Professor David Benton

Professor Emeritus (Medicine, Health and Life Science)

Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Science

+44 (0) 1792 295607

d.benton@swansea.ac.uk

About

Interested in nutrition and how it influences the brain and hence mood and cognition

Areas Of Expertise

Nutrition
Diet
Mood
Cognition

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

Nutrition and behaviour

Publications

Research Highlights

Benton, D. & Young, H. (2019). Water: The Cinderella Nutrient. The Journal of Nutrition, 149(12), 2081-2082.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxz226, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51911
Young, H., Gaylor, C., Kerckhove, D., Watkins, H., & Benton, D. (2019). Interoceptive accuracy moderates the response to a glucose load: a test of the predictive coding framework. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 286(1898), 20190244
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0244, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49731
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2019). Role of fruit juice in achieving the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetable intake. Nutrition Reviews, 77(11), 829-843.
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuz031, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49113
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuz031
Young, H., Williams, C., Pink, A., Freegard, G., Owens, A., & Benton, D. (2017). Getting to the heart of the matter: Does aberrant interoceptive processing contribute towards emotional eating?. PLOS ONE, 12(10), e0186312
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186312, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa36187
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186312
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2015). We should be using nonlinear indices when relating heart-rate dynamics to cognition and mood. Scientific Reports, 5, 16619
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep16619, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa24391

All Research

Journal Articles

Brennan, A., Benton, D., & Young, H. (2025). A Recipe for Resilience: A Systematic Review of Diet and Adolescent Mental Health. Nutrients, 17(23), 3677
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233677, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71116
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2025). Dental caries: we need to consider more than sugar. European Journal of Pediatrics, 184(7), 461
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-025-06302-6, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69970
Gaylor, C., Brennan, A., Blagrove, M., Tulip, C., Bloxham, A., Williams, S., Tucker, R., Benton, D., & Young, H. (2025). Low and high glycemic index drinks differentially affect sleep polysomnography and memory consolidation: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrition Research, 134, 49-59.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2024.11.012, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68464
Bánáti, D., Hellman-Regen, J., Mack, I., Young, H., Benton, D., Eggersdorfer, M., Rohn, S., Dulińska-Litewka, J., Krężel, W., & Rühl, R. (2024). Defining a vitamin A5/X specific deficiency – vitamin A5/X as a critical dietary factor for mental health. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 94(5-6), 443-475.
https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000808, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68069
Young, H., Cousins, A., Byrd-Bredbenner, C., Benton, D., Gershon, R., Ghirardelli, A., Latulippe, M., Scholey, A., & Wagstaff, L. (2024). Alignment of Consumers’ Expected Brain Benefits from Food and Supplements with Measurable Cognitive Performance Tests. Nutrients, 16(12), 1950
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121950, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68070
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2024). Early exposure to sugar sweetened beverages or fruit juice differentially influences adult adiposity. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(6), 521-526.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-024-01430-y, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66552
Brennan, A., Benton, D., Gaylor, C., & Young, H. (2023). The role of interoception in age-related obesity: A structural equation modelling study. Appetite, 191, 107045
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2023.107045, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64636
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2023.107045
Seabury, T., Benton, D., & Young, H. (2023). Interoceptive differences in elite sprint and long-distance runners: A multidimensional investigation. PLOS ONE, 18(1), e0278067
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278067, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62897
Young, H., Freegard, G., & Benton, D. (2022). Mediterranean diet, interoception and mental health: Is it time to look beyond the ‘Gut-brain axis’?. Physiology and Behavior, 257, 113964
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113964, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61253
Gaylor, C., Benton, D., Brennan, A., & Young, H. (2022). The impact of glycaemic load on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis and guiding principles for future research. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 141, 104824
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104824, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61157
Brennan, A., Marstaller, L., Burianova, H., Benton, D., Hanley, C., Newstead, S., & Young, H. (2022). Weaker connectivity in resting state networks is associated with disinhibited eating in older adults. International Journal of Obesity, 46(4), 859-865.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-021-01056-1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59148
Young, H., Davies, J., Freegard, G., & Benton, D. (2021). Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Is Associated With Attenuated Interoceptive Responses to Self-Critical Rumination. Behavior Therapy, 52(5), 1123-1136.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2021.02.010, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa56649
Young, H., Gaylor, C., De Kerchove, D., & Benton, D. (2021). Individual differences in sensory and expectation driven interoceptive processes: a novel paradigm with implications for alexithymia, disordered eating and obesity. Scientific Reports, 11(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-89417-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa56937
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2019). Water: The Cinderella Nutrient. The Journal of Nutrition, 149(12), 2081-2082.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxz226, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51911
Young, H., Cousins, A., Johnston, S., Fletcher, J., Benton, D., Young, H., Cousins, A., & Benton, D. (2019). Autonomic adaptations mediate the effect of hydration on brain functioning and mood: Evidence from two randomized controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 9(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52775-5, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52886
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2019). Role of fruit juice in achieving the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetable intake. Nutrition Reviews, 77(11), 829-843.
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuz031, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49113
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuz031
Cousins, A., Young, H., Thomas, A., & Benton, D. (2019). The Effect of Hypo-Hydration on Mood and Cognition Is Influenced by Electrolyte in a Drink and Its Colour: A Randomised Trial. Nutrients, 11(9), 2002
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092002, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51537
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu11092002
Young, H., Gaylor, C., Kerckhove, D., Watkins, H., & Benton, D. (2019). Interoceptive accuracy moderates the response to a glucose load: a test of the predictive coding framework. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 286(1898), 20190244
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0244, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49731
Newstead, S., Young, H., Benton, D., Jiga-Boy, G., Sienz, M., Clement, R., Boy, F., & Boy, F. (2018). Acute and repetitive fronto-cerebellar tDCS stimulation improves mood in non-depressed participants. Experimental Brain Research, 236(1), 83-97.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-017-5109-y, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa40417
Young, H., Williams, C., Pink, A., Freegard, G., Owens, A., & Benton, D. (2017). Getting to the heart of the matter: Does aberrant interoceptive processing contribute towards emotional eating?. PLOS ONE, 12(10), e0186312
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186312, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa36187
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186312
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2017). Reducing Calorie Intake May Not Help You Lose Body Weight. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12, 703-714.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617690878, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33939
Young, H., Cousins, A., Watkins, H., & Benton, D. (2017). Is the link between depressed mood and heart rate variability explained by disinhibited eating and diet?. Biological Psychology, 123, 94-102.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2016.12.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31408
Benton, D., Jenkins, K., Watkins, H., & Young, H. (2016). Minor degree of hypohydration adversely influences cognition: a mediator analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 104, 603-612.
https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.132605, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29683
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2016). The use of moderated mediated analysis to study the influence of hypo-hydration on working memory. Nutrición Hospitalaria, 33(3)
https://doi.org/10.20960/nh.320, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29204
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2016). A meta-analysis of the relationship between brain dopamine receptors and obesity: a matter of changes in behavior rather than food addiction?. International Journal of Obesity, 40, S12-S21.
https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2016.9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26874
Benton, D. (2015). Portion Size: What We Know and What We Need to Know. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 55(7), 988-1004.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2012.679980, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa20119
Benton, D., Young, H., & Jenkins, K. (2015). The development of the predisposition to dehydration questionnaire. Appetite, 87, 76-80.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2014.11.029, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19967
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2015). We should be using nonlinear indices when relating heart-rate dynamics to cognition and mood. Scientific Reports, 5, 16619
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep16619, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa24391
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2015). Do small differences in hydration status affect mood and mental performance?. Nutrition Reviews, 73(suppl 2), 83-96.
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuv045, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa22942
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2015). The effect of using isomaltulose (Palatinose™) to modulate the glycaemic properties of breakfast on the cognitive performance of children. European Journal of Nutrition, 54, 1013-1020.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0779-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa22092
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2015). The glycemic load of meals, cognition and mood in middle and older aged adults with differences in glucose tolerance: A randomized trial. e-SPEN Journal, 9(4), e147-e154.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnme.2014.04.003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa20221
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2014). The nature of the control of blood glucose in those with poorer glucose tolerance influences mood and cognition. Metabolic Brain Disease, 29(3), 721-728.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-014-9519-2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa20220
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2014). The nature of the control of blood glucose in those with poorer glucose tolerance influences mood and cognition. Metabolic Brain Disease, 29(3), 721-728.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-014-9519-2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa18262
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2014). The glycemic load of meals, cognition and mood in middle and older aged adults with differences in glucose tolerance: A randomized trial. e-SPEN Journal, 9(4), e147-e154.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnme.2014.04.003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa18261
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2013). Caffeine can decrease subjective energy depending on the vehicle with which it is consumed and when it is measured. Psychopharmacology, 228(2), 243-254.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3025-9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa18265
Long, S. & Benton, D. (2013). A double-blind trial of the effect of docosahexaenoic acid and vitamin and mineral supplementation on aggression, impulsivity, and stress. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 28(3), 238-247.
https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2313, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14792
Long, S., BentonSara-Jayne, D., & Benton, D. (2013). Effects of Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation on Stress, Mild Psychiatric Symptoms, and Mood in Nonclinical Samples. Psychosomatic Medicine, 75(2), 144-153.
https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e31827d5fbd, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa18263
Young, H., Benton, D., & Benton, D. (2013). Caffeine can decrease subjective energy depending on the vehicle with which it is consumed and when it is measured. Psychopharmacology, 228(2), 243-254.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3025-9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14521
Benton, D. & Donohoe, R. (2011). The influence of creatine supplementation on the cognitive functioning of vegetarians and omnivores. British Journal of Nutrition, 105(07), 1100-1105.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510004733, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa13771
Benton, D. (2010). The plausibility of sugar addiction and its role in obesity and eating disorders. Clinical Nutrition, 29(3), 288-303.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2009.12.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9070
Benton, D. & Brock, H. (2010). Mood and the macro-nutrient composition of breakfast and the mid-day meal. Appetite, 55(3), 436
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2010.08.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9072
Benton, D. & Burgess, N. (2009). The effect of the consumption of water on the memory and attention of children. Appetite, 53(1), 143-146.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2009.05.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9071
Benton, D. & Stevens, M. (2008). The influence of a glucose containing drink on the behavior of children in school. Biological Psychology, 78(3), 242-245.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2008.03.007, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9073
Benton, D. (2007). The impact of diet on anti-social, violent and criminal behaviour. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 31(5), 752
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.02.002, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2374
Benton, D., Maconie, A., & Williams, C. (2007). The influence of the glycaemic load of breakfast on the behaviour of children in school. Physiology & Behavior, 92(4), 717
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.05.065, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2375
Benton, D. & Benton, D. (2001). Micro-nutrient supplementation and the intelligence of children. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 25(4), 297
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7634(01)00015-X, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2373

Conference Contributions

Benton, D. (2003). The delivery rate of dietary carbohydrates affects cognitive performances in both rats and humans. In Psychopharmacology (pp. 86-90).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-002-1334-5, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2372

Supervision

AGE DIFFERENCES IN OBESOGENIC EATING BEHAVIOUR: THE ROLE OF INTEROCEPTION (awarded 2024)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Hayley Young

Other supervisor: Prof Hayley Young
The effect of interception on elite human performance (awarded 2023)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Hayley Young
The influence of diet on glycaemic control, sleep, and cognition. (awarded 2024)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Hayley Young

Professor David Benton

Telephone number

Email address