
The Best Brain Supplement for Your Brain
- August 2, 2021
A study of more than 3,500 adults found that the brain’s brain-boosting supplements are not necessarily the best.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that while some brain-enhancing supplements do not work as well as others, the brain-stabilizing benefits of some supplements are less than others.
“Brain-enhancers” include the brain stimulant methylphenidate, the anti-depressant phenytoin, and the antidepressant Zoloft.
The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which collects data on the health of the U.S. population, to examine the effectiveness of brain-supplement use among adults ages 18 to 75.
They also looked at the effectiveness in older adults.
“While the use of brain supplements is increasing, we observed that the benefits are less effective than many other types of supplements,” said Dr. Michael Bekes, lead author of the study.
“The results suggest that brain-stimulating agents that may be effective in older patients should be evaluated by health professionals in order to optimize their effectiveness for older adults.”
Brain-stretching supplements such as the Neurovitamin are known to have benefits, but not to the extent of other brain-preserving supplements.
“These results suggest some supplements that are touted as brain-healthy may be of little benefit in older people,” Dr. Bekess added.
“They may be less effective in younger patients.”
For example, the researchers found that of the supplements tested, Zolort had the lowest effectiveness among older adults aged 75 and older.
For the other brain enhancers, they found that Phenytoinfinity, Metronidazole, and Adrafinil had the best efficacy in older Americans aged 50 to 65.
“In other words, while many supplements may be promising for the elderly, they may be no more effective than other supplements in older individuals,” Dr Bekers said.
“Therefore, it is important for health professionals to be aware of these supplements in order that they are not misused and to seek out alternative therapies that are more effective in the elderly.”
He added that he believes there are “many more brain-inducing supplements” that may help older adults, but added that there is “no evidence yet that they work as effectively for younger people.”
The researchers noted that “some individuals may be particularly sensitive to the effects of some brain supplements” because of their use in the past.
“This means that it is not always clear which supplement is likely to be best for them,” he said.
A few brain-balancing supplements are already on the market, including the Brain Booster and Brain Tonic, both of which are marketed by GNC.
“There is an emerging body of evidence showing that the use and administration of brain products, particularly methylphenadine and pheny to improve cognitive function, has the potential to improve memory and cognitive function in elderly people,” said GNC CEO and co-founder Andrew Sorkin in a statement.
“Our team of scientists is exploring whether there are other supplements that can also improve cognitive performance.”
For those who want to take the supplement, there are many online and offline stores that carry Brain Tonics and Brain Booster.
However, if you’re looking for a better option, the FDA recommends that you contact your doctor or opt for a “supplement” company that offers “effective, safe, and inexpensive” products.
According to the FDA, “There are no clinical trials to demonstrate that brain supplements are safe or effective for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Dr. Mark Gershman, a neurologist and clinical professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, said that although some supplements may not be suitable for everyone, there is still a lot of research being done on them.
“It is important to look at supplements carefully,” Dr Gersheman said.
“[They are] probably not going to work for everyone.”