In recent years, research has shown that we can take steps to improve our brain health and that it matters in the long term. The brain has an amazing ability to form new neural connections, also known as neuroplasticity. This allows the brain to change and evolve throughout our lives. Therefore, it is never too early or too late to start taking care of our brains.
Brain health supplements can be a great addition to a brain-healthy lifestyle. They can be used by adults of all ages to support cognitive health, which includes more than just memory. Nevertheless, the process of choosing an appropriate brain health supplement can often be challenging.
Here are 4 tips to help you choose the best brain health supplement for you:
1. Seek clinically studied supplements.
It's crucial to look for clinically tested supplements when choosing a dietary supplement for brain health. Reliable information about the safety and efficacy of supplements in humans is reinforced by clinical studies that build on well-designed preclinical results that are relevant to the targeted human population. As a result, you can have greater trust that the supplement will function as promised and may not cause negative side effects.
There are many supplements for brain health available, but not all of them are the same. Some supplements contain subpar components or have not been put through human testing. These supplements might not work and may even be dangerous.
Choose a supplement for your brain's health that has undergone a clinical study. This not only indicates that a controlled scientific study was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the dietary supplement, but also indicates the investigation was carried out by a respectable organization and reported in a peer-reviewed publication. The ingredients in Neuriva have been extensively studied and Neuriva Original is one of the only brain health supplements on the market with a clinical trial that demonstrated clinical efficacy as a complete formula. For more details read the full study results here (https://www.schiffvitamins.com/blogs/brain-health/positive-results-for-neuriva-in-our-clinical-trial).
2. Look for science-backed ingredients.
Brain health supplements are not all created equal. Some contain ingredients that have been demonstrated to support cognitive function, while others may contain ingredients that have not been well-studied.
When choosing a brain health supplement, look for one that contains ingredients that have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Some well-studied ingredients include:
- Neurofactor™: A whole coffee cherry extract that has been shown to stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps to support the growth and survival of nerve cells.1
- Phosphatidylserine: A phospholipid that helps to improve cell membrane function and communication between nerve cells.1
- Key B vitamins: B vitamins are essential for many brain functions, including memory and cognitive function.2
There are various advantages to nerve cell growth and communication for cognitive function and brain health. Here are a few such examples:
Improved memory: Nerve cell development and communication are required for memory formation and storage. When nerve cells expand and communicate well, they can encode and recover memories more effectively. This can result in increased memory function for activities as simple as remembering where you left your car to as difficult as learning a new language.1
Improved learning: Nerve cell growth and communication are also important in learning. When nerve cells can grow and communicate properly, they can make new connections with one another. This makes it easier for the brain to learn new information and skills.2
Increased cognitive flexibility: Nerve cell development and communication both contribute to cognitive flexibility, which is defined as the ability to adapt to new situations and switch between tasks. When nerve cells can efficiently develop and communicate, they can create new connections and restructure themselves in response to new obstacles. This can result in increased cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities.5
3. Pay attention to the other ingredients.
In addition to the active ingredients, brain health supplements may also contain other ingredients, such as fillers, binders, and preservatives. It is important to try and choose a supplement that does not contain these ingredients.
Be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing a brain health supplement. Avoid supplements that contain artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
Synthetic colors, flavors, and sweeteners are substances that are frequently utilized in supplements to make them more enticing to consumers; however, there is some evidence that artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners may be harmful to one's health.1 Some studies, for example, have linked artificial sweeteners to weight gain and metabolic issues.2
There is additional evidence that artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners may be harmful to brain health. One study discovered that rats exposed to artificial colors had reduced cognitive function.3 Another study discovered that artificial sweeteners can damage the blood-brain barrier, allowing hazardous compounds to enter the brain more easily.4
More research is required to confirm the link between artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners and detrimental health effects. However, the existing research suggests that it is preferable to avoid these substances.
4. Choose a reputable manufacturer.
It is important to choose a brain health supplement from a reputable manufacturer. This will help to ensure that the supplement is effective.
Look for a manufacturer that takes the safety of its ingredients and products seriously, that has a good reputation, and that has a history of producing high-quality products. Seek out products manufactured within the strict FDA guidelines and Current Good Manufacturing Process. Consider manufacturers that have other reputable products and that are not “new” or a “fad.” You can also read reviews of different brain health supplements online to see what other people have experienced.
Conclusion
Choosing the right brain health supplement can be a challenge, but it is important to do your research and select a product that is backed by science and contains effective ingredients.
One brain health supplement that meets all of these criteria is Neuriva. Neuriva is a brand that always leads with the science first. It contains two key ingredients: Neurofactor™ and phosphatidylserine. Neurofactor™ is a whole coffee cherry extract that has been clinically tested to stimulate the production of BDNF, a protein that helps to support the growth and survival of nerve cells. Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that helps to improve cell membrane function and communication between nerve cells.1
Neuriva is also manufactured by Reckitt, a consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition company with an excellent reputation for producing high-quality products. If you are looking for a brain health supplement that is backed by science and contains safe and effective ingredients, Neuriva is a good option to consider.
Learn more about Neuriva brain health supplements by visiting Neuriva.com
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
1Doma, K.M., Lewis, E.D., Barracato, J.M. et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study Investigating the Efficacy of a Whole Coffee Cherry Extract and Phosphatidylserine Formulation on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Adults with Self-Perceived Memory Problems. Neurol Ther (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-023-00454-z.
2EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B12 and contribution to normal neurological and psychological functions (ID 95, 97, 98, 100, 102, 109), contribution to normal homocysteine metabolism (ID 96, 103, 106), maintenance of normal bone (ID 104), maintenance of normal teeth (ID 104), maintenance of normal hair (ID 104), maintenance of normal skin (ID 104), maintenance of normal nails (ID 104), reduction of tiredness and fatigue (ID 108), and cell division (ID 212) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1756. [23 pp.]. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1756. Available online: www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal.htm.
3Kandel, E. R. (2001). The molecular biology of memory storage: A dialogue between genes and synapses. Science, 291(5511), 2580-2586.
4Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2004). Neuroplasticity: changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature, 427(6972), 311-312.
5Lövlie, H., Vestby, G. K., Mollestad, T. A., Fjell, A. M., Walhovd, K. B., & Reinvang, I. (2009). Cognitive flexibility and white matter integrity in 70-year-olds. Neuropsychologia, 47(11), 2197-2205.
6Rios-Leyvraz M, et al. Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240046429. Accessed Oct. 5, 2022.
7Know your limit for added sugars. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/sugar.html. Accessed Oct. 5, 2022
8El-Sayed, Y. M., Abou El-Ela, S. A., & Mohamed, M. G. (2018). Neurotoxic effects of artificial food colors on cognitive function and oxidative stress parameters in rats. Toxicology Reports, 5, 1225-1232.
9Wang, L., & Kang, D. (2019). Artificial sweeteners impair blood-brain barrier integrity and promote neuroinflammation. Frontiers in Nutrition, 6, 102.