Brain health supplements: New botanical-boosted formulas and sleep-supporting probiotic food

Novel formats in brain health supplements have diversified, from sleep-enhancing baked goods to stress-reducing “zen” gummies, made possible by advancements in heat-stable probiotics for food processing. In this ongoing category evolution, consumers are shifting toward preventive nutrition interventions aimed at sustaining lifelong mental wellness, alongside a growing target demographic in men’s mental health and esports.

Nutrition Insight dives into the latest advances and consumer research in brain health supplements, with insights from PhytoGaia, Clasado Biosciences, ADM, Gencor, and ThreoTech.

The market is poised for significant growth, driven by several key factors. “One of the most pressing trends is the aging population. According to the WHO, the global population aged 60 years and older is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, up from one billion in 2019 — a staggering 110% increase,” says Dr. Ariati Aris, scientific affairs specialist at PhytoGaia.

“This demographic shift is intensifying public and healthcare focus on age-related cognitive decline, prompting individuals to prioritize brain health earlier in life. As a result, consumers are proactively adopting preventive strategies, including dietary supplements, to maintain mental sharpness and overall cognitive performance.” 

Steven Riley, head of marketing at Clasado Biosciences, sees distinct demographic patterns in cognitive health demand. “Younger consumers aged 16 to 29 years are primarily focused on addressing stress and anxiety, with 28% likely experiencing some form of anxiety. This segment also values improved attention and cognitive performance, particularly among the growing competitive gaming and esports audience.”

“A consumer segment experiencing increasing awareness is in men’s mental health support, a category that’s historically remained largely unaddressed, but represents another emerging segment, as issues become more openly discussed. Research indicates generational differences in approaches to mental well-being, with Generation Z showing greatest interest in improving mood and well-being, followed by Millennials, then Generation X.”

Return to nature

Vaughn DuBow, senior director, product portfolio marketing, Health & Wellness at ADM, underscores that there is a rise in consumer desire for a “return to nature” in supplements and functional food. “Our wide-ranging portfolio of botanicals and natural bioactives can help address this demand.”

“Our ongoing collaboration with the University of Canberra in Australia, for instance, investigates the potential effects of green rooibos extract on everyday stress and feelings of worry. Its natural caffeine-free profile and low tannin content make green rooibos a promising and flavorful ingredient.”

PhytoGaia’s brain health ingredient, TocoGaia, is a natural full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex derived from sustainably-sourced palm fruits.Aligned with naturality, PhytoGaia’s branded ingredient, TocoGaia, is a natural full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex derived from sustainably-sourced palm fruits, offering “powerful support for brain function, cognition, memory, and mental clarity.”PhytoGaia has developed a self-emulsifying delivery system for tocotrienol, TocoGaia Ultra, allowing for increased (200% minimum) absorption of total tocotrienols and the individual isoforms of tocotrienol into blood plasma compared to a regular tocotrienol oil extract. It ensures consistent absorption of tocotrienols and can be taken without food.

“The neuroprotective effects of palm-derived tocotrienols/tocopherol, such as TocoGaia, are well-documented in both scientific literature and human clinical trials. Studies have shown that tocotrienols help mitigate oxidative damage in the brain, which can contribute to cognitive decline,” highlights Aris.

“One significant randomized controlled trial in Malaysia found that palm tocotrienols/tocopherol complex helped slow the progression of brain white matter lesions, which is linked to a reduced risk of neurodegenerative cognitive diseases and stroke.”

In addition, PhytoGaia collaborates with its contract manufacturing partners to develop “modern, age-friendly” delivery systems. These include Konjac Jelly, Oral Dispersible Films, ready-to-drink formulas, and powder sachets, each designed to provide ease of use without compromising potency.

“These formats are particularly appealing to older adults who may face challenges swallowing pills, as well as younger consumers looking for convenient, on-the-go options that seamlessly integrate into their daily routines,” notes Aris.

Multifunctional palmitoylethanolamide

Gencor highlights that its palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient offers cognitive health applications based on its well-studied mechanistic actions in the brain, such as interactions with the cannabinoid receptors and pain and inflammation pathways. The endogenous fatty acid amide, also naturally produced in the body, is also marketed toward applications in joint health, sports recovery, and menstrual discomfort relief.

“PEA formulated as Levagen+ is one of its most well-studied forms,” highlights Gencor spokesperson Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, director of the Centre for Nutraceuticals, University of Westminster, UK.

“Clinical studies have shown that Levagen+ is more bioavailable than standard PEA, enhances sleep quality and quantity, cognition on waking, and improves memory. In my opinion this strong body of clinical validation conducted in relevant populations sets Levagen+ apart from many other ingredients.”

The study results show that six-week Levagen+ supplementation at 700 mg/day led to improved memory, as tested through a validated cognitive assessment system. In addition, Zariwala says the ingredient significantly increased circulating BDNF, “a protein required for maintaining normal neuronal function and associated with improving memory, learning, and cognitive function.”

Sleep and stress support

Solutions that can support stress management and sleep quality are trending upward in this space. “While only 26% of global consumers report consistently refreshing sleep, ADM research indicates 70% of global consumers seek to improve their sleep and relaxation,” DuBow tells us.

“One potential breakthrough solution is our new Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 postbiotic, which is backed by eight human clinical trials, six of which are relevant to stress, mood, and sleep,” he highlights.

Probiotic gut health ingredients that can support stress management and sleep quality are trending upward.Research suggests that supplementing a diet with L. gasseri CP2305 may support emotional well-being, reduced stress, better sleep efficiency, reduced time to fall asleep or sleep latency, healthy overall sleep quality, and improved total sleep duration.

Notably, L. gasseri CP2305 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (ES1) postbiotics overcome the traditional challenges of probiotic viability, enabling them to be incorporated into “virtually any formulation,” from functional bars to snacks and gummies, while maintaining functionality.

DuBow explains: “For example, L. gasseri CP2305 is featured in several concepts supporting stress, mood, and sleep, including our Stress & Sleep Fast Melt with lemon balm extract and melon flavor, Biotic Brownie Brittle that includes wholesome ingredients like hemp seed, black chia seed and more, as well as a Midnight Berry Zen Gummy with ADM/Matsutani’s Fibersol prebiotic dietary fiber, Novatol (plant-derived vitamin E), chamomile, and lemon balm extract.”

L. gasseri CP2305 benefits both men and women, with two trials specifically highlighting its effects on women. In young women (average age 21.5) with premenstrual symptoms, it may support positive moods and reduce stress or anxiety. In menopausal women, it may support positive changes in physiological and emotional well-being.

In 2024, a clinical study was published on ADM’s ES1 probiotic and postbiotic, with results indicating potential support for reducing stress.

“Results also showed a significant reduction in stress among participants taking the probiotic compared to those given a placebo, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Index. This secondary analysis reinforces the link between the gut microbiome health and overall physical and mental well-being,” says DuBow.

ADM is studying the combination of ES1 with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 (BPL15) to improve mood. The company assessed this outcome in a zebrafish model, with results pointing to significantly improved mood status compared to the control by improving swimming speed and exploratory behavior. A human clinical trial is also underway.

Prebiotics for relaxation

In other gut-brain axis research, Clasado’s prebiotic ingredient, Bimuno GOS (galactooligosaccharides), has been the subject of multiple clinical studies demonstrating cognitive health benefits. Prebiotics support beneficial bacteria like bifidobacteria and enhance short-chain fatty acid production in the gut microbiome, both associated with supporting cognitive health. 

“Their personalized impact stems from how they work with an individual’s existing gut ecosystem, allowing for the creation of targeted products that can address specific needs,” says Riley.

Research in 2009 by Silk et al. revealed that four weeks of daily Bimuno GOS supplementation reduced anxiety and improved quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. “Additionally, Schmidt et al. (2015) found that healthy individuals supplemented with Bimuno GOS for three weeks experienced lower stress hormone (cortisol) levels in the morning and increased positive attention,” Riley notes.

“For formulators looking to develop innovative products in the cognitive health space, the gut microbiome is proving to be an exceptional starting point. Prebiotics like Bimuno GOS offer formulators a scientifically validated approach to cognitive support through microbiome modulation, with benefits substantiated by clinical evidence.”

Optimized magnesium

At the upcoming Vitafoods Europe (May 20–22) in Barcelona, Spain, North American ingredient supplier AIDP will debut Magtein after its introduction in the US. Magnesium L-threonate, a more bioavailable form for magnesium supplementation, crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters neuron cells through glucose transporters, increasing intracellular magnesium levels.

Studies evaluated the effect of Magtein on neurological health in memory, specifically measuring associational learning, recognition, recall, and attention. “The newest published study showed Magtein improved sleep quality, especially deep and restorative sleep, improved mood, energy, alertness, and daily activity and productivity,” Laurentia Guesman, director brands, ThreoTech, tells us. ThreoTech is the exclusive distribution partner for AIDP in Europe.

“Magtein has conducted application studies to verify its stability under many traditional beverage manufacturing processes. It is highly stable, water soluble, and has a neutral taste profile. Due to the ease in formulation and neutral flavor, many unique Magtein products have launched in the US, including functional food, beverages, powder sachets, soft chews, liquid tinctures, gummies, capsules, and tablets.”

With additional reporting by William Nichols