Cognition

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.

Does cocoa extract improve cognitive function in older adults?

04-Jan-2024 By Asia Sherman

Supplementing with cocoa extract may benefit some aging brains more than others, according to findings from a recent study.

Mushrooms for the mind: Research concludes Lion’s Mane improves cognitive performance and reduces stress

01-Dec-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new RCT investigating the effect of Lion’s Mane intakes on cognition and stress in healthy, young adults reports significant improvements in short and long-term cognition, when compared to control groups.

Study: Nutrient dense formula could improve cognition and behaviour in infants

31-Oct-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Nutritional supplementation could support developmental myelination, a critical process in learning and development, in growing infants and young children, according to a new industry funded study.

Raisin polyphenols improve cognitive scores in elderly, study suggests

27-Jun-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new RCT observes that daily supplementation with 50g of polyphenol-rich raisins for 6-months improves scores for cognition in an elderly population.

Nutrition experts highlight biomarkers, resilience and precision for optimal health

14-Jun-2023 By Asia Sherman

Biomarkers, resilience and precision nutrition would put humans on the path towards optimal health, according to a recent review of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Science in Session symposium “Optimizing Health with Nutrition – Opportunities,...

Omega-3 fatty acid lipid findings could be a game-changer in the aging brain

23-May-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The new understanding could lead to the development of dietary supplements aimed at help mitigating the damaging effects of aging on the brain.

Balanced protein-rich diet found to benefit cognition, scientists observe

10-Feb-2023 By Olivia Brown

Following the identification of dietary patterns from a cohort of Japanese older adults, cognitive function was significantly higher in the protein balanced (PB) group compared to the high carbohydrate (HC) group, a new cross-sectional study finds.

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.

News in brief

Braini gets patent on proprietary cognitive health blend

16-May-2022 By Hank Schultz

Neurotropic brand Braini says it has received a composition of matter patent on its proprietary blend of cocoon silk fiber, a seed oil and a blueberry extract.

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.

CBD encapsulation and dual delivery: Researchers say new process significantly increases short-term bioavailability

20-Jan-2021 By Gary Scattergood

Researchers in Australia say they have been able to significantly increase the short-term bioavailability of cannabidiol (CBD) in the blood and brain thanks to a new encapsulation technique, and the combined delivery with a ‘absorption enhancer’ - Deoxycholic...

Angelica extract plus ferulic acid may be ‘useful’ for mild cognitive impairment: Study

13-Nov-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of ferulic acid and Angelica archangelica extract called Feru-guard may improve cognitive scores for older people with mild cognitive impairment, says a study from Japan.

Novel nutritional supplement boosts cognitive performance in Air Force Airmen

19-Oct-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A novel nutritional supplement combined with high-intensity exercise may boost working memory, reaction time, and processing efficiency for Air Force Airmen more than exercise alone, says a study from the US Air Force, Abbott, and the University of Illinois.

Curcumin plus iron combination may boost levels of key brain health marker: RCT

14-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of curcumin and ferrous sulphate may boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has been described as an important neurotrophic factor participating in memory and learning.

Single dose of blueberry polyphenols boosts cognitive performance in middle aged adults

05-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

A study has found a single dose of blueberry polyphenols can improve markers of metabolic function and cognitive performance in a cohort of middle aged adults.

Hop help: Kirin’s mature hop bitter acid aids cognitive health in older adults -RCT

21-Jul-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

Supplementation with Kirin’s mature hop bitter acid (MHBA) for 12 weeks has been found to improve attention and reduce stress in healthy older adults in Japan.

Schisandra plus vitamin C may synergistically boost cognition (for mice at least)

29-Apr-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of vitamin C and an extract from Schisandra chinensis may enhance learning and memory and recognition ability, suggests a new study done in Korea with mice.

Public health expert ringing the alarm on workplace nutrition

17-Feb-2020 By Danielle Masterson

One health official says more research is needed to explore the link between dietary supplements and productivity in the workplace.

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.

Berries and brain health: What do we know so far?

13-May-2019 By Adi Menayang

Early studies on animals have linked consumption of polyphenol-rich berries to improvements in some cognitive markers. This has warranted studies on humans, and results are shedding more light on how berries may benefit our brain health.

NEWS IN BRIEF

HP Ingredients launches new cognitive health ingredient

26-Feb-2018

HP Ingredients, a Florida headquartered ingredient manufacturer, launched a new ingredient targeting cognitive health made out of Polygonum minus extract.

Lutein levels linked to a more agile and ‘youthful’ brain: Study

26-Jul-2017 By Will Chu

A high intake of lutein appears to slow down cognitive decline, a US study suggests, as findings appear to support previous outcomes linking this nutrient to improved mental health.

Brain-impaired elderly subjects appear to most benefit from cocoa flavanols: Review

30-Jun-2017 By Will Chu

Flavanol-rich chocolate is well known for its beneficial effect on the brain, but a review by Italian researchers point towards its neuroprotective effects in vulnerable populations over time.

RCT: Ashwagandha root extract may improve memory and cognitive functions

25-Apr-2017 By Adi Menayang

Compared to a placebo, adults supplemented with ashwagandha root extract had improved memory test scores, researchers in India found.

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. 

Cherry juice blood boost may help halt cognitive decline: Study

09-Jan-2017 By Will Chu

Drinking sour cherry juice appears to boost blood flow to the brain and may reduce blood pressure, according to a study.

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.

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.

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.

Cognitive Health Quiz: Do you know your DHA from your PhosphatidylSerine?

19-Aug-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Do you know which ingredient has a FDA qualified health claim for reducing the risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia in the elderly? What percentage of the total carotenoids in the pediatric brain tissue is lutein? Or which CPG company has led research...

AARP study on brain health attitudes points to opportunity for cognitive support ingredients, experts say

23-Apr-2015 By Hank Schultz

A recent study released by the AARP showed that brain health is becoming an increasing concern, and that more Americans are aware of the potential benefit that playing brain games and doing puzzles may have in combating cognitive decline. The results...

Kyowa Hakko research underpins notion that cognitive decline now No.1 concern about aging

20-Mar-2015 By Hank Schultz

New research commissioned by ingredient supplier Kyowa Hakko confirms what other recent surveys have shown: The specter of cognitive decline now looms largest in consumers minds when they consider the slings and arrows of aging.  And cognitive hiccups...

Cocoa flavanols may fend off age-related cognitive dysfunction, says Mars-backed study

07-Jan-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

A Mars-backed study has provided further evidence that high cocoa flavanol consumption may help improve cognitive function, possibly through changes to insulin sensitivity.

Curcumin may boost cognition and mood in a healthy older population: RCT

16-Oct-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of Longvida curcumin may boost working memory and mood in healthy older adults, say results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study from Australia.

Eating more fish linked to lower cognitive decline in the over 65s

06-Aug-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Consuming more fish could significantly reduce the annual rate of cognitive decline in older adults, says a new study from researchers at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

Fish oil linked to structural changes in the brain: Human data

15-Jul-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Fish oil supplements may produce beneficial structural changes in the brain, according to a new study from Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital.

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...

Spearmint extract shows potential cognitive health and performance benefits

08-May-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

A new patent-pending polyphenol-rich extract from spearmint may boost memory, reasoning, attention, and planning in older adults, according to results of a pilot study.

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.

Cognitive health ingredient from PL Thomas targets wider population

30-Oct-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

While most cognitive health supplements target cognitive decline mainly in aging populations, a new ingredient from PL Thomas claims to offer “peak cognitive performance” benefits, which the firm says will appeal to a much broader consumer audience. 

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.

PS plus caffeine ease fatigue and boost mood after exercise: Study

14-May-2013 By Stephen Daniells

A combination supplement containing phosphatidylserine (PS) and caffeine may improve mood scores and reduce the perception of fatigue after exercise, suggests new research.

Cyvex uses forced rebranding of Novusetin as chance to rethink messaging for ingredient

17-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Cyvex Nutriton has rebranded its flagship cognitive health ingredient to Novusetin after a competitor objected to the previous name. 

‘Far-reaching benefits’: DHA omega-3 may boost memory for healthy young people

28-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may improve memory and reaction times for healthy young people, says a new study that could ‘translate into far-reaching benefits’.

Açai reverses age-related cognitive decline in rat study

23-Oct-2012

Açai fruit fed to aged rats reversed age-related cognitive and motor declines, a study conducted through Tufts University has found.

All change at ChromaDex again as CEO quits less than five months after taking helm

13-Jun-2012 By Elaine Watson

ChromaDex chief executive Jeffrey Himmel has resigned less than five months after taking the helm at the California-based firm, along with chief operating officer Debra Heim, who joined the team in February.

Food for thought? Soy protein may not benefit brain functions

08-Jun-2012 By Nathan Gray

Soy proteins may not help in the maintenance of cognitive function in older women as previously suggested, warns new research.

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...