Effects of a brain-directed nutrient system on rCBF and neuropsychological testing: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: In a prior study of professional football players with the effects of traumatic brain injury we reported significant improvements in clinical symptoms, neuropsychological testing, and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) as assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in an open trial comprised of brain-directed nutrients (BDNs) and lifestyle interventions. Here, we extend this investigation in healthy individuals using the same BDNs, with a more rigorous design, without lifestyle interventions.

Method: We utilized a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of 25 individuals to determine whether supplementation with BDNs improves rCBF and neuropsychological function. Primary outcome measures include changes in rCBF using SPECT, differences in cognitive and emotional function assessed using the MicroCog and Webneuro, and psychological inventories (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI-II; Brief Symptom Inventory, BSI; Quality of Life Inventory, QOLI).

Results: Region of Interest analysis showed significant improvement in rCBF compared to placebo in the prefrontal cortex, anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Significant improvements were observed on the Microcog (executive function (0.002), reasoning (0.008), memory (0.014), information processing efficiency (0.015) and accuracy (0.027)), Webenuro, (depressed mood (0.017) and emotional identification (0.041)), and BSI (Positive Symptom Total (0.024) and reduced hostility (0.018)).

Conclusion(s): This study demonstrates the potential effectiveness of BDNs to enhance rCBF and neuropsychological function across various cognitive and psychological domains.