Simultaneous Multicomponent Exercise and Chlorella Intake Improve Information Processing Function and Prevent Decline in Executive Function among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: /Objectives: Cognicise (multicomponent exercise) and Chlorella (microbial food) improve cognitive function independently. However, their combined effect and underlying mechanisms, including antioxidant capacity and metabolite fluctuations, remains unelucidated. We investigated the effect of multicomponent exercise combined with Chlorella intake on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults and assessed changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), free radical scavenging activity, and blood metabolites. Methods: In this double-blind comparative study conducted over 6 months, 16 older adults randomly received either Chlorella (Ex+C group) or a placebo (Ex+P group) alongside performing multicomponent exercise. Cognitive function (memory, attention, executive, and information processing) was assessed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool. The scavenging activity against various ROS and free radicals was measured, and a comprehensive metabolomic analysis was performed. Results: A significant interaction was observed for information processing function, improving significantly in both groups post-intervention. The Ex+P group showed a significant executive function decline; no such change was observed in the Ex+C group. The Ex+C group exhibited significantly improved OH· scavenging activity post-intervention. Free radical scavenging activity increased in both groups. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant changes in 29 and 25 metabolites in the Ex+C and Ex+P groups, respectively, between before and after the intervention. Conclusions: Combining multicomponent exercise and Chlorella intake may increase metabolites, thereby improving the scavenging activity of ROS and free radicals. This approach can improve information processing ability while preventing the significant executive function decline of exercise alone.