On The Shelf
Johanna Taylor Katroscik, PharmD
According to a 2019 Brain Health and Dietary Supplements Survey conducted by AARP, over 25% of Americans age 50 and up use some sort of supplement to help boost their brain health. A quick internet search for brain-boosting or nootropic supplements will pull up millions of results, many of which are advertisements for products claiming to stave off dementia or improve cognitive function. So, what are the ingredients contained in these supplements, and do they actually work?
Background and function
Brain-boosting supplements are also known as nootropics or memory-enhancing drugs. Manufacturers of these products make many claims about the extensive benefits they provide, including delaying dementia and improving cognitive function and focus. Neuriva and Prevagen are 2 of the most widely marketed brands of these supplements.
Neuriva has several products available for purchase; all claim to “support 5 different indicators of brain performance: focus, memory, learning, accuracy, and concentration.” The common ingredient in all Neuriva products is coffee fruit extract. Coffee fruit extract is thought to have neuroprotective benefits by increasing plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Prevagen, on the other hand, claims to “help with mild memory loss associated with aging.” It also comes in several formulations, but the common ingredient in these products is apoaequorin, a compound that was discovered in jellyfish and is patented by Quincy Bioscience, the makers of Prevagen. Apoaequorin is a calcium-binding protein; the exact mechanism of action in brain function is unknown. There is speculation that because apoaequorin is a protein, it is broken down in the gut before it can actually get to the brain to be effective.
Other supplements professing brain benefits include Omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, vitamin E, and gingko biloba. There is mixed literature on how and if these supplements on their own may be helpful to brain function.
Is there a benefit?
There has been no research, up to this point, that shows any clinically meaningful benefit to people who take these products.
The makers of Prevagen, Quincy Bioscience, did conduct a trial that they believe supports the use of their product. However, this trial was paid for and overseen by Quincy Bioscience. The inclusion criteria for the trial were healthy people (male or female) who were between 40 and 95 years old who had concerns with memory issues and who were able to complete the study protocol and periodic cognitive tests. Exclusion criteria for the trial included a history of uncontrolled hypertension, untreated psychotic or major depressive disorder, a significant neurological disease, or an inability to adhere to study protocol. Additionally, this study found no statistically significant benefits.
Daily requirements and dietary sources
There are no daily requirements or recommendations in favor of these products.
In 2019, The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) published a guideline called The Real Deal on Brain Health Supplements: GCBH Recommendations on Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Dietary Supplements. This publication gives consensus statements and recommendations based on scientific research that is peer-reviewed by scientists and specialists from diverse backgrounds including nutrition, neurology, psychology, and epidemiology. These guidelines recommend against any self-treatment with supplements that are formulated for brain health.
What to tell your patients
If a person is experiencing serious cognitive problems or memory loss, they should see a provider as soon as possible.
There are no supplements that have been proven to improve cognition, dementia, or overall brain health. Supplements should not be started without discussion with a health care professional.
In general, the best way to incorporate supplements is by eating a healthy and well-balanced diet that includes healthy oils; nuts; fruit; and green, leafy vegetables. Regular daily physical activity can also support healthy aging and brain function. ■