The brain is the most complex and least understood organ in the human body. It controls complex functions such as thoughts, emotions, memory, learning, and behavior, while at the same time regulating our breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and digestion.
As we age, factors such as stress, inflammation, oxidative damage, and neurodegeneration, can affect our brain health and function. This can have a direct impact on our cognitive abilities, such as attention, focus, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect our brain health and function. One of them is to consume brain-boosting supplements that can provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that can support brain health and performance.
In this article, we will review the top 15 supplements to boost brain functions in 2023. We will cover their benefits, ingredients, dosage, and safety.
The 15 best supplements to enhance your brain
1. Nanocumin
Nanocumin is a unique brain supplement that uses revolutionary nanotechnology to deliver a powerful dose of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. This product has over 30 scientific studies that attest to its long list of benefits.
Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, anti-aging, and antioxidant compound that can protect the brain from oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. Curcumin can also have protective effects against various neurodegenerative diseases
However, curcumin alone has poor bioavailability, meaning that it is poorly absorbed and utilized by the body. Nanocumin solves this problem by using nanosized particles of curcumin, providing you with the most bioavailable form of turmeric on the market.
Nano-Cumin can help improve memory, focus, mood, and cognitive function. It can also prevent or delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Nano-Cumin is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made in the USA.
2. Omega-3
Omega-3 fish oil is a popular and well-researched brain supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for brain cell health and function. They have an important impact on cognitive performance at all stages of life.
The two most important omega-3 fatty acids for the brain are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is the dominant omega-3 in the brain and is linked to brain functions and neurotransmitters.
Omega-3 fish oil can be obtained from eating fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, or from taking supplements. Omega-3 from WOW Life Science is a good pick because it contains natural fish oil with 180 mg DHA and 270 mg EPA per serving.
This product is third-party heavy metal tested, non-GMO, and halal certified. It can help promote cognitive health and act as a natural mood stabilizer.
3. Memory Boost
Kirkman Memory Boost is an interesting supplement that contains a molecule called phosphatidylserine. This phospholipid is found in high concentrations in the brain. It is involved in maintaining the structure and function of brain cells, as well as facilitating communication between neurons.
This dietary supplement contains 100 mg of phosphatidylserine and can be taken to help prevent memory loss and mental decline associated with old age. It can also help boost your brain power by improving your short-term memory, mood, and concentration.
Phosphatidylserine can be obtained from food sources such as soybeans, eggs, and organ meats, or from taking supplements. However, the amount of phosphatidylserine in foods is usually low and a supplement may be a more reliable and convenient way to boost your brain health and function.
Kirkman Memory Boost is free of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and sesame.
4. Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is a natural compound that is found in the brain. It is a precursor of acetylcholine, one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain, that is crucial for memory, motivation, attention, arousal, and learning.
Alpha GPC can help improve memory, focus, mental energy, and cognitive performance. Alpha GPC can be obtained from eating foods that contain choline, such as eggs, dairy, and soy, or from taking supplements.
One of the best alpha GPC supplements on the market is Jarrow Formulas Alpha GPC, which contains 300 mg of alpha GPC per capsule, derived from soy lecithin. Jarrow Formulas Alpha GPC is also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
5. Zhou Energy + Focus
Zhou Energy + Focus is a dietary supplement that contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that is found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Caffeine works by increasing energy metabolism throughout your brain, activating noradrenaline neurons, and modulating the local release of dopamine. By doing so, caffeine can increase alertness, attention, energy, and mood.
Caffeine can help improve learning, memory, performance, and coordination. It can also reduce fatigue, stress, and depression. Caffeine can be obtained by consuming caffeinated foods and drinks, but a caffeine supplement can offer you a precise dose of caffeine per serving.
Zhou Focus + Energy contains 100 mg of caffeine and 200 mg of L-theanine per capsule. It is lab-tested, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made in the USA.
6. Ginkgo Biloba
Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba is a natural dietary supplement made from a herb that is extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. Ginkgo biloba has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and is one of the most commonly used herbal supplements in the world.
Ginkgo biloba can also improve cholinergic transmission in the brain, improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, as well as protect the brain cells from oxidative damage and cell death. Ginkgo biloba can help improve memory, concentration, mental speed, and cognitive function. It can also enhance mood, reduce stress, and help protect against cognitive decline and dementia.
Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba contains 120 mg of standardized ginkgo biloba extract per capsule. Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba is also vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made in the USA.
Ginko Biloba supplements should be taken with caution by people with bleeding disorders and those who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and anticoagulant medications.
7. Bacopa
Himalaya Bacopa is a dietary supplement that contains Bacopa monnieri. This is a natural herb native to India and other parts of Asia. It is also commonly known as Brahmi and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various conditions, such as epilepsy, asthma, and anxiety.
Bacopa extract has antioxidant properties and studies have shown that it has anxiolytic, cognition-enhancing, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing effects. It can help improve transmission between neurons, increase serotonin release in the brain, and help regenerate synapses.
Himalaya Bacopa contains 500 mg of organic bacopa monnieri powder and 250 mg of organic bacopa extract per serving. This product is organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.
8. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea by Gaia Herbs is a dietary supplement that contains Rhodiola rosea, a natural herb native to the cold regions of Europe and Asia. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, such as fatigue, depression, and high-altitude sickness.
Rhodiola rosea is generally used to enhance the natural resistance of the body, for fighting fatigue and depression. This plant has shown anti-stress properties and is believed to lower stress hormone levels. It also has anti-age properties and anti-cancer effects.
Gaia Herbs Rhodiola Rosea contains 120 mg of Siberian Rhodiola root extract per serving. It is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
9. Panax Ginseng Extact
NOW Panax Ginseng Extract is a good dietary supplement that contains Panax ginseng, a natural herb that is native to China, Korea, and other parts of Asia. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, such as diabetes, impotence, and infections.
Panax ginseng has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. It has been shown to have therapeutic potential in stress management, hypertension, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
This dietary supplement contains 1000 mg of Panax ginseng extract. It is soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and kosher.
10. Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is an interesting dietary supplement made from natural oil that is derived from coconut oil. MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are a type of fatty acid that can be easily digested and converted into ketones by the liver.
Ketones are an alternative source of energy for the brain, especially when glucose is low or unavailable, such as during fasting, ketogenic diet, or diabetes. Ketones can be used by brain cells because they can cross the blood-brain barrier. MCT oil can help improve mental energy, focus, mood, and cognitive performance by providing the brain with a fast and easy source of energy.
Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil, contains caprylic acid triglycerides (C8), which is the most potent and beneficial type of MCT for the brain. You can add it to your coffee, tea, smoothie, or any other beverage or food. This product is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and keto-friendly.
11. L-Theanine + Caffeine
Sports Research L-Theanine + Caffeine contains L-theanine and caffeine, two active ingredients with numerous effects on the nervous system. L-theanine is a natural amino acid that is found in green tea, black tea, and some mushrooms. It is a precursor of glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter that is involved in memory, learning, and cognition.
L-theanine may have neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. It can also provide beneficial effects on mental state, including sleep quality. It acts as an anti-stress factor and it has attention-improving effects. L-theanine enhances the effects of caffeine, which is a stimulant that can improve alertness, attention, and energy.
The recommended dosage of Sports Research Suntheanine L-Theanine is one soft gel per day, preferably with a meal. Each soft gel contains 200 mg of L-theanine, 100 mg of organic caffeine obtained from green coffee beans, and 450 mg of medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil).
12. Vinpocetine
Piping Rock Super-Strength Vinpocetine is a dietary supplement that contains vinpocetine, a synthetic compound that is derived from the periwinkle plant. Vinpocetine can enhance cognition and memory. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties, and studies show that it also has protective and preventive effects in cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke and dementia.
Vinpocetine is still being explored for its therapeutic applications, and recent studies have revealed no significant side effects, toxicity, or contraindications at therapeutic doses.
This supplement contains 30 mg of vinpocetine per quick-release capsule. It is lab-tested, and made from ethically sourced ingredients. Piping Rock Vinpocetine is gluten-free, milk and lactose-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.
13. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
Nutricost N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is a dietary supplement that contains N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (NALT), a derivative of L-tyrosine, a natural amino acid that is a precursor of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in motivation, reward, and pleasure. Dopamine can also regulate mood, stress, and cognitive function.
N-acetyl-L-tyrosine can enhance cognitive performance, alertness, and memory, especially in short-term stressful or demanding situations. It seems especially useful in situations like sleep deprivation, multitasking, and cold weather.
Nutricost N-acetyl-L-tyrosine contains 350 mg of N-acetyl-L-tyrosine per capsule. This product is gluten-free, non-GMO, and third-party tested.
14. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Real Mushrooms Lion’s mane is a natural dietary supplement made from a fungus that grows on hardwood trees, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia. Lion’s mane mushroom has a distinctive appearance, resembling a white pom-pom or a lion’s mane.
Lion’s mane mushroom can enhance the synthesis and secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a protein that supports the growth and survival of neurons and nerve cells. Lion’s mane mushroom may also have anxiolytic effects and is currently studied as a promising treatment for certain neurodegenerative diseases.
Real mushrooms Lion’s mane 1000 mg of organic Lion’s mane mushroom extract per serving. This product is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
15. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol, a compound that is found in over 70 plants, especially the skin and seeds of grapes, blueberries, and other fruits. It is a potent antioxidant that can protect the brain from oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity.
Resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Unfortunately, the full effects and benefits of this compound are limited by its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism.
Purely Beneficial Resveratrol, which contains 605 mg of Trans Resveratrol Complex, and 725 mg of a polyphenol complex made from green tea leaf extract, grape seed extract, Acai fruit extract, pomegranate extract, red wine extract, blueberry extract, noni fruit extract, alfalfa leaf extract, and hawthorn berry extract.
