Policosanol for Focus & Reaction Time? Study Results

observational-study PMID: 20234035

Quick Summary: A study found that a combination of policosanol and omega-3 fatty acids helped karate athletes react faster and feel more energetic.

What The Research Found

Athletes who took policosanol (along with omega-3) for 21 days showed faster reaction times in attention tests. They also reported feeling more energetic and less stressed. These positive effects were still slightly noticeable even 21 days after they stopped taking the supplements.

Study Details

Who was studied: 18 male karate athletes

How long: 21 days of taking the supplements, with follow-up testing 21 days later

What they took: A daily dose of 10 mg of policosanol and 2.25 g of omega-3 fatty acids. Another group took a placebo (inactive substance).

What This Means For You

If you're an athlete, this study suggests that policosanol, when combined with omega-3, might help you react quicker and feel better. However, this study only looked at karate athletes, so the results might be different for other sports or people. More research is needed.

Study Limitations

The study only included a small number of people.

It only looked at karate athletes.

The study didn't isolate policosanol; it was always combined with omega-3.

The study was short-term.

Key Findings

Supplementation with omega-3 (2.25 g) and policosanol (10 mg) for 21 days significantly reduced reaction time in karateka during attention tests, improved mood states (increased vigor, reduced negative emotions via POMS), and decreased latency of movement-related brain potentials and EMG activation. Effects partially persisted 21 days post-supplementation (Test 3), though reaction times increased slightly compared to Test 2. The placebo group showed no significant changes. Results indicate central nervous system-mediated improvements in reactivity.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial (labeled observational-study in source) with 18 male karateka athletes (10 in intervention, 8 in placebo). Participants underwent baseline testing (Test 1), post-21-day supplementation (Test 2), and 21-day post-supplementation follow-up (Test 3). Cognitive assessments included Alert and Sustained Attention reaction time tests, event-related potentials (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and POMS mood questionnaires.

Dosage & Administration

Daily oral supplementation of 2.25 g omega-3 fatty acids + 10 mg policosanol for 21 days. Administered in capsule form. Placebo group received oleic sunflower oil capsules. Compliance was monitored via daily logs.

Results & Efficacy

Reaction time: Significantly reduced in Test 2 vs. baseline (p < 0.05, exact p-values not specified in abstract). Values remained lower than baseline at Test 3 but increased vs. Test 2.
Neurophysiology: Reduced latency of premotor/motor brain potentials and EMG activation in Test 2 (p < 0.05), indicating faster neural processing.
Mood: Increased vigor and reduced tension/depression (POMS) at Test 2 (p < 0.05), with mood benefits persisting at Test 3.
Placebo group showed no statistically significant changes in any metric across tests.

Limitations

Small sample size (n = 18) limits statistical power and generalizability. Short intervention duration (21 days) and single-sport athlete cohort (karateka) restrict applicability to broader populations. Abstract lacks effect sizes, confidence intervals, and detailed statistical reporting. No isolated policosanol arm prevents attribution of effects solely to policosanol (combination therapy used). Potential unblinding risk due to omega-3 aftertaste not addressed.

Clinical Relevance

For athletes, short-term co-supplementation of policosanol (10 mg) and omega-3 may enhance cognitive-motor reactivity and mood, potentially benefiting sports requiring rapid decision-making. However, effects diminish post-discontinuation, suggesting ongoing use is necessary. Users should note this study does not isolate policosanol’s effects, and results may not apply to non-athletes or longer-term use. Replication in larger, diverse cohorts with policosanol-only arms is needed before clinical recommendations.