This study investigates the cognitive effects of Ārepa, a blackcurrant-based drink, under simulated high-altitude conditions (4,500m normobaric hypoxia for \~180 minutes). Using a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover design, participants will consume either the nootropic blackcurrant-based drink or a taste-matched placebo. Cognitive testing (\~80 minutes) includes Trail-making, Stroop, N-back, Serial 7s/3s, and RVIP tasks. Physiological measures (heart rate, SpO₂, blood) and biomarkers (MAO-B, BDNF, hsCRP, S100B, Prolactin, C3G, Sarmentosin) will be assessed. Scales will evaluate mood, wellbeing, and perceived effects. The aim is to determine if the nootropic drink can support cognitive function in hypoxic environments.
Willing and able to provide written informed consent (in English)
Aged 18-35
Male
Residing at a low altitude (<500m)
Diagnosed food allergy or intolerance to the investigational products or control products. (Blackcurrant, food allergen/ pine, tree-derived allergen/ l-theanine tree allergen (camellia sinensis))
Significant past medical and psychiatric history and ongoing chronic conditions such as, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, endocrine disorder (e.g. Diabetes mellites) and neurological and psychiatric conditions including brain injury or are colourblind.
Significant medication history or current prescription of medication or supplements known to affect cognition such as. Sedatives, stimulants, or herbal supplements high in anthocyanin and polyphenol content.
A positive result from the pre-screening sickle cell trait blood test.
Crossover
Nootropics (ginkgo biloba, nicergoline, piracetam, or others)
Dietary supplementNootropic drink containing Anthrocyanins, L-theanie and Enzogenol
Placebo
Dietary supplementTaste- and appearance-matched placebo beverage without active ingredients.
Executive Function (Trail Making Task)
Change from baseline (sea level, pre-supplementation) in completion time during acute high-altitude exposure, assessed at \~1 hour and \~2 hours post exposure following a cognitive demand battery. Measures of correct response and reaction time in seconds.
Working Memory (N-back)
Change from baseline (sea level, pre-supplementation) in accuracy (percent correct responses) and mean reaction time (milliseconds) on the N-back task during acute high-altitude exposure, assessed at \~1 hour and \~2 hours post exposure following a cognitive demand battery. Measures are response time in milliseconds and percentage of correct response.
Attention (RVIP) as part of the Cognitive Demand Battery
Change from baseline (sea level, pre-supplementation) in accuracy (percent correct) and mean reaction time (milliseconds) on the RVIP task, administered as part of a repeated cognitive demand battery beginning \~1 hr 20 min into acute high-altitude exposure and repeated 6 times within 1 hour.
Executive Function (Stroop, colour word task)
Change from baseline (sea level, pre-supplementation) in number of correct responses and mean reaction time during acute high-altitude exposure, assessed at \~1 hour and \~2 hours post exposure following a cognitive demand battery. Measures are number of correct responses and response time in seconds.
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