The Effects of Supplementation with a Vitamin and Mineral Complex with Guaraná Prior to Fasted Exercise on Affect, Exertion, Cognitive Performance, and Substrate Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Exercise undertaken in a fasted state can lead to higher post-exercise mental fatigue. The administration of a vitamin and mineral complex with guaraná (MVM + G) has been shown to attenuate mental fatigue and improve performance during cognitively demanding tasks. This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, balanced cross-over study examined the effect of MVM + G consumed prior to morning exercise on cognitive performance, affect, exertion, and substrate metabolism. Forty active males (age 21.4 ± 3.0 year; body mass index (BMI) 24.0 ± 2.4 kg/m2; maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) 57.6 ± 7.3 mL/min/kg) completed two main trials, consuming either MVM + G or placebo prior to a 30-min run at 60% V̇O2max. Supplementation prior to exercise led to a small but significant reduction in Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during exercise compared to the placebo. The MVM + G combination also led to significantly increased accuracy of numeric working memory and increased speed of picture recognition, compared to the placebo. There were no significant effects of supplementation on any other cognitive or mood measures or on substrate metabolism during exercise. These findings demonstrate that consuming a vitamin and mineral complex containing guaraná, prior to exercise, can positively impact subsequent memory performance and reduce perceived exertion during a moderate-intensity run in active males.

Effects of Carbohydrate, Caffeine, and Guarana on Cognitive Performance, Perceived Exertion, and Shooting Performance in High-Level Athletes

“…Up to the present time, very few studies have investigated the interaction effect of GUAc ingestion and exercise on cognitive function. In a recent study, Veasey et al 9 highlighted an increase in accuracy of numeric working memory and in speed of picture recognition after exercise when compared to PL. Even if mechanisms explaining guarana effects remain unclear, taken together, these results suggest that GUAc ingestion could be an interesting nutritional strategy to enhance cognitive functioning even if effects on response inhibition at the end of exercise remains limited.…”

“…reported to enhance cognitive functioning at rest 7,8 and during exercise 9 , possibly due to a number of potential stimulants such as caffeine, flavonoids, saponins or tannins 10,11 .…”

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Dietary Supplements on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Young Adults and Military Personnel

“…Both MVM + G studies measured attention using RVIP. While Kennedy et al [60] found an improvement in RVIP speed and accuracy, Veasey et al [61] did not, nor on choice reaction time. Kennedy et al [59] also found mixed results from pure guarana extract supplementation: speed, but not accuracy, of attention was enhanced by guarana.…”

“…Four studies, involving a total of 224 participants, examined the effect of acute doses of guarana on cognition (see Table 3). Two utilised crossover designs [59,61] and two used an independent groups design [58,61]. Sample compositions varied across the studies: predominantly female (two studies), approximate even gender distribution (one study), and active males only (one study).…”

“…The MVM + G contained 222.2 mg of guarana (including 40 mg caffeine), and equal to or above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of B vitamins. The two MVM + G studies induced fatigue using a traditional cognitive demand battery [60] or exercise in combination with a repeated battery of cognitive tests [61]. Attention, memory, working memory, and executive function were measured.…”