Brain

Noggin: Brain health supplements for modern day minds

30-Jan-2024 By Olivia Brown

The general practitioner-founded brain health supplement start-up Noggin is meeting a significant demand for sustained cognition, stress and sleep support through its unique blends of science-backed botanicals, nootropics, vitamins and minerals.

Researcher makes case for creatine as nootropic

20-Jul-2022 By Danielle Masterson

The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) featured a variety of presentations to promote the science and application of evidence-based sports nutrition and supplementation, including a non-so-well-known application of creatine.

Blueberries show cognitive benefits in study

25-Apr-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new study has suggested that whole blueberry powder provided cognitive benefits in older individuals with insulin resistance and a heightened risk of future dementia.

Cognition and ageing: B-vitamins, omega-3 intake reduces decline in East Asian elderly – meta-analysis

08-Feb-2021 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of B-vitamins and omega-3, specifically EPA and DHA, could reduce cognitive decline in elderly, a meta-analysis of RCTs conducted in East Asia has shown.

Brain-eye axis: New Zealand firms reveal potential of nootropics for eye health

28-May-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

Eye health may be the next big opportunity for nootropics products that are more traditionally known for their cognitive and energy benefits.

Blackmores inks deal with psychobiotic supplier Bened

24-Mar-2020 By Tingmin Koe

Bened has sealed a deal with the Blackmores Group to supply its proprietary probiotic strain PS128.

Avocado consumption gives obese adults brain boost: study

16-Mar-2020 By Oliver Morrison

Daily avocado consumption improves the ability to focus attention in obese adults, according to a US study.

Prinova signs on as exclusive US distributor of brain health ingredients by SLS Nutraceuticals

12-Jul-2019 By Adi Menayang

Prinova, an Illinois-based manufacturer and ingredient supplier, has entered into an agreement with Singapore-based SLS Nutraceuticals Pte. Ltd. to distribute the latter’s patent-pending portfolio of cognitive health ingredient blends.

Study finds vitamin E levels, physical activity, correlated with better cognitive performance in adolescents

03-Jun-2019 By Adi Menayang

Out of 120 school students analyzed by Saudi researchers, academic performance was higher for students classified as moderately or highly active physically. Serum levels of vitamin E were also higher in the more active students.

Lycored secures US patent for omega-3 and lycopene composition marketed for brain health

15-Mar-2019 By Adi Menayang

Global ingredient supplier Lycored has secured its US patent for compositions containing omega-3 fatty acids and tomato-derived lycopene, which it plans to develop into products and formulations marketed for brain health.

Ginseng extract may counter alcohol-related depression: Mouse data

06-Sep-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A standardized extract from ginseng (Panax ginseng) may reverse symptoms of depression in an animal model of alcohol use disorder, suggests a new study.

‘Surprising’ impact of gut bacteria on gene expression in the brain

Gut-brain axis: Gene regulation may be link between gut bacteria and anxiety

25-Aug-2017 By Nathan Gray

The trillions of microbes in our gut can have a dramatic influence on microRNAs that regulate gene expression in parts of the brain including those related to fear and anxiety, new data suggests.

The top ingredients for cognition, focus & mood

14-Jul-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Memory, attention and focus, development, mood; there are numerous ways that a nutrient or bioactive ingredient can affect cognitive health. But which have the most science, how do they work?

Beetroot’s ‘anti-ageing’ effects on brain noted in post-exercise study

20-Apr-2017 By Will Chu

Beetroot juice supplementation could improve cognitive function in older people as study results showed an enhanced ability by the brain to form new neural connections.

Flavonoid-rich blueberries have a brain boosting role, say researchers

04-Apr-2017 By Will Chu

Regular consumption of concentrated blueberry juice may improve brain function in healthy older adults, British researchers have determined. 

Caffeine may protect brain against dementia, study shows

09-Mar-2017 By Will Chu

Caffeine could ward off dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions by enhancing the abilities of protective enzymes, say researchers.

Mice study on Kemin's spearmint and rosemary extract ingredient supports its learning and memory benefits

03-Oct-2016 By Adi Menayang

In a study funded by manufacturer Kemin and the VA Medical Center in St. Louis, spearmint and rosemary extracts improved age-related oxidation markers in brain tissue of SAMP8 mice.

Could a shot of orange juice boost brain power for men?

23-Sep-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Scientists from PepsiCo and the University of Reading (UK) report that a single glass of flavonoid-rich orange juice may boost cognitive function, compared to placebo.

Vitamin B clinical trials first to use neuroimaging technology

07-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Supplementation with B vitamins significantly improves general mental health, reduces subjective stress and increases vigour and overall mood in mentally demanding situations, according to research from Melbourne’s Swinburne University.

Having the right research best way to weather nootropics storm, supplier says

21-Jul-2016 By Hank Schultz

Having the right science to back claims is the antidote to the potential contagion represented by issues surrounding so-called smart drugs, says a leading supplier.

Researcher: 'Lutein could be more important than vitamin C.'

Lutein shows brain health promise beyond ‘Alzheimer’s of the eye’

09-Jun-2016 By Shane Starling from Lisbon, Portugal

Eye health nutrient lutein may be even more important for brain function, a congress has heard.

Rosemary extract may improve brain trauma-induced cognitive deficits, rat study finds

07-Jun-2016 By Adi Menayang

By observing how well rats with mild brain trauma navigate through a maze after being administered with rosemary extract, researchers saw a relation between the extract and improved cognitive deficits.

Omega-3 levels linked to better cognitive performance

13-May-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Increased serum levels of the long chain omega-3s EPA, DPA, and DHA are associated with better performance on neuropsychological tests in older men and women, says a new study.

Vitafoods Europe 2016 preview

Testing and tracking nutrition in mental health

27-Apr-2016 By Will Chu

The quest to halt cognitive decline as a feature of ageing has become an intense area of research in recent years, and polyphenols can deliver much. 

Niagen to be researched for neuroprotective effect among football players

26-Apr-2016 By Hank Schultz

Thorne Research and ChromaDex Corp. are partnering in a research effort with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute on a planned study to assess the effect of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on brain NAD+...

Bridging the brain-body gap: How the ‘thinking’ gut influences mental well-being

22-Apr-2016 By Will Chu

As knowledge of the gut and brain relationship develops, the use of probiotics and prebiotics could open up new ways to shape mood and well-being, according to a prominent nutrition coach. 

Microbiome modulation shows brain benefits: Mouse data

05-Apr-2016 By Shane STARLING

Altering the gut microbiome has been shown to reduce erosion of nerve cell protection in the brains of mice in an Irish study.

Study supports magnesium threonate potential for cognitive health

15-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with magnesium threonate may improve cognitive function in older individuals with memory and concentration issues, say results of a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

Infants, the elderly & US Air Force personnel: Abbott exploring life stages when nutrition has the most impact

11-Dec-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Uncovering relationships between nutrition and cognition is a top global priority for Abbott, and the insights are helping the healthcare to giant create the next generation of brain health products.

‘Heal all’ herb shows cognitive health benefits, for mice at least

07-Oct-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of extracts from Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina may enhance cognitive function in lab mice, says a new study from South Korea.

Berries may enhance motor performance and improve cognition, says study

28-Sep-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Strawberries and blueberries may boost brain health by enhancing motor performance and improving working memory, says a new study.

Lutein/zeaxanthin and cognitive health: New study supports macular pigment as potential biomarker of brain health

27-Aug-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Measuring macular pigment offers potential as a biomarker of cognitive health, and Alzheimer’s patients are more likely to be seriously deficient in carotenoids, say data from two new studies.

Fatty and sugary foods linked to lower cognitive functions: Mouse data

29-Jun-2015 By Nathan Gray

A diet rich in fat and sugar could cause changes in the make up of our gut bacteria, which in turn lead to losses of cognitive functions, suggest researchers.

Probiotas Americas

Pivotal study on effect of gut microbial makeup on brain activity changed course of researcher's career

15-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

The dawn of inexpensive, rapid genetic sequencing has opened up new avenues for explaining the connection of the gut to the brain.  With this new understanding of the precise makeup of the  gut microbiome, medical science, and by extension the probiotic...

Lutein + zeaxanthin may boost visual processing speed: RCT data

02-Oct-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Lutein and zeaxanthin may boost visual processing speed even in young people at their peak, says a new study that ties together the eye and brain health benefits of the carotenoids.

Resveratrol supplements may improve memory performance in older adults: Study

30-Jul-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements containing resveratrol may boost memory performance in association with improved glucose metabolism in older adults, says a new study from Germany.

Special edition: Cognitive Health

‘The eye and the brain are connected, so it’s no surprise lutein is important for brain health,’ says Kemin

24-Jul-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Lutein and zeaxanthin are well-established in the realm of eye health, but ever emerging science shows the importance of the carotenoids in brain health. And that comes as no surprise to Kemin, with ‘eye health and brain health are coming together as...

NIU's Cognitive Health Forum: 'The key is to not have ingredients that stimulate other areas of the body that are not needed for performance'

27-May-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Cognitive health formulations must be driven by mechanisms of action, and with cognition being a lifelong issue with many aspects to consider the possibilities are impressive and continually developing, according to experts at the NutraIngredients-USA...

Extract of succulent has dual action in moderating anxiety, study shows

25-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

A study published released recently on Zembrin, a branded extract of Sceletium tortousom, shows the product’s effects within the amygdala, the portion of the brain stem where the body’s “threat circuitry” lies.

Omega-3 backed for Alzheimer’s disease potential

18-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids could help to prevent and even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by stimulating newly identified ‘resolution pathways’, according to research outlining an ‘entirely new’ approach to the condition.

Can EPA-rich supplements help brains work 'less hard' and boost mental performance?

10-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Omega-3 supplements rich in EPA may improve cognitive performance with a reduction in neural activity observed, indicating that the brain worked ‘less hard’, report researchers from Australia.

Chicken meat extract may have brain benefits, say researchers

23-Aug-2013 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with an ingredient extracted from chicken meat could boost cognitive functions after just six weeks, according to new randomised trial.

Could iron accumulation be at the core of Alzheimer's risk?

21-Aug-2013

Accumulation of iron in the brain may be a key driving factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research using advanced brain imaging techniques.

Abbott awards $8 million to 7 studies probing cognition-nutrition link

05-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

Abbott Nutrition and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have announced nearly $8 million in funding for nutrition and cognition studies in the second year of their research partnership.

Berries may protect brain functioning, rat study suggests

22-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

A diet supplemented with berries could help to protect brain functioning during aging, according to new animal data.

Researchers seek food industry help to develop next generation of brain foods

11-Sep-2012 By Elaine WATSON

The researchers behind Emulin - a blood glucose control ingredient attracting interest from some of the biggest brands in food and drink - is asking food manufacturers to help it design the best food delivery format for a new citrus-based ingredient targeting...

Green tea may influence brain function & boost working memory: Study

31-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Drinking green tea may affect parts of the brain linked to working memory, says the first study ever to use functional neuroimaging methods to test the effects of green tea on the brain.

IP portfolio builds for Magtein after two patents granted for brain health

14-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted patents for magnesium L-threonate, marketed as Magtein, for cognitive function and neurological disorders.

Abbott Nutrition: ‘Cognition research is one of our top global priorities’

21-May-2012 By Elaine Watson

The first research projects to emerge from a tie-up between Abbott and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) will advance our understanding of the relationship between diet and cognition - and help Abbott create the next generation of brain...

New research suggests top-selling brain supplement does what it says on the tin

13-Dec-2011 By Elaine Watson

New, as yet unpublished, research on top-selling cognitive function supplement FOCUSfactor suggests it could improve memory, concentration, and focus in healthy adults.