Brain health boosters: Ingredient innovation for stress resistance, mood elevation and cognition

“Brain food” is undergoing a transformation as a wave of new science-backed ingredient innovations unlocks new tiers of formulation for mental well-being. Experts highlight that new offerings are looking to take brain health claims beyond traditional pills and pharmaceuticals, with the introduction of anxiety-modulating prebiotics and a new class of ingredients for neurodevelopmental disorders, dubbed “psychobiotics.” 

Nutrition Insight speaks to industry experts at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, AB-Biotics, Balchem, and Gencor, who share insights on the latest innovations in functional ingredients for cognitive performance and mood balance.

“We’re seeing some fascinating shifts in consumer behavior around the world in the brain health space. North America and Europe dominate the market, with older adults being the core audience — driven by the desire to stay sharp as they age,” Sophie Zillinger Molenaar, global marketing execution lead at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, tells us.

“But there’s fast-growing interest from younger demographics, especially Gen Z and millennials, who want to stay mentally switched-on, too. The recent trend for holistic self-improvement is also impacting consumers of all ages, as they look to make small, do-it-yourself changes with multifunctional supplements that support the brain and body.”

Versatile DHA powders

In this category, FrieslandCampina says docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is emerging as a powerhouse ingredient. “It remains at the top of our minds for good reason. Extensive studies underline its role in supporting brain health, as well as managing mood issues like depression,” says Zillinger Molenaar.

“There’s also some interesting new research emerging on the link between omega-3s and sleep, although it’s still early days. In this fast-moving space, we wanted to make omega-3s more accessible to a wider audience. Many consumers struggle to find omega-3 supplements that fit their vegetarian or vegan lifestyles — or they simply don’t like the fishy taste.”

FrieslandCampina Ingredients developed Biotis DHA Flex Powders from algae with more versatility and a better sensory profile (Image credit: FrieslandCampina Ingredients).The company developed Biotis DHA Flex Powders to meet this need. “They use DHA sourced from algae to provide the same brain-boosting benefits as traditional fish-based omega-3s – with more versatility,” Zillinger Molenaar explains.

“These powders provide a high load of DHA in either a vegetarian or vegan format, but it’s the sensory properties that really set these ingredients apart from the rest. We use microencapsulation technology to protect the DHA oil against oxidation for a better sensory profile, and our taste testers agree.”

The Biotis DHA Flex Powders’ encapsulation process also includes high levels of vitamin C, so formulators can add an immune health claim to supplements.

Psychobiotics for neurodevelopmental disorders

As part of AB-Biotic’s recently launched Pediacare line, Mindbiome Plus is a psychobiotic blend designed to modulate the gut-brain axis and enhance mental functions like concentration and memory.

“It contains our Levilactobacillus brevis KABP-052, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP-023, and Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 strains that were selected for their ability to promote the production of several neuroactive substances, including GABA and serotonin,” says Miquel Bonachera, co-founder at AB-Biotics.

“L.brevis KABP-052 and L. plantarum KABP-023 were clinically tested together in children from five to 16 years old and were seen to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD, neurodevelopmental conditions that have been linked with GABA imbalances.”

 L. plantarum DR7 is the third strain in the Mindbiome Plus blend and the sole strain in AB-Biotic’s Mindbiome offering. “It targets the gut-brain axis, influencing key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, and has been seen to contribute to the improvement of memory and learning, as well as calming the nervous system by reducing stress and anxiety,” says Bonachera.

“Ideal for capsules, sticks and drops, Mindbiome and Mindbiome Plus open the door for a wide range of formulation innovations to cater for children, teens and adults.”

Choline-enriched folate salt

Balchem highlights its choline ingredient, VitaCholine; its newly launched bioactive, choline-enriched folate salt, Optifolin+; and magnesium bisglycinate from its Albion Minerals range.

“Emerging research has transformed our understanding of the critical role of choline in cognitive support. One recent clinical trial, for instance, showed that supplementation with VitaCholine during pregnancy delivered long-term benefits for the baby’s cognitive health — lasting even after their seventh birthday,” says Dominik Mattern, VP of science, business development, and marketing at Balchem Human Nutrition and Health.

“Another study published earlier this year also highlighted the importance of choline intake for cognition in later life. The trial, which followed more than 125,000 people (with an average starting age of 56) over the course of nearly 12 years, reported that individuals with relatively high choline intake (>465 mg/day) had better cognitive performance.”

Balchem’s newly launched bioactive, the choline-enriched folate salt, Optifolin+, unlocks multiple benefits across all life stages, including cognitive, heart, and epigenetic health.Additionally, researchers saw that adequate daily intake of choline was associated with better performance across a number of cognitive tests, including exhibited visual attention, fluid intelligence, and complex processing speed.

Mattern highlights the importance of folate to support healthy brain tissues and promote normal cognitive function by regulating homocysteine levels through its methyl donor function.

“Balchem’s newly launched bioactive, choline-enriched folate salt, Optifolin+, unlocks multiple benefits across all life stages, including cognitive, heart, and epigenetic health,” he explains. “This first-of-its-kind ingredient provides seven times the methyl groups found in other folate products, which promote balanced and effective methylation within the body.”

“This simple yet vital biochemical process of methylation helps in the production of amino acids, neurotransmitters, hormones, red blood cells, DNA, and RNA. It also has important functional roles, such as aiding in the control of gene expression, making it crucial for our epigenetic well-being.”

Format innovation is a major focus for virtually every supplement brand. However, Mattern notes that it is important to consider the basics of bioavailability and stability before deciding on a trending delivery method. 

“Choline, for example, is an essential nutrient for our brain, body, and nervous system that would make a natural addition to multi-ingredient solutions — especially in the cognitive health space,” he says. “However, the hygroscopicity (tendency to attract and retain moisture) of choline molecules can present formulation challenges.”

“At Balchem, through cutting-edge, patented particle science from our partners IPS, we created VitaCholine Pro-Flo — an encapsulated version of our industry-leading choline ingredient, VitaCholine, that uses a specialized membrane to shield against moisture or other destabilizing substances. The result is an ingredient that flows smoothly, compresses efficiently, and can be seamlessly added to existing multivitamin formulations.”

Palmitoylethanolamide for stress resistance

Gencor highlights its Levagen+ branded and clinically tested palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient. Its efficacy in supporting brain health, cognitive function, sleep, and stress has been consistently demonstrated in several published studies, highlights the company’s VP of global marketing, Maggie McNamara.

“Specifically, its most recent study showed that Levagen+ enhances physiological resilience to stress among female university students,” she notes. “The double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial revealed that it may help improve the body’s ability to adapt to stress by supporting balance in the autonomic nervous system.”

“Another clinical study demonstrated that Levagen+ supported significant improvement in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels compared to a placebo and improved memory, as evidenced by higher first success rates and fewer errors.”

Levagen+ was shown to support stress relief and improve quality of life, highlighting PEA’s relevance and application in sleep. “Additionally, PEA is part of the extended endocannabinoid family and may promote restful sleep by indirectly activating the calming CB1 receptors. It can also increase restful REM sleep by activating TRPV1 channels,” says McNamara.

“Levagen+’s clinical data demonstrate its versatility as a multifunctional ingredient that supports brain and cognitive function.”

Gut-brain crossovers

Zillinger Molenaar highlights that ingredients that have typically been for gut health are also earning legitimate credentials in the brain health space. “Take galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), for example. A few years ago, we’d only see GOS in gut health formulations, but now they’re appearing in cognitive and mood-supporting products as well,” she notes.

“There’s robust scientific evidence to show that GOS can reduce stress and anxiety via the gut-brain axis — an area that is getting more attention. One study revealed that supplementation with our Biotis GOS in young women aged 18–25 led to increased levels of Bifidobacteria in the gut as well as reduced reports of anxiety symptoms.”

Another study confirmed these findings, reporting significant changes in brain GABA activity and faster reaction times in women with high anxiety. “By focusing on mental well-being from the inside out, GOS is helping to spark a new wave of smart-thinking product innovation,” says Zillinger Molenaar.

“We might see the development of more functional food and drinks that are fortified for specific cognitive health benefits like mood or focus. There’s also an opportunity for symbiotic ‘brain blends’ that pair GOS with targeted probiotics or bioactives to tap into the gut-brain axis. The real game-changer will be personalization — using insights on an individual’s gut microbiome to tailor formulations more accurately to their cognitive needs.”