#542: Nutrients for Cognitive Performance in Sports – Prof. Shawn Arent, PhD

In the world of sports nutrition, understanding how different supplements and nutrients impact not just physical performance but also cognitive function is rapidly gaining traction. Athletes are constantly seeking that competitive edge, and while many are familiar with the benefits of carbohydrates and caffeine for energy and focus, there's much more at play. Emerging research is highlighting the roles of compounds like creatine and omega-3s, not only for muscle recovery but also for brain health, particularly following traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Beyond the usual suspects of performance nutrition, intriguing compounds like theacrine and tyrosine are entering the conversation. With potential cognitive effects that range from improved focus to faster decision-making, these supplements have sparked interest but also raise questions. How strong is the evidence behind these claims, and where do we draw the line between scientific promise and practical application? How do we apply the science in real-world settings where perfect data may not exist? This episode addresses these questions via the insights of Professor Shawn Arent of University of South Carolina. Timestamps 01:44 – Dr. Arent's key areas of research 04:03 – Defining and understanding cognitive performance in athletes 09:31 – The impact of carbohydrates on cognitive function and decision-making 29:00 – Protein, amino acids, and their role in cognitive function under stress 34:17 – How caffeine enhances cognitive performance: decision-making and reaction time 42:00 – Comparing the effects of theacrine and caffeine on cognitive and physical performance 44:48 – How caffeine dosing impacts sleep and recovery 46:55 – Theacrine, dynamine, and emerging supplements in sports performance 57:56 – Nicotine's potential cognitive benefits and the associated risks for athletes 01:04:56 – Creatine and omega-3s: their roles in brain health and concussion recovery 01:13:05 – Navigating the challenges of applying research to real-world practice Links: Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Get research reviews from Dr. Eric Trexler and collegues