Brain Supplements nourish the brain with protective antioxidants & energizing compounds.** They provide the “building blocks” for new brain cells and neurotransmitters as well as:**
- Promote accurate memory & fast recall.**
- Support a bright, positive-minded mood.**
- Sharpen cognition and mental focus.**
What are Brain Supplements?
Life expectancy is steadily increasing – and so is the quality of life as we get older. However, it has been estimated that two out of every five adults over the age of 55 contends with some degree of memory problems, enough to interfere with day-to-day activities. Problems like Age-Related Cognitive Decline (ARCD), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) are strongly associated with dementia later in life.**
Many older adults are now proactively supporting brain health to keep their minds sharp as they age. Younger populations are seeking to support their mental performance too, especially when it comes to issues like brain fog, mood problems and poor focus.**
All age groups are susceptible to the many factors that can influence brain health, such as environmental toxins, emotional stress, blood pressure problems, blood sugar issues, brain injuries, alcohol abuse, mood problems, nutritional deficiencies, sedentary lifestyles and aging.**
The good news is that with smart lifestyle choices, brain health may be sharpened in the here-and-now and preserved for the future. A recent study found that regular exercise may delay dementia and other degenerative brain issues by up to 40%. Socialization and brain exercises, such as doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles, reading, playing a musical instrument, learning new dances and playing board games are all associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.**
Brain-healthy lifestyles may also include brain supplements. Research has found a multitude of natural compounds that appear to promote various aspects of brain health. These compounds in brain supplements – also known as “neuronutrients” – may have one or more of the following biological actions:**
- Building block compounds. The brain has the ability to make new brain cells, but it needs nutritional building block “raw materials” to do so.**
- Energizing compounds. The brain is one of the most energy-intensive organs in the body; nutrients can promote healthy energy production in brain cells.**
- Neurotransmitter nutrients. Neurotransmitters are chemicals enable nerve transmission in the brain and nervous system.
- Antioxidants. Free radicals accelerate brain degradation. Special antioxidant compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier to neutralize these free radicals.**
- Vasodilator nutrients. Vasodilators boost blood flow to the brain, helping to deliver nourishing nutrients and oxygen for peak energy production.**
Some of the most popular brain supplements include:
- Ginkgo Biloba: With vasodilator, antioxidant and neurotransmitter properties, this ancient herb is a favorite ingredient in brain supplements for sharp memory.**
- Lecithin: A neurotransmitter nutrient tied to acetylcholine, lecithin is found in brain supplements for mental clarity, sharp memory and a bright mood.**
- Citicoline: A precursor to phosphatidylcholine, citicoline supports brain cell membranes, encourages neurotransmitters and promotes memory and learning.**
- L-Theanine: This amino acid influences neurotransmitter levels and is found in brain supplements that promote relaxation, positivity and mental focus.**
- Acetyl L-Carnitine: This amino acid is a brain antioxidant with vasodilator and neurotransmitter-promoting activities, for energized cognition and sharp memory.**
- Vinpocetine: An extract of periwinkle, vinpocetine boosts blood flow to the brain, oxygenates brain cells and fights free radicals for mental clarity and focus.**
- NADH: This antioxidant coenzyme energizes the brain and boosts dopamine, and is found in brain supplements for mood, motivation, brain fog and memory.**
- GABA: This neurotransmitter helps to calm the nervous system, and is found in brain supplements for relaxation, healthy mood and restful sleep.**
- Phosphatidylserine: Called “PS” in brain supplements, this building block is associated with mental performance, fast memory and new brain cells.**
- Bacopa Monnieri: This Ayurvedic herb encourages fast brain cell communication and is found in brain supplements that support learning, creativity and relaxation.**
- DMAE: This organic brain-protective antioxidant promotes healthy neuron transmission and is found in brain supplements for memory, mood and focus.**
- Phosphatidylcholine: Featuring building block and neurotransmitter properties, this nutrient is found in brain supplements that support cognition and memory.**
- DHA: An Omega-3 fatty acid, DHA is a building block that helps the brain develop in early youth. It supports overall brain health, and is present in brain supplements for positive mood and cognitive performance in aging brains.**
- PQQ: One of the newer brain supplements, PQQ crosses the blood-brain barrier to supply strong neuroprotective antioxidant activity for brain health.**
Brain Supplements
Brain supplements are presented in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, softgels and liquids. Some brain supplements may combine many different compounds associated with brain health for enhanced effects.**
Brain Supplements Directions for Use
Prior to taking any brain supplements, be sure to consult with your physician or healthcare professional. Brain supplements dosage will vary depending on the nature of the formulation.**
