“The most significant aspect of these findings is that they suggest a positive impact of Peak ATP supplementation on cognitive function, specifically on reaction time (RT) and certain aspects of cognitive performance following high-intensity exercise,” Larry Kolb, president at TSI Group, which manufactures Peak ATP, told NutraIngredients-USA.
The TSI-funded study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, was led by researchers at the Exercise Physiology, Intervention and Collaboration Lab at the University of Central Florida. It is the tenth published study on Peak ATP – a patented form of Adenosine 5’-Triphosphate (ATP) Disodium, which doubles as energy currency and signaling molecule in the body.
Into the post-exercise cognitive space
Previous studies have explored the pre-workout and intra-workout benefits of Peak ATP supplementation including reduced fatigue, improved body composition and cardiovascular health, maintenance of muscle health during stress, and increased strength, power and recovery – as confirmed by a 2021 systematic review.
“This newest study looks at the last step and proves benefits were felt and measured post exercise,” Kolb said, adding that findings expand benefits into the cognitive space. “This is incredibly important when looking at professional athletes (think the last two minutes of a soccer game) as well as regular gym-goers (early morning gym session followed by an important meeting).”
He explained that although Peak ATP is used primarily as premium pre-workout ingredient in over 50 products worldwide, it is being increasingly formulated into lifestyle brands that focus on healthy living beyond sports performance for everyday consumers looking to boost “real, non-stimulant energy” for a competitive edge.
Study details
The double-blind, crossover study randomly assigned a group of 10 male and 10 female participants between the ages of 18 and 40 years to consume either Peak ATP (400 mg) or a placebo for 14 days leading up to a three-minute all-out test on a cycle ergometer (3MT). Before the exercise experiment, subjects also ingested an acute dose of their assigned supplement.
Measures of visuomotor reaction time, multiple object tracking speed, mood and cognition were taken before, upon completion of and 60 minutes after the all-out test. Following a 14-day washout period, participants crossed over to the other test group and repeated the experiment.
“[R]esults indicate that PeakATP maintains proactive RT and improves reactive RT following high-intensity sprint exercise suggesting that supplemental ATP may mitigate exercise induced cognitive dysfunction,” the researchers concluded. There was no significant difference in Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), multiple object tracking speed and mood variables detected between PeakATP and placebo following the exercise bout.
Kolb highlighted the improvements observed in accuracy and speed during tasks involving visual tracking and response, as well as the suggestion that Peak ATP might mitigate exercise-induced cognitive dysfunction – “offering potential relief to individuals engaged in activities demanding both physical performance and cognitive acuity, such as (professional) athletes and military personnel”.
“These findings not only demonstrate the versatility of the ingredient but open up exciting areas for further research and applications in enhancing both physical and cognitive aspects of human performance,” he added.
The study authors call for further research to explore changes in potential mechanistic variables and supplementary strategies to measure cognitive function following exercise.
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition
doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1237678
“Evaluating the effects of PeakATP supplementation on visuomotor reaction time and cognitive function following high-intensity sprint exercise”
Authors: Jessica M. Moon et al.