Best Brain Supplements: Top 5 Cognition Boosters Most Recommended By Experts

When brain fog sets in, thoughts become clouded, thinking challenged, and memory just something you enjoyed years ago. Retaining mental sharpness is no easy task since cognitive decline is inherent in the aging process. But if it’s possible to ward off nature and extend mental alertness, we want to help. That’s why we scoured the web to find the best brain supplements as recommended by experts, and we’ve listed them here for you.

We have some good and bad news. The good news is that recent research reveals that when it comes to the brain declining: “Instead of it happening after turning 25, it turns out that it does between the ages of 30 and 40.” So, you may remain cognitively alert longer than you thought, but the bad news is that sooner or later you will reach the age of decline. But if you’re not between 30 and 40 years old yet, you can enjoy the fact that our brain connections actually become faster with time. In 4-year-olds, connections move two meters per second while between 30 and 40, they move four meters per second. In other words, they doubled with age, and it’s only until sometime between 30 and 40 that things start to slow down.

And slow down they will. Research from England finds the number of cases of cognitive decline more than doubled in ten years, increasing the likelihood of dementia. And to give you the hard numbers: Researchers used data from more than 1.3 million between ages 65 and 99, taken between 2009 and the end of 2018. More than 50,000 participants went to their doctor with concerns of memory loss. Nearly 15,000 experienced cognitive decline.

The best defense is offense, so let’s get to that list of the top five brain supplements, according to experts. Of course, we want to hear from you as well. Comment below to let us know which supplement helps you retain your mental edge!

The List: Best Brain Supplements, According to Experts

 

1. NooCube

NooCube is a nootropic, which means it’s a mixture of natural compounds, vitamins, and minerals, which may enhance cognitive functions. Though testing of the effectiveness of compounds such as this produce mixed results, this product did come highly recommended across many expert sites.

“Nowadays, engaging the full processing power of your brain is truly a game-changer,” writes Discover Magazine. “Increasing your focus, reducing brain fog, and setting yourself up with a razor-sharp mind are all keys to greater success in all endeavors, and Noocube does an awesome job of delivering on all of these points. Designed with science-backed ingredients (including the award-winning functional ingredient LUTEMAX® 2020), and backed by a 100% satisfaction, 60-day money-back guarantee, you really can’t go wrong with trying out this cutting-edge brain supplement.”

Outlook India writes “If you are looking for a natural, safe and powerful way to enhance your cognitive ability and sharpen your learning skills, then NooCube may just be the supplement for you. This unique nootropic blend contains only clinically-tested ingredients which have been proven to improve concentration, memory recall and mood…NooCube has been formulated with 13 of the most effective vitamins, minerals and nootropics on the market today, combined in an optimal ratio to deliver maximum performance. No doubt, NooCube is the best supplements for focus and concentration. So if you’re looking for a natural solution to improve your brain power and make the most of your learning experiences then NooCube could be just what you need.”

“In a clinical trial lasting 12 months, most users reported a significant improvement in cognitive performance and brain functions, as well as a reduction in procrastination behaviors that keep them from reaching their best,” writes Houstonia Magazine. “The secret ingredient in the formula is the brand’s proprietary marigold extract. It contains lutein and isomers known to stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive function. Supporting this is a powerful blend of natural nootropics, amino acids, choline, and vitamins. With this potent combination of ingredients, NooCube delivers fast-acting brain power in no time.”

2. Hunter Focus

Hunter Focus is another nootropic, but one that is aimed at helping men gain mental clarity. It’s made of natural ingredients, including some from this list such as L-theanine and Ginko Biloba. “From the minds at Hunter Evolve, Hunter Focus is the best brain supplement for professionals age 30+ that can boost productivity and unlock the full potential of your cognitive abilities,” writes The Dallas Morning News. “The creators of Hunter Focus developed the formula specifically for professionals at the top of their game to provide improved cognitive performance and enhanced memory retention.”

The Times of Israel writes: “Hunter Focus is created to support brain function, improve memory retention, and increase mental agility. The supplement contains a blend of natural nootropics, including Lion’s Mane, Bacopa Monnieri, and Ashwagandha, which work together to enhance cognitive function. Hunter Focus is fortified with essential vitamins, such as Vitamin B6, B12, and D3, that help reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost overall mental performance…By taking Hunter Focus regularly, users report improved brain health and mental clarity, increased motivation, and sustained focus throughout the day.”

“With key ingredients like Ginkgo Biloba and Acetyl L-Carnitine, it is one of the most potent supplements on the market, helping you achieve better concentration, greater focus and enhanced creativity – all of which are essential for success,” writes Outlook India. “Tailor made with potent, high doses of all-natural ingredients, Hunter Focus can help unleash your potential and help you accomplish your goals!”

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

It should come as no surprise that Omega-3s populate experts’ lists for best brain supplements. It seems there are very few areas in which these fatty acids do not help. Though the benefits of omega-3s are well known, they are always worth mentioning because of their importance: improved heart, brain, skin, and joint health; mood regulation; and weight management to name a few.

Web MD shares that “The traditional Mediterranean diet, which includes omega 3-rich-fish, is linked to a lower risk of dementia. But can omega-3 supplements help? So far, large studies (including one sponsored by the National Institutes of Health) haven’t proved that. One possible exception: People with the APOE4 gene mutation, which is tied to Alzheimer’s, might benefit if they start taking the supplements early enough, a 2017 review shows.”

“Fish oil supplements are a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two types of omega-3 fatty acids,” writes Healthline. “These fatty acids have been linked with many health benefits, including improved brain health.” And “DHA plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of your brain. In fact, it accounts for around 25% of the total fat, and 90% of the omega-3 fat, found in your brain cells. The other omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil, EPA, has anti-inflammatory effects that may protect the brain against damage and aging.”

iHerb shares that “higher intake of these omega-3 fatty acids is associated with better mood and mental function…For example, analysis from the famous Framingham Heart Study found that people with higher blood levels of DHA reduced their risk of developing dementia by 47% when compared to people with lower levels of DHA. The results from this study suggest that simply eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids 2-3 times a week or taking a fish oil providing at least 1,000 mg of EPA+DHA daily reduce the risk of developing severe mental decline by nearly 50%.”

4. Resveratrol

According to the NIH, “numerous studies have demonstrated that resveratrol possesses a very high antioxidant potential.” Amazingly, they also say it “exhibits antitumor activity, and is considered a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of several types of cancer.”

“Whether it’s combating oxidative stress in the brain or increasing blood flow to bolster cerebrovascular health, resveratrol is a dynamic antioxidant you want on your memory support team,” writes Mbg Health. “What’s more, the antioxidant has been shown to activate SIRT1 (aka ‘the longevity gene’), which helps promote healthy brain aging and whole-body longevity support.”

Healthline writes that “Resveratrol is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the skin of purple and red fruits like grapes, raspberries and blueberries. It’s also found in red wine, chocolate and peanuts…It’s been suggested that taking resveratrol supplements could prevent the deterioration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain associated with memory.” And “If this is true, this treatment could slow down the decline in brain function you experience as you get older.”

“Resveratrol activates an enzyme known as sirtuin 1 that plays an important role in the regulation of cellular life spans; it also boosts brain function and promotes improved blood sugar control by enhancing insulin action,” writes iHerb. “Clinical research in humans shows resveratrol lowers markers of brain inflammation associated with aging and poor mental function in older adults.” And “As a result, resveratrol improved mood, mental cognition, and scores on measures of activities of daily living in older adults.”

5. L-Theanine

While reviews on the effectiveness of this amino acid are mixed, some studies do show it to have positive benefits on cognitive health. Most experts do think, however, that more research must be done before conclusions can be drawn. Web MD writes: “A natural amino acid, L-theanine seems to have potential for improving mental performance, especially when combined with caffeine. That said, most studies have been small, such as one in 2019 that included 30 people. Until there’s more research, a safe bet is to drink green tea: It naturally contains both L-theanine and caffeine, as well as antioxidants that may help your mental and physical well-being in other ways.” And since you probably start your day with caffeine anyway, this will be an easy supplement to include.

“You may recall this one from my list of top supplements for brain health, but I’m mentioning it again because it’s so great for improving focus without the jittery (and potentially serious) side effects of stimulants like Adderall,” writes Dr. Myles Spar. He goes on: “That said, L-theanine combines well with a decidedly milder and more common upper, caffeine. A compound found in black and green tea, L-theanine on its own can bring about a state of relaxed alertness. When paired with caffeine, it works synergistically to increase memory and improve reaction time. One systematic review found L-theanine simultaneously reduced anxiety and increased attention.”

Medical News Today writes “L-theanine may affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, sleep, and emotion, and cortisol, which helps the body deal with stress…a change in the balance of these chemicals can change a person’s mood or stress levels. Small studies and tests on animals have shown that L-theanine may offer a range of benefits.”

You may also be interested in:

• Best Ways to Strengthen Your Brain
• Best Omega-3 Fish Oils for 2023
• Best Vitamins For Your Immune System
• Best Vitamins for Energy

Sources:

• The Dallas Morning News
• Web MD
• Discover Magazine
• Outlook India
• Healthline
• Mbg Health
• Houstonia Magazine
• The Times of Israel
• iHerb
• Dr. Myles Spar
• Medical News Today
• NIH

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.