Brain Boosts II: Deep-dive into cognitive health solutions and the ingredients nourishing the mind

24 Aug 2023 --- Ingredients and products that support healthy brains and bolster cognition are increasing in demand across several industry sectors and consumer demographics. In order to meet this growing demand, supplement and nutraceutical producers are working to create both targeted and multifunctional offerings that assist with focus, memory, mood and energy, among other factors related to cognitive well-being.

In the first segment of our two-part report on cognition-enhancing products, we delved into prevailing trends while exploring the future landscape of the space. In the second part, Nutrition Insight looks at the ingredients and products shaping the industry as well as the specific effects of each, in conversation with several suppliers.

“We anticipate that the cognitive health category will continue growing as consumers learn more about the clinical data on ingredients that boost brain health,” says Maggie McNamara, the marketing director at Gencor. In addition, younger generations, including millennials and Gen-Zers, are turning to the natural products industry for their health-related needs.” 

Beatrice Minin, the product manager for mood and cognitive health at Gnosis by Lesaffre, says that the potential is extensive, especially among untapped demographics. She further states that brands can refine their products to serve diverse consumer groups, addressing various brain needs across different generations with scientifically backed applications.

“One of the challenges relates to ingredient quality, especially from newer brands,” she says. “We see e-channel and emerging brands flourishing, presenting quality issues uncovered by recent investigations – ingredients were not even present or altered. The same applies to new trending ingredients on the market – it’s essential to always look for high-quality, proven ingredients and not be tempted by the fad.”

Dr. Torsten Grothe, the head of food and health at Mibelle Group, notes that another factor driving consumer demand is the significant and evident correlation between brain health and longevity, given the closely intertwined molecular mechanisms underlying cognition, aging and extended lifespan.

“Neural stimulants and nootropics are reported to extend lifespan in various organisms and neurotransmitter signaling is discussed as one key mechanism to extend lifespan,” he adds. “Typically, neurotransmitter signaling slows down during the natural aging process, and can be accelerated by an unhealthy lifestyle.”

Prolonging cognitive health
Suppliers and producers have innovated products to meet the growing consumer needs in the brain-boosting realm. Minin states that Gnosis by Lesaffre emphasizes advancing research and innovating products within the realm of cognitive well-being. The company has an extensive range dedicated to cognitive health, including Adonat Premium SAMe and Quatrefolic Folate. 

Derived through fermentation, Adonat Premium SAMe is its S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine offering, which plays a key role in neural balance, acting as an epigenetic factor for longevity. The product supports mood and well-being by methylating neurotransmitters and has been shown to maintain cognitive function on three distinct levels.

“Keeping adequate levels of phosphatidylcholine affects memory, learning and attention. [The product] fights free radicals through glutathione production and by promoting the antioxidant release,” Minin explains. It also keeps homocysteine levels under control (along with the folate cycle), which is a recognized risk factor for cognitive decline.

She also notes that SAMe has been shown to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, ensuring direct brain access. It also touts indications for addressing Mild Cognitive Impairment. Moreover, she reveals that Quatrefolic Folate – vitamin B9 – holds a notable function in brain cognitive processes and neural communication. Insufficient levels of this nutrient could potentially heighten the risk of cognitive decline.

She further states that supplementing with Quatrefolic, the glucosamine salt of 5-MTHF, can enhance cognitive benefits by directly providing active folate, avoiding metabolic steps. It regulates homocysteine, is linked to cognitive decline and aids glutathione production for neuroinflammation defense, oxidative stress response and gene expression maintenance.

Meeting the demand
According to McNamara, the current demand for brain-boosting offerings presents an “excellent opportunity” for finished product producers to modify their formulations or introduce brain health supplements that offer a range of advantages encompassing focus, relaxation and improved sleep.

She underscores that four of Gencor’s offerings, Affron and Levagen Plus, are specially suited for the current climate.

“Levagen Plus is our branded extract of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which helps improve mood and sleep through its ability to influence the endocannabinoid system,” she explains. “A study demonstrated that PEA is a potential sleeping aid capable of reducing sleep onset time in individuals with sleep latency issues and improving cognition on waking.”

Also, Affron, a high-quality saffron ingredient supported by nine human clinical trials, has been demonstrated to enhance mood in individuals experiencing occasional stress and uneasiness, and it has also exhibited the ability to enhance sleep.

Extending cognitive function
Dr. Groethe at Mibelle says that the company’s Nepalese pepper extract offering, SaraPEPP Nu, enhances the release of neurotransmitters, leading to a noteworthy extension of the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans – up to 12.7%. He notes that the widely utilized roundworm serves as a prominent model organism for studying brain health and the aging process.

“This release in neurotransmitters also has an impact in humans, where it improves mental performance and memory as demonstrated in a clinical study,” he reveals. “All in all, these study results suggest that SaraPEPP Nu combines all the attributes for a next-generation anti-aging ingredient – lifespan extension and longevity, fast and long-lasting improvement of cognitive performance, as well as reduction of mental fatigue.”

McNamara explains that Gencor’s proprietary and clinically validated curcumin extract, HydroCurc, has demonstrated its potential to boost cognitive function in the areas of memory and learning. She states that this is indicated by the observed increase in serum Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and ferritin levels associated with HydroCurc supplementation.

“We also offer CALMaluma, a Caralluma fimbriata extract (CFE), derived from a cactus-like plant, which has been clinically researched for its therapeutic potential in easing worry, frustration and mood in adults,” she says. “The published data also showed the extract supported healthy cortisol levels and promoted a healthy adrenal response in men.”

Making up for critical deficits
Ståle Søfting, the sales and marketing director at GC Rieber VivoMega and Merce Piñol del Olmo, the SVP of human health and nutrition in Europe for Aker BioMarine, tout the proven cognitive benefits of omega 3s.

Søfting highlights that dietary guidelines from national and international organizations emphasize the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids for their documented health advantages. He adds that most guidelines recommend one to two fish servings per week, equivalent to 200-500 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily. 

However, he stresses that Western diets often lack sufficient omega 3s, resulting in intake levels significantly below the recommended standards in many nations.

“VivoMega omega 3 concentrates are of the highest quality and concentrations with world-class oxidation parameters – far below any other industrial global standards – giving an excellent sensory profile and allowing for proper dosage in a smaller pill,” Søfting explains. 

“Additionally, GC Rieber VivoMega takes pride in its complete transparency and sustainable sourcing practices for both its vegan algae oil line and marine-derived oils – checking nearly all of the boxes when it comes to consumers’ demands and needs.”

According to Olmo, approximately 60% of brain weight is composed of phospholipids abundant in omega 3 fatty acids and choline. These components are crucial for cellular processes, nerve communication and cognitive well-being. Therefore, supplying the brain with essential nutrients present in its natural composition can effectively promote cognitive function.

Fighting illness
Furthermore, Olmo reveals that brain-related illnesses comprise one-third of the spectrum of human diseases, with neurological conditions ranking as the second primary cause of mortality and the foremost contributor to disability. Mental health disorders impact around one-third of the global populace throughout their lives. 

She further stresses that, in Europe, approximately 165 million individuals contend with brain-related conditions, resulting in an economic burden of €800 billion (USD$869 billion) annually.

“Superba Krill oil is naturally rich in vital brain-boosting nutrients such as phospholipids, the omega 3s EPA and DHA and choline and nourishing the brain with these key nutrients is a great way to help support cognitive abilities and brain power,” says Olmo. “EPA and DHA are essential for cognitive health, brain development and function.” 

“Choline is crucial for normal cellular function, nerve signaling and brain development and function,” she concludes. “Phospholipids help aid in the developmental, maintenance and cellular processes in the brain.”

By William Bradford Nichols with additional reporting by Jolanda van Hal