiments are the same as those in the composition of the present invention described above. In the above uses and methods, the composition of the present invention can be used in the form of the above-mentioned foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, etc. The above uses may be therapeutic or non-therapeutic. The above methods may be therapeutic or non-therapeutic. Non-therapeutic is a concept that does not include medical procedures, i.e., human surgery, treatment, or diagnosis. All academic and patent literature described in this specification is incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0048] (Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2) <Preparation of test food> Arachidonic acid-containing edible oil (triglyceride) obtained by aerated and agitated culture of Mortierella microorganisms was combined with DHA- and EPA-containing oil (triglyceride) extracted from fish to prepare a long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA)-containing oil so that the weight ratio of arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was 6:15:5.

[0049] A soft capsule shell base material was prepared by adding 100 parts by weight of gelatin and 30 parts by weight of food additive glycerin to water and dissolving them at 50-60°C. The resulting LCPUFA-containing oil was then used for capsule molding and drying in a conventional manner to produce soft capsules containing 180 mg of contents per capsule (size of each capsule: major axis 10.7 mm x minor axis 7.0 mm). An LCPUFA-containing food product containing 120 mg of ARA, 300 mg of DHA, and 100 mg of EPA per six capsules was prepared. As a control food product for clinical trials, soft capsules containing refined olive oil were produced. To prevent deterioration such as oxidation, six capsules each of the LCPUFA-containing food product and the control food product were individually packaged in aluminum pouches, and the number required for the clinical trials was prepared.

[0050] <Clinical Trial> A placebo-controlled, single-blind, parallel-group comparative study was conducted on healthy elderly subjects aged 60-79 years (without regular exercise) who provided informed consent. Subjects were assigned to three groups: no exercise + control food (Comparative Example 1), exercise + control food (Comparative Example 2), and exercise + LCPUFA-containing food (Example 1). Each group underwent 24 weeks of exercise and test food intake intervention. The exercise group performed 30 minutes of resistance exercise per day (squats, bench press, side raises, rowing, calf raises, and sit-ups, each performed at approximately 10 RM, 3-5 sets) two days per week and 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day (walking, 12-13 RPE) three days per week. For both exercises, warm-up and cool-down flexibility exercises (stretching) were performed before and after the main exercise. The non-exercise group was restricted to daily activities without any active exercise intervention. Six capsules of the test food (control food or LCPUFA-containing food) were taken daily with a sufficient amount of water or lukewarm water. Mood states were assessed before and after the intervention using the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS2), which has been validated around the world, to evaluate the impact of the intervention on mood states. POMS2 has seven subscales, among which "Friendship" is composed of questions such as "enjoying social interactions," "caring about others," "sympathizing," "feeling like I'm helpful to others," "being able to show warmth to others," and "trusting others," allowing for the assessment of friendliness and empathy.

[0051] <Analysis Results> The analysis subjects who completed the intervention were 28 in the no-exercise + control food group, 27 in the exercise + control food group, and 21 in the exercise + LCPUFA-containing food group. The results of the POMS2 "friendship" test (T-score) are shown in Table 1. The results of the test were calculated by summing the raw scores for the POMS2 "friendship" questions and comparing them with a standardized conversion table for gender and age (T-score), with a mean value of 50 points. The mean ± standard error before the intervention was 50.9 ± 1.8 points for the no-exercise + control food group, 51.8 ± 2.4 points for the exercise + control food group, and 47.7 ± 2.1 points for the exercise + LCPUFA-containing food group, with no significant differences among the three groups. There were no significant changes before and after the intervention in the no-exercise + control food group and the exercise + control food group, and exercise did not significantly improve "friendship" as assessed by POMS2. On the other hand, the exercise + LCPUFA-containing food group showed a significant increase of 6.6 points. As such, only the group that consumed LCPUFA showed an improvement in this index, confirming the usefulness of LCPUFA intake in improving friendliness and empathy.

[0052] The above results are shown as mean ± standard error. (No exercise + control food group: n = 28, exercise + control food group: n = 27, exercise + LCPUFA-containing food group: n = 21) a) No significant difference among the three groups (one-way analysis of variance) b) Significant difference compared to before the intervention (** p < 0.01 paired t-test)

Claims

DEPCT661. Components for improving friendliness and / or empathy, which include: at least one selected from a group consisting of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives.

2. Components according to claim 1 for use in improving social interaction by improving friendliness and / or empathy.

3. Components according to claim 1 or 2, where polyunsaturated fatty acids... Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are at least one selected from a group consisting of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid.

4. Composition according to claim3, where long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids include arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid.

5. Composition according to claim4, where the weight ratio of docosahexaenoic acid to arachidonic acid is 0.01:1 to 500:1 and the weight ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid is 0.01:1 to 500:1.6.One of the components under Claims 1 through 5, where improvements in friendliness and / or empathy are assessed by POMS2Trademark 7. One of the components under Claims 6, where improvements in friendliness and / or empathy are assessed by the POMS2Trademark Friendliness Score 8. One of the components under Claims 1 through 7, where the component is used in conjunction with exercise 9. One of the components under Claims 1 through 8, where the component is a food component or a pharmaceutical component 10. One of the components under Claims 9, where the component is a food component, and the food component is a functional food, dietary supplement, food for specific health uses, or food for the elderly 11. Methods of improving friendliness and / or empathy, which include: action with at least one selected compound from the group consisting of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives 12.The use of at least one selected compound from a group consisting of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 or more carbon atoms and their derivatives for improving friendliness and / or empathy.