# A Multi-Ingredient Nutritional Supplement in Combination With Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Cognitive Function and Increases N-3 Index in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 31143111
Journal: Frontiers in aging neuroscience
Published: 2019
Authors: Bell KE, Fang H, Snijders T, Allison DJ, Zulyniak MA, Chabowski A, Parise G, Phillips SM, Heisz JJ

## Question

Does a multi-ingredient supplement combined with resistance exercise and HIIT improve cognition and omega-3 index in healthy older men?

## Summary

Healthy older men received either a multi-ingredient supplement or placebo, then completed supervised resistance training plus once-weekly cycling HIIT while continuing the drink. Cognitive scores improved after the exercise phase, and omega-3 status rose in the supplement group, but the design does not isolate HIIT from resistance training or supplementation.

## Population

- Forty-nine healthy sedentary older men were randomized; 38 completed.
- Sample size: 49
- Age: Mean 73 +/- 6 years
- Sex: Male
- Fitness level: Sedentary; no structured resistance or aerobic training in prior 6 months
- Health status: Healthy, non-diabetic, cardiac-screened older men

## Methodology

- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel trial; secondary analysis
- 20 weeks total; 6 weeks supplement-only plus 12 weeks supervised exercise with supplementation
- McMaster University exercise facility
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- RET plus HIIT with supplement.
- Modality: Resistance machines and cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: HIIT: 60 seconds at workload eliciting about 90% HRmax.
- Recovery: 60 seconds cycling at self-selected pace at 25 W.
- Sets or repetitions: 10 HIIT intervals; resistance exercises 3 sets of 6-8 reps.
- Intensity: HIIT about 90% HRmax; resistance 80% 1RM.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week total; HIIT once weekly.
- Program length: 12 weeks exercise.
- Progression: HRmax re-assessed at week 6.
- Placebo plus same RET/HIIT.
- Modality: Same exercise program.
- Work intervals: Same HIIT as intervention.
- Recovery: Same HIIT recovery as intervention.
- Sets or repetitions: Same exercise dose.
- Intensity: Same exercise intensity.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week total.
- Program length: 12 weeks exercise.
- Progression: Same exercise progression.

## Outcomes

### Cognition
Status: improved
MOCA, delayed recall, Go-NoGo reaction time, and composite cognition improved after the exercise phase.

MOCA p=0.01; delayed recall p=0.047; Go-NoGo reaction time p=0.002; composite p<0.001.

### Omega-3 index
Status: improved
n-3 index and EPA+DHA increased in the supplement group.

### BDNF
Status: worse/safety concern
BDNF concentrations were reduced after the exercise phase, though baseline-to-week-19 change was not significant.

Time effect p=0.007; baseline-week19 p=0.127.

## Practical Insights

- A once-weekly 10x60s cycling HIIT session can be combined with twice-weekly resistance training in screened older men.
- Cognitive claims should be framed around combined exercise and nutrition rather than HIIT alone.

## Limitations

- Underpowered for between-group cognitive differences.
- Combined RET, HIIT, and supplement design cannot isolate HIIT effects.
- Healthy older men only.
- No no-interaction control group.

## Safety And Adherence

- No adverse events reported.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31143111/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00107) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521794/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.