Effect of Tyrosine Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Mood During Military Stress
NCT ID: NCT01913925
Last Updated: 2020-11-03
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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COMPLETED
NA
80 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2009-07-31
2009-10-31
Brief Summary
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Tyrosine is the dietary precursor of the catecholamine norepinephrine, a key brain neurotransmitter that is critical for the central nervous system (CNS) response to various types of acute stress. Psychological stress increases catecholamine turnover in the brain, increasing the requirement for tyrosine to support synthesis of norepinephrine. Animal and human studies have shown that tyrosine supplementation can produce beneficial effects on cognitive and physiological functions during exposure to a variety of acute stressors.
This project will determine if volunteers treated with supplemental tyrosine during stressful phases of SERE training experience less degradation in cognitive performance and mood than volunteers treated with placebo. Tyrosine or placebo will be administered in a specially developed food bar provided to volunteers. The bar is part of a prototype of ration-component designed for use during assault operations. A between-subjects, double blind experimental design will be employed. Tyrosine, an amino acid found in most protein-containing foods, has been tested in hundreds of volunteers without adverse effects.
Approximately 100 volunteers will be recruited from several SERE classes to ensure up to 80 volunteers complete the study. They will be tested during several portions of SERE. A comprehensive but brief battery of cognitive tests, as well as saliva samples, and heart rate data will be collected in a manner that does not interfere with ongoing training.
Hypotheses:
1. Exposure to the stressors of SERE school will adversely impact cognitive performance and mood of volunteers.
2. The adverse effects of psychological stress on cognitive performance and mood during SERE school will be reduced when volunteers are given supplemental tyrosine compared to placebo treatment.
Detailed Description
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Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
OTHER
DOUBLE
Study Groups
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Tyrosine-Containing Food Bar
150 mg/kg dose of tyrosine per administration, administered twice
Tyrosine-Containing Food Bar
Placebo bar
0 mg/kg dose of tyrosine per administration, administered twice
Placebo Bar
Interventions
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Tyrosine-Containing Food Bar
Placebo Bar
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Fluent in English (non-native English speakers can be enrolled).
Exclusion Criteria
18 Years
39 Years
ALL
Yes
Sponsors
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United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
FED
Responsible Party
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Principal Investigators
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Harris R. Lieberman, PhD
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
Locations
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US Navy SERE School
Brunswick, Maine, United States
Countries
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Other Identifiers
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H08-05
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id