The Effects of Tyrosol and Creatine on Exercise Performance and Cognition in Healthy Adults

This study will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. It will be conducted over a 8-week intervention investigating the effects of creatine (5g Creatine monohydrate); placebo control (5g resistant dextrin), and a combination group containing both creatine and tyrosol (5g creatine monohydrate + 150mg tyrosol/day). Endurance, strength, cognition, and fatigue resistance will be examined through repeated strength and endurance testing (described below). Participants who pass initial screening will be invited on-site for day one (Visit 1) of testing where the participants will proceed with a series of tests which will include the following: (1) body composition; (2) mood and cognitive testing; (3) full-body strength testing; (4) 5RM (repetition maximum) bench press, leading to multiple sets of bench press (based on the previous weight) completed to failure; (5) finally, a time to exhaustion endurance test will be conducted followed by (6) repeat cognitive testing. After the 8-week supplementation period (\~56-60 days), all original measures will be repeated as before in the same order (Visit 2). Approximately 24 hours later (Visit 3) participants will complete a questionnaire for muscle soreness remotely, and again at 48 hours post-Visit 2 (visit 4).

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy males aged 20-55 * Currently active (engaged in moderate to vigorous activity at least 2-days per week as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines) * Estimated VO2 max greater than the 40th percentile of the population norm for age (assessed via ACSM guidelines, 2014). The VO2 max estimation at screening will be obtained by following a non-exercise regression model validated and described by Bradshaw et al. (2005). * Able to read and write in English * During the study, agree not to take any other supplements that may increase muscle strength or endurance (e.g. protein formulas, creatine, amino acids, tyrosol or stimulants other than caffeine). * During the study, subjects will not deviate from their normal daily routine unless it conflicts with study criteria. This includes maintaining their present workout routine and diet, without substantial changes. Exclusion Criteria: * Known diagnosis of any cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, or renal disease * Uncontrolled stage II hypertension or higher * Recent musculoskeletal injury (\