Product Reviews and Information for Brain Health

3/15/2024

Coffee and Brain Bleed?

Does drinking coffee increase the risk of brain bleeds? Find out what research suggests in our article about coffee and heart health.

12/10/2021

Memory Supplement

Did supplementing with Memory Health, a combination of fish oil, carotenoids, and vitamin E, for two years boost memory and cognition in cognitively healthy older people? Find out what a recent study found in our answer about Supplements and Foods for Brain Function.

7/07/2013

Fish Oil for Brain Function

Healthy people, ages 50 to 75, given a specific fish oil supplement for 6 months experienced significant gains in their performance on visual tasks, reading, and verbal fluency in a recent placebo-controlled study. Brain scans also showed significant gains in the structure and volume of tissue in several areas of the brain. For details about the type and dose of fish oil taken, as well as test results and comparisons for 74 fish and other marine oil supplements, see the updated Fish/Marine Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review >>

1/08/2012

Additional Nutrients For the Brain

An new study found that various nutrients and fats in the blood correlate with better brain functioning and brain volume in the elderly (mean age of 87). Higher levels of B vitamins and vitamins C, D, and E, as well as marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) appeared helpful. On the other hand, higher levels of trans-fats (from hydrogenated oils) had a negative impact. You can learn more about each of these nutrients in our various reports. An abstract of the study is online.

8/19/2015

Cocoa Increases Blood Flow to Brain

A small study found that drinking a cocoa drink high in flavanols significantly increased blood flow to the brain, which, the researchers propose, might have potential cognitive benefits. Get the details, including dosage, plus more about cocoa and memory, and our tests of popular products, in the Cocoa Supplements and Dark Chocolate Review >>

5/27/2013

Alzheimer's Changes Slowed with B Vitamins

A combination of B vitamins was found to slow brain loss in areas of the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. This same combination of vitamins has also been shown to slow cognitive decline. Get the details on who may (or may not) benefit, dosage, plus test results for over 35 B vitamin supplements in the updated B Vitamin Supplements Product Review >>

5/02/2020

Does Fish Oil or Curcumin Increase Brain Blood Flow?

A study among people ages 50 to 80 evaluated the effects of fish oil and curcumin on blood flow to the brain and on other aspects of cardiovascular function. See the results in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review and the Curcumin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil and curcumin.

7/21/2020

Omega-3s and the Brain

To raise levels of DHA and EPA in the brain, large doses are needed according to a recent study. Even larger doses are needed by people with a gene associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's. While the study did not show an effect on people's cognitive scores, it may help explain why some studies with fish oil show little effect. For details, see the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.

10/10/2024

Prevagen vs Plasmalogen

A recent study compared the effects of Prevagen on memory and cognition in older men and women with a plasmalogen supplement, which is also promoted for brain benefits. Find out if either helped in our article about plasmalogens and our article about Prevagen.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

12/16/2022

Stevia & Brain Function

Does taking stevia adversely affect cognition or brain function? Find out what research shows in our updated CL Answer about stevia and other natural sweeteners.

1/20/2016

Omega-3's May Be Important in Preventing Cognitive Decline

We have reported in the past that a certain combination of B vitamins slowed cognitive decline as well as brain shrinkage in older people. Now, further analyses finds that these benefits only occurred in people having certain blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids (as found in fish oil). Get the details in the B Vitamins Supplements Review >>

7/05/2016

Folic Acid Supplementation Mitigates Alzheimer's

A recent study in people with Alzheimer's disease found that folic acid supplementation decreased inflammation and slightly improved mental functioning. However, participants began the study unusually low in folic acid relative to normal U.S. levels. For more details see the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> Also see results of a folate/B-12 study which showed reduced brain shrinkage in Alzheimer's patients.

7/16/2014

Fish Oil May Prevent Cognitive Decline

A study of older individuals found that cognitive function and brain volume (size) were better preserved among those who reported using fish oil supplements than those who did not. The effect, however, was only seen in certain groups of people. For more about the study, and our tests and comparisons of fish oil supplements, see the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >> 

8/31/2018

CBD & Psychosis

Can giving CBD to people at risk of psychosis help normalize their brain function? Learn what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of the CBD & Hemp Extract Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among recently tested CBD supplements.)

6/27/2020

Factors For Lower Risk of Dementia

Diet and lifestyle factors were associated with up to 60% reductions in the risk of developing Alzheimer dementia according to a new study. Learn about these lifestyle factors in the updated answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

4/21/2020

Does Protein Powder Affect Blood Flow?

Does supplementing with whey protein isolate affect blood flow through the aorta and to the brain? Find out what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders & Drinks Review. Also learn what effects protein powder has on building and maintaining muscle and see our Top Picks for protein powders.

5/26/2020

Lower Risk of Dementia Through Foods

A 20-year study showed that the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia was 76% lower in people who ate more of certain foods. Find out what they ate and learn if supplements can help in our answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

12/10/2019

Huperzine A for Memory?

Huperzine A is often touted as a memory-enhancing supplement. Find out if it helped in a recent study of people with traumatic brain injuries in the What It Does section of the Huperzine A Supplements Review. Also see our top choice for Huperzine A.

12/30/2021

Nitrosigine for Better Cognition?

Can supplementing with inositol-stabilized arginine silicate (Nitrosigine) improve memory and cognition in healthy people? Find out what a recent study showed in our updated answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

10/10/2021

Ketones for Cognition?

Can a ketone supplement improve cognitive function? See what a recent study found in our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

1/24/2021

Strawberries for Memory?

Can daily consumption of two cups of strawberries improve memory and cognition in older men and women? See what a new study found in our answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

2/03/2021

Thiamin Deficiency from Bowel Disease

People with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s or colitis) can develop thiamin (vitamin B-1) deficiency, which can lead to life-threatening brain injury, as noted in a recent review of 31 cases. Learn more about this and other causes of thiamin deficiency in the Thiamin section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

3/23/2021

MCT Oil for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Can medium chain triglycerides (MCTs – from coconut oil) boost brain energy and improve thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Coconut and MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

9/02/2022

Lithium for Dementia?

Does low-dose lithium stabilize or improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive decline? Find out in the What It Does section of our Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Review.

Also see our CL Answer about supplements for brain function.

10/04/2022

Choline for Cognitive Function?

Did supplementing with egg powder, a source of choline, improve cognitive function in preadolescents? Find out what a recent study showed in the Memory and Cognition section of our Choline and Lecithin Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements and food for brain function.

2/03/2023

Vitamin D & Cognition

Does taking vitamin D improve cognition or slow cognitive decline among older people with already sufficient blood levels of vitamin D? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.

Also see our CL Answer about supplements, foods and lifestyle modifications for brain function.

4/28/2023

Spermidine for Memory?

Higher intakes of the compound spermidine from the diet have been associated with a lower incidence of cognitive decline, but does taking spermidine have this benefit? Find out in our article: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

5/19/2023

PPI Use & Dementia?

Does the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce stomach acid, like omeprazole, increase the risk of dementia? Find out what research suggests in our updated CL Answer about supplements and brain function.

1/10/2023

Olive Oil for Memory?

Can extra virgin olive oil improve memory and learning in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study found in the Memory section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

2/14/2023

Does Lion's Mane Boost Cognition?

Did taking lion’s mane boost cognitive function in healthy, young people in a recent study? Find out in our Lion's Mane Review, which also discusses lion’s mane’s effects on older people and identifies our Top Pick among Lion's Mane supplements.

Also, see our article about other supplements for brain function.

2/14/2023

Plasmalogens for Cognition?

A CL member pointed out that supplementing with plasmalogens at high doses was reported to improve cognitive function in a 2022 study of cognitively impaired adults. We reviewed study and found significant weaknesses. Get the details in the Brain Function section of our CL Answer about plasmalogens.

2/28/2023

Nicotinamide Riboside for Alzheimer's?

A preliminary clinical study suggested that taking nicotinamide riboside reduced blood markers of Alzheimer’s disease. For details, see the What It Does section of our NAD Boosters Review, which includes our Top Pick among nicotinamide riboside supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

6/09/2023

Creatine and the Brain?

Does taking creatine improve memory? See what studies have shown in the What It Does section of our Creatine and BCAA Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for creatine.

6/13/2023

Grape Seed Extract & Cognition

Does grape seed extract improve cognition in older people with mild cognitive impairment, or in healthy young people? Find out in the Cognitive function section of our article about Grape Seed Extract. Also discussed is a misrepresented study of the ingredient Cognigrape.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

6/16/2023

Fish Oil & Chocolate for Memory?

Did consuming fish oil and chocolate improve cognition in people with cognitive decline? See what a new study found in the Cognitive Impairment section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

11/17/2023

Calanus Oil for Memory?

Does supplementing with calanus oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, improve memory in older men and women? Find out what research suggests in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

11/23/2023

Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s?

Does supplementing with coconut oil improve cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cognitive Impairment section of our Coconut Oil and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

3/28/2023

Neuriva for Memory?

Neuriva, a supplement promoted to improve memory and cognition, was recently tested in a clinical trial. Find out what the study showed in our article about Neuriva.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

10/10/2023

L-theanine for Cognition?

Does taking L-theanine (a compound that occurs naturally in tea) improve attention or cognition in healthy men and women? Find out in the What It Does section of our L-theanine Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for L-theanine.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

12/08/2023

Dementia & Folic Acid

Taking folic acid without getting enough B-12 has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Learn more in the Folate section of our B-Vitamin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among B-Complexes.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

12/23/2023

Lion’s Mane for Cognition?

Did taking lion’s mane before a cognitive test improve results? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cognitive function and memory section of our Lion’s Mane and Chaga Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among lion's mane supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

4/05/2022

Fish Oil for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Can supplementing with DHA-rich fish oil help people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study showed in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

3/18/2022

Alzheimer's Disease: Does MCT Oil Help?

Can medium-chain triglycerides slow cognitive decline among people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

3/22/2022

Fish Oil: Cognitive Benefit in Healthy People?

Does fish oil supplementation improve cognition in healthy people? See what a recent study showed in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of our Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

1/12/2024

ConsumerLab Finding Prompts Recall

A supplement for memory and brain function that ConsumerLab.com recently reported to contain only 10% of its listed ingredient is being recalled by its distributor, along with a similar product. For details, see the Update in the Phosphatidylserine Supplements Review.

1/16/2024

Dark Chocolate for Focus?

Did eating dark chocolate improve attention in a recent study? Find out in the Memory and Cognition section of our Dark Chocolates & Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Picks among dark chocolate bars and cocoa products.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

2/17/2024

Caffeine in Cold Brew Coffee

Does cold brew coffee have more or less caffeine than regular (hot brew) coffee? Find out in our article about brain benefits of coffee.

2/27/2024

Poor Quality "Memory Supplements" Sold on Amazon

Recent tests showed that most galantamine “memory” products purchased on Amazon did not contain anywhere near the amounts listed on labels. See the details in our answer to the question: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

3/05/2024

Fish Oil for Memory?

Did taking fish oil improve cognitive function or memory among older people with depression in a recent study? Find out in the Memory Enhancement section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

4/23/2024

Prebiotic for Better Memory?

Did taking Sunfiber, a prebiotic, boost memory, mood, or sleep in older men and women? See what a recent study found in our Prebiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among prebiotic supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

3/29/2024

Bacopa for Memory?

Did bacopa extract improve memory and cognition in a recent study? Find out in our article about bacopa extract for memory, mood, and sleep.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

5/31/2024

Fluoride Exposure and the Brain

Some groups claim that fluoride may be a cognitive neurodevelopmental hazard to humans. Learn why this claim is misleading in our article about fluoride exposure in children.

8/05/2024

Fish Oil to Fight Alzheimer’s?

Does taking fish oil daily slow changes in the brain associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Alzheimer's disease section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks.

8/26/2024

Supplement for Memory?

Did Nutrilite Memory Builder improve memory and cognition in healthy, older men and women in a recent study? Find out in the Memory section of our Gingko Biloba Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for gingko.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

10/02/2024

Benfotiamine & Alzheimer’s

Can taking benfotiamine (a derivative of vitamin B-1) slow cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease? See what research suggests in our B Vitamins Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among B vitamins.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

11/07/2024

Citrus for Cognition?

Do higher intakes of citrus fruits, juices or supplements improve cognition among older adults? Find out what research suggests in our article: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

11/25/2024

Creatine for Cognition?

Does taking creatine improve cognitive function or memory? Find out what a panel of experts recently concluded in the Memory and Cognition section of our Creatine Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for creatine.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?