A Study to Evaluate the Impact of a Nutritional Product on Cognition in Healthy Teenagers

A Prospective, Randomized, Proof of Concept Study to Evaluate the Impact of a Nutritional Product on Cognition in Healthy Teenagers

Nutritional products such as spearmint extract, alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline and phosphatidylserine may have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect that may be effective in improving cognition. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a nutritional product on cognition in healthy teenagers.

There is a growing interest in the nootropic properties of nutritional supplements, especially for improving cognitive processes such as attention, perception, evaluation, and working memory. Spearmint extract, alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline, and pyrroloquinoline quinone have antioxidative properties that may contribute to cognitive function, and spearmint extract has demonstrated attention-enhancing effects in young adults and memory-improving effects in elderly population. Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid found abundantly in the brain that has also been evidenced to be effective in improving cognition.

This randomized, double-blind study will be conducted to determine whether a nutritional supplement containing spearmint extract, phosphatidylserine, alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline, and pyrroloquinoline quinone ("Brain Doctors Formula Mega Brain Boost") is safe and effective in improving cognitive function in healthy participants aged 12 to 18 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Middle, high school, or college students who are 12 to 18 years of age (inclusive).

2. In good general health (no active or uncontrolled diseases, infections, or conditions) and able to swallow the study products (tablets).

3. Have normal (or acceptable to the investigator) vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate) at screening.

4. Individuals of childbearing potential must practice a medically acceptable form of birth control for a certain timeframe prior to the first dose of study product and throughout the study, including:

   1. use for at least 3 months prior to the first dose of study product: hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (e.g., Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (e.g., NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (e.g., Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (e.g., Norplant System); or
   2. use for at least 1 month prior to the first dose of study product: double-barrier method, intrauterine devices or
   3. vasectomy of partner at least 6 months prior to the first dose of study product Individuals of the potential to get others pregnant must use condoms or other medically acceptable methods to prevent pregnancy throughout the study.

5. Agree to refrain from treatments listed in protocol in the defined timeframe.

6. Participant and participant's legally authorized representative (LAR, if applicable) are willing and able to agree to the requirements and restrictions of this study, be willing to give voluntary consent and assent, be able to understand and perform the assessments, carry out all study-related procedures, communicate effectively with the study staff, and agree to allow evaluations related to cognitive function.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Female or transgendered male participants who are lactating, pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study.
2. History of diagnosis of depression, other psychiatric disorders (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]), or any related condition within the past five years.
3. History of heart disease/cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., ≥130 mmHg systolic and/or ≥80 mmHg diastolic), kidney disease (dialysis or renal failure), hepatic impairment, Type I or Type II diabetes, unstable thyroid disease, immune disorder (i.e., HIV/AIDS), or cancer (except localized skin cancer without metastases or in situ cervical cancer) within 5 years prior to screening visit.
4. Have a known sensitivity, intolerability, or allergy to any of the study products or their excipients.
5. Use of concomitant treatments listed in protocol within the defined timeframe.
6. Any condition or abnormality that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise the safety of the participant or the quality of the study data.
7. History of alcohol or substance abuse in the 12 months prior to screening.
8. Receipt or use of test product(s) in another research study within 28 days prior to baseline (Visit 2) or longer if the previous test product is deemed by the investigator to have lasting effects that might influence the eligibility criteria or outcomes of current study.
9. Siblings or family members living at the same address if there is already a participant from the same family/address.
10. Any other active or unstable medical conditions or use of medications/supplements/ therapies that, in the opinion of the investigator, may adversely affect the participant's ability to complete the study or its measures or pose a significant risk to the participant.