When you think about supplements for cognitive health, what are the benefits you aim to get? Improved memory? Recall? Focus/concentration? Learning enhancement? All of the above? There are many nutraceuticals capable of addressing the different branches of the cognitive health tree.

In 2021, the market size for the category of cognitive health supplements (e.g., brain health, brain boosting, nootropics) was valued at $7.68 billion and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030, according to a Grand View Research report.¹

It’s important to note the multi-generational appeal of these products, from Baby Boomers with age-related memory impairment to Gen Z, who want a mental edge in school or in the workplace.

Memory

The first branch of the cognitive health tree to examine is memory. Demand for products in this segment is likely a function of age-related memory impairment (ARMI), which is relatively common and should not be confused with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.² ARMI relates to mild memory problems associated with normal aging (e.g., “Where did I put my keys?”).³ Here are a few of many possible nutraceuticals from which to choose:

• Wild blueberry, glutathione and L-cysteine: In research, helped improve episodic memory in healthy older people.⁴
• Ginkgo biloba leaf extract: In research, helped improve occasional, age-related absent mindedness.^5-8
• Phosphatidylserine: In research, improved memory scores in people with age-related memory impairment.^9-10

Recall

Initially, recall may sound synonymous with memory. But in this context, we refer to short-term memory issues that aren’t necessarily related to aging and may even be stress-induced and on-the-job related. Nutraceuticals that may help include:

• Holy basil extract: In research, stressed individuals decreased the intensity of forgetfulness to about one-third of that observed in placebo group.¹¹
• Silk protein hydrolysate: In research, helped subjects stay more competitive, and perform better on the job by improving memory, while enhancing learning, attention, mathematical ability, and memorization.¹²
• Spearmint leaf extract: In research, helped improve overall working memory (i.e., the small amount of information that can be held in mind and used in the execution of cognitive tasks).¹³
• Rhodiola rosea root extract: In research, improved capacity for mental work during stress.^14-16

Focus/Concentration

Concentration means control of attention. It is the ability to focus the mind on one subject, object, or thought, and at the same time exclude from the mind every other unrelated thought, idea, feeling, and sensation. This has advantages on the job, as well as during sports or hobbies requiring focus/concentration (e.g., playing an instrument or video game). Some nutraceutical options include:

• L-theanine and caffeine: In research, helped maintain focus.^17-22
• Panax quinquefolius root extract: In research, improved reaction time within 60 minutes.²³
• Sage leaf extract: In research, enhanced cognitive function within 60 minutes.²⁴
• Aronia melanocarpa extract: Potential improvement in focus, energy, concentration, and reaction time scores during gaming.²⁵

Learning Enhancement

Remember the term “smart pill”? While just taking a supplement alone won’t make you smarter, per se, it can help you in your endeavor to do so. For example, Bacopa monnieri leaf extract has been studied for improved ability to acquire and retain new memories.^26-32 

Conclusion

There are many evidence-based nutraceuticals other than those listed here, but hopefully this article provides some food for thought in development of cognitive support formulations.

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About the Author: Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH (AHG) is a certified nutritionist and registered herbalist with 42 years of dietary supplement industry experience.

References

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