[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We try to maintain our physical health by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, but most aren’t aware of how to support their brain health.
As we age, our brain health gradually deteriorates, but you can maintain cognitive function with exercise, nutrition and supplements for brain health.
Proper nutrition is key to supporting your brain health, especially in later life, so dietary supplements may help maintain or even improve your cognitive function.
From ‘brain training’ and mental stimulation to eating plenty of ‘brain foods’ that support brain health, there are many ways to keep your brain healthy. Some of these techniques are obvious, like practising mindfulness or eating oily fish (often advertised as brain food), but others are much less well-known.
When we think of ways to boost our brain health, dietary supplements may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they’re a valuable source of essential nutrients that support a healthy brain. To help you find the best supplements for brain health, we’ve created this guide which explains what supplements are beneficial for your brain and why, so you can understand some of the science behind these brain health supplements.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Brain supplements come in a wide range of forms and are often known as brain boosters, brain vitamins and nootropics, though nootropics are a different type of supplement altogether. While these supplements can’t alter your brain chemistry or increase your intelligence overnight, they support your brain health by providing the nutrients that your brain needs to function properly.
RELATED: Read our Natural Nootropic Supplements blog to learn about nootropics and how they can help you.
Nutrition is one of the most important factors for brain health, as your grey matter relies upon many essential nutrients to function properly. Deficiencies in essential nutrients have been linked to many neurological disorders and an increased risk of age-related conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, so taking supplements for brain health can help you get the essential nutrients to maintain brain health.
Can Supplements Boost Brain Memory?
Many substances (from vitamins and fatty acids to herbal extracts like ginkgo biloba) have been said to slow or prevent memory loss, and some can help boost your cognitive ability. We’ve written extensively on these brain supplements in the past, and while many dietary supplements can boost your mental performance (including short-term memory), less is known about their long-term benefits on brain health.
RELATED: Our blog on the Top Brain Booster Supplements for Adults has plenty of tips and recommendations on how to boost your cognitive power with dietary supplements.
Multiple studies show that the greatest benefits of supplements for brain health are in people with deficiencies in essential nutrients, making them especially useful if you struggle to get enough of certain nutrients. These findings reinforce the theory that proper nutrition is vital for brain health and mean that you may not benefit from certain dietary supplements if you get enough nutrients from your diet and lifestyle.
Do Brain Supplements Work?
Your brain requires many nutrients to function properly, and while it is possible to get many of these in your diet, most people fail to meet their Recommended Daily Intake of these essential nutrients from diet alone. Therefore, brain supplements that contain these essential nutrients support brain health and improve cognitive performance by giving your grey matter the nutrients it needs.
RELATED: Our article on the Best Vitamin Supplements for Concentration goes into a great amount of detail on what nutrients are best for your brain health and why.
Additionally, certain ingredients have been proven to have specific benefits for brain health when taken in supplements, such as herbal extracts with nootropic properties. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are especially beneficial for brain health, as they are an essential nutrient and have proven health benefits when taken in doses higher than the RDI, as can be found in many supplements for brain health.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=”icon-box-styles icon-box-half-br-1″][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
How Vitamins Help To Improve Brain Focus
As we’ve explained above, proper nutrition is key for brain health, and deficiencies in certain nutrients can have disastrous effects on your cognitive power and long-term brain health. By ensuring that you get all the nutrients you need, dietary supplements support brain health and can improve your mental acuity by enhancing focus and memory.
If you’re thinking about taking supplements for brain health, you should look out for the following vitamins which are proven to support brain health:[/vc_column_text][icon_box icon_position=”left” border=”0″ title=”Vitamin A and Beta-carotene” image=”4130″]Studies show that there is a positive association with levels of β-carotene (beta-carotene) and vitamin A and cognitive function in terms of general cognition and verbal memory. Furthermore, long-term beta-carotene supplementation is associated with much higher cognitive performance, meaning that supplementing with vitamin A or beta-carotene may help support long-term brain health.[/icon_box][icon_box border=”0″ title=”B Vitamins” image=”4131″]B-Vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that contribute to various cellular functions like energy production, DNA repair and production of signalling molecules and chemicals used in your nervous system. One systematic review found that supplementing with B vitamins (including B6, B9 and B12) for at least 3 months improved memory and cognition, so taking B vitamin supplements for brain health may help improve your focus.
RELATED: Learn more about the 8 different b-vitamins and their health benefits by reading our blog on B Complex Vitamins vs B12.[/icon_box][icon_box icon_position=”left” border=”0″ title=”Vitamin C” image=”4132″]Vitamin C (often known as ascorbic acid) is an essential vitamin with powerful antioxidant effects that can be found in a wide range of foods (from citrus fruits to strawberries and tomatoes) and is often added to dietary supplements. Vitamin C helps to support brain development and function, and studies have found a link between vitamin C levels and cognitive performance, so supplementing with vitamin C may help improve your mental focus.
RELATED: If you’re interested in vitamin C, you can find our recommendations on the best vitamin C supplements here.[/icon_box][icon_box border=”0″ title=”Vitamin E” image=”4133″]Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant effects that protects against oxidative damage and helps reduce your risks of chronic conditions associated with free radicals. One study found a link between low levels of vitamin E compounds and increased risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), so taking vitamin E supplements for brain health may help to fend off age-related mental decline.
RELATED: Learn about the different forms of vitamin E and their health benefits by reading our Natural vs Synthetic Vitamin E article.[/icon_box][icon_box icon_position=”left” border=”0″ title=”Vitamin K” image=”4134″]Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps support calcium absorption and nerve health, which is why it is often recommended with vitamin D supplements. Low levels of vitamin K are associated with decreased cognitive power, so supplementing with vitamin K may help to improve your mental focus and protect against inflammation.[/icon_box][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Best Supplements For Brain Health
Whether you’re interested in boosting your cognitive power or concerned about your long-term brain health, plenty of supplements can improve mental focus and protect against damage to your brain. In fact, there are so many that we’ve rounded up the 5 best supplements for brain health and explained what made us choose them to save you valuable time and effort in research:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4115″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
1. Natures Craft Neuro Health
These easy-to-take capsule supplements contain a wide array of vitamins, minerals and nutrients proven to support brain health, from vitamin A to zinc. In terms of essential nutrients, these supplements have almost everything your body needs to maintain a healthy brain, making them great all-round dietary supplements.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3PnxlDr|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4116″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
2. Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain
These ‘Dynamic Brain’ supplements contain various essential nutrients and 40 nootropic compounds designed to improve memory, focus and alertness whilst supporting overall brain health. These are a great pick if you’re looking for supplements for brain health that can help you focus and protect against neurological decline.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3j0YH6i|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4117″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
3. Garden of Life Dr Formulated Brain Health
Garden of Life’s Memory & Focus supplements are packed with vitamins and a custom blend of natural extracts sourced from whole food ingredients for a more natural supplement. Furthermore, they are organic, vegetarian, gluten-free and soy free, making them ideal for people with dietary restrictions.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3VV3Gnn|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4118″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
4. Neuriva Brain Health
Neuriva’s supplements for brain health contain vitamins B6, and B12, and coffee fruit extract to stimulate your brain and improve mental focus. While they lack the nutritional factor of other supplements, they come in tasty gummies, ideal for eating on the go or before you need to focus on a big task.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3uQDkHu|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4119″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
5. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Omega-3 fatty acids have lots of health benefits – from supporting healthy joints to protecting against oxidative damage – and are highly beneficial for brain health in higher doses. These Ultimate Omega supplements contain a potent 1280mg of omega-3s in each serving and are flavored with lemon, so you get all of the benefits and none of the fishy aftertaste of omega-3 fatty acids.
RELATED: Read more about the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids in our article on Fish Oil Supplements for Overall Health.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3FQwtE0|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4120″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
6. Functional Health Brain Booster
These brain-boosting supplements for brain health are packed with nootropic extracts to improve your memory, concentration and focus the natural way. Additionally, these Brain Booster supplements are produced in the USA to GMP standards and are lab-verified for peace of mind.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3ByCJxI|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4121″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
7. Warped Wellness Brain Goddess
Designed specifically for women, Warped Wellness’ Brain Goddess supplements contain various natural extracts to enhance your cognitive power without interfering your cycle. Because these supplements for brain health are free of caffeine, gluten, lactose and hormones, they promise to boost your mental faculties without interfering with your hormonal balance.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3uLBjMG|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4122″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
8. Natural Cell NeuroActiv6
Unlike the other supplements for brain health on this list, Natural Cell’s NeuroActiv6 supplements come in a natural berry-flavored powder with a potent blend of B vitamins and essential nutrients. Because it comes in a powder, you can easily add this to your morning smoothie or mix it into a bottle of water and take it on the go for a convenient way to support your brain health with supplements.
RELATED: If you struggle to swallow tablets and capsules, our guide on mixing supplements into drinks has plenty of tips on mixing dietary supplements into your favorite drinks.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3hq3QEo|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Last Words
There’s an old saying attributed to Hippocrates that goes along the lines of “let food be thy medicine,” and it definitely rings true for brain health. Almost all of the recommended supplements contain essential nutrients that you can find in a healthy diet, but most people struggle to get their recommended daily intake through diet alone.
Therefore, the most reliable way of getting all the nutrients you need for long-term brain health is by taking dietary supplements for brain health. Based on the available studies, we strongly recommend supplements that contain B vitamins and/or omega-3 fatty acids, as these seem to be the most beneficial for long-term health.
And as always, consult your doctor before starting a new supplement regime, especially if you’re trying to treat symptoms of cognitive decline such as forgetfulness and difficulty focusing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
