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Introduction
The brain plays a central role in both physical and psychological function and performance. The brain also has a very high energy demand. In addition, fatiguing conditions can cause impairment of cognitive performance.
One area of research in neurometabolism related to the potential use of nutrients on improving cognitive function, as well as “rescuing” the fatigue-related declines in performance.
Nick Gant is Director of the Exercise Neurometabolism Laboratory at the University of Auckland. His group uses interdisciplinary approaches from the nutritional sciences and neurosciences to investigate the role of nutrition in brain health and performance. Nick is particularly interested in foods and supplements that prevent brain fatigue and improve physical and cognitive function.
In this episode, the potential impact of creatine, caffeine, nicotine and exogenous ketones were discussed.
Related resources
- Gant Lab, Univesity of Auckland
- Connell et al., 2016 – Fatigue related impairments in oculomotor control are prevented by caffeine
- Connell et al., 2017 – Effects of Dopamine and Norepinephrine on Exercise-induced Oculomotor Fatigue
- Turner, Byblow & Gant, 2015 – Creatine Supplementation Enhances Corticomotor Excitability and Cognitive Performance during Oxygen Deprivation
- Turner & Gant, 2013 – The Biochemistry of Creatine
- Turner et al., 2014 – Carbohydrate in the mouth enhances activation of brain circuitry involved in motor performance and sensory perception
- Gant, Stinear & Byblow, 2010 – Carbohydrate in the mouth immediately facilitates motor output
- 1. Understanding fatigue
- 2. Hypoxia-induced decrements in cognitive performance
- 3. Role of caffeine and stimulants in “rescuing” performance in high-fatigue/high-stress states
- 4. Creatine for cognitive function and brain health
- 5. Potential for creatine mitigating traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- 6. Can ketones aid in mitigating traumatic brain injury?
- 7. Thoughts on cognitive impact of nicotine
- 8. CHO mouth rinsing: proposed mechanism of action
Guest Information
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His group uses interdisciplinary approaches from the nutritional sciences and neurosciences to investigate the role of nutrition in brain health and performance. Nick is particularly interested in foods and supplements that prevent brain fatigue and improve physical and cognitive function.
His research is currently funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand, the Health Research Council of New Zealand, and several industrial partnerships. He partners with clinicians and dieticians within the NZ Centre for Brain Research and provides scientific and educational support for elite athletes, government and military organisations.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
The brain plays a central role in both physical and psychological function and performance. The brain also has a very high energy demand. In addition, fatiguing conditions can cause impairment of cognitive performance.
One area of research in neurometabolism related to the potential use of nutrients on improving cognitive function, as well as “rescuing” the fatigue-related declines in performance.
Nick Gant is Director of the Exercise Neurometabolism Laboratory at the University of Auckland. His group uses interdisciplinary approaches from the nutritional sciences and neurosciences to investigate the role of nutrition in brain health and performance. Nick is particularly interested in foods and supplements that prevent brain fatigue and improve physical and cognitive function.
In this episode, the potential impact of creatine, caffeine, nicotine and exogenous ketones were discussed.
Connection to Previous Episodes
Some previous podcast episodes that touch on related topics:
- #438: Diet, Brain Health & Cognitive Function
- #304: Tommy Wood, MD, PhD – Neurodegenerative Disease, Traumatic Brain Injury & Genetics
- #241: Elise Facer-Childs, PhD – Circadian Phenotypes, Brain Function & Athletic Performance
In addition, we have a FAQ on creatine available here: Creatine – Common Questions Answered
