One of the most popular supplement categories today is focused on brain and memory health. These kinds of supplements are called nootropics, and they seek to improve memory, focus, mental energy, and problem-solving skills.1
The demand for nootropics comes not only from the 73 million baby boomers living in America but also college students, investment bankers, career-minded individuals to even busy moms all looking to gain an edge.2
The popularity has led to hundreds of nootropic supplements flooding the marketplace. While these supplements all promise to deliver benefits, the reality is that many fall short. Some of the most popular brands use ineffective or insufficient doses of ingredients, and many contain low-quality fillers.
With so many options, it seems many of us might still be unclear about what to look for in a quality brain and memory supporting supplement. To help cut through the clutter, we have compiled months of research about which are the key ingredients that have been shown in studies to benefit your cognitive health.
This short guide will help you know what to look for and what to avoid so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your nootropic needs. We will also list out the top 5 nootropic supplements sold today.
Top 3 Criteria For A Quality Nootropic Supplement
We spent months researching nootropic supplements and gathering user feedback. There are specific ingredients that, when present in a formula, help differentiate high-quality nootropic supplements from generic ones. Below are the three most essential ingredients to consider before deciding on which nootropic brand is best for your needs.
#1 Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid nutrient, found in the cerebral cortex, which covers and protects brain cells and helps carry messages between them.12 The normal aging process causes brain cell membranes to become rigid, impairing brain cell communication, which results in memory recall issues.13 Studies show that supplementing with phosphatidylserine can improve memory function, especially delayed recall, in both middle-aged and older adults. It works by helping rejuvenate brain cell membranes and supporting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for memory.14
#2 Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is an herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.15 Numerous clinical studies found that Bacopa monnieri enhances memory retention, improves spatial learning, the ability to take in new information about one’s environment, and reduces stress.16-18 Scientists found that Bacopa monnieri increases the length and branching of nerve cells, also known as dendrites, in the brain, which is linked to learning and memory.19 The main active compounds in Bacopa monnieri are bacosides, which also fight oxidative stress, a cause of disease and cognitive decline, by acting as a free radical scavenger.20
#3 Huperzine A
Huperzine A, an extract of the Huperzia serrata plant, has been shown in studies to improve memory and learning from young students to seniors.21, 22 Recent research shows that it improves memory and slows cognitive decline by increasing levels of acetylcholine, the compound that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain.23, 24 It’s also been shown to help prevent neuronal cell death.25 Twenty randomized clinical trials involving 1823 participants indicated that it has a beneficial effect on memory, cognitive function, and quality of life.
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