Modulation of energy metabolism and cerebral blood-flow by multivitamins/ minerals and coenzyme Q10 during cognitive tasks

Introduction: Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals are essential for the optimal performance of physiological processes that have both direct and indirect effects on brain function. Micronutrient supplementation has previously been shown to modulate a number of parameters relevant to brain function across animals and humans, including vasodilatory and/or metabolic parameters.

Objectives: The aim of this trial was to assess the effects of acute and chronic supplementation with two multivitamin/mineral preparations on whole-body energy metabolism and cerebral blood flow (CBF) during performance of cognitive tasks of differing levels of difficulty; cognitive performance as measured by multiple computer tasks; subjective mood and energy evaluations and nutritional status as measured by the serum/plasma concentrations of various analytes.

Method / Design: One hundred and six healthy, female participants aged 25-49 years took part in this randomised, placebo-controlled 3-arm parallel groups design with energy metabolism, cerebral haemodynamics and cognitive performance being measured pre-treatment, following a single dose and after eight weeks supplementation with one of two multivitamin/mineral supplements or matched placebo. The first active treatment contained 4.5 mg CoQ10 with vitamins and minerals up to one times the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) and the second active treatment contained vitamins and minerals up to 3 RDAs.

Results: Significant modulation of all metabolic and CBF parameters related to cognitive task demands was demonstrated irrespective of treatment. Supplementation with single doses of the lower dose (also containing coenzyme Q10) led to dose-dependent increases in fat oxidation and increased CBF during task performance. Chronic supplementation over 8 weeks led to a dose-related increase in total energy expenditure during the task period.

Conclusions: These results show that the brain activity associated with differing cognitive demands engenders measurable differences in CBF and energy metabolism and that these parameters can be modulated by micronutrient supplementation in healthy adults.