The Best Supplements for Brain Health, Improved Focus, and Memory

Ever feel like your brain is running on low battery? You're not alone! Whether you're juggling deadlines, remembering to pick up milk, or trying to beat your high score on that tricky game, brain health, focus, and memory are key to getting through the day. Unfortunately, with all the distractions and the inevitable effects of aging, our brains can start to feel a little sluggish.

While a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep can do wonders, sometimes we need an extra boost. This is where supplements come in! The best supplements for brain health keep your focus sharp, your memory reliable, and your cognitive function on point. But with so many options out there, which ones should you trust?

In this article, we'll discuss some of the best supplements for brain health, improved focus, and memory. Whether you're looking to stay sharp at work or simply keep your mind in tip-top shape as you age, there's a supplement for everyone. 

The Role of Supplements in Brain Health

Your brain is like the ultimate multitasker—it controls everything from your thoughts and emotions to your ability to remember where you left your keys. To perform at its best, it needs a steady supply of nutrients.

Certain vitamins, minerals, and compounds help boost the production of neurotransmitters (the brain's messengers), protect neurons from damage, and reduce the mental fog that often sneaks up on us. Supplements can improve cognitive function, support memory retention, and increase mental clarity​.

For example, a study published in Nutrients showed that certain brain-boosting supplements could improve memory and cognitive performance, especially in older adults (1)​. Plus, some supplements are great for reducing inflammation in the brain, a major factor in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (2).

The best supplements for brain health are scientifically designed to give your neurons the fuel they need to stay sharp. Whether it's improving focus, enhancing memory, or supporting long-term brain health, there's something out there for everyone. And who doesn't love the idea of staying mentally spry well into old age?

Now, let's explore which supplements are important. 

Berberine

Berberine has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and it's now gaining popularity in the Western world for its health benefits—especially for the brain.

So, what makes Berberine one of the best supplements for brain health? For starters, Berberine helps regulate glucose levels, which is essential for maintaining optimal brain function. Our brains rely on glucose for energy, so when blood sugar levels are balanced, your brain can focus better and work more efficiently. In fact, according to a 2017 study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology, Berberine can improve cognitive performance in individuals with type 2 diabetes, a condition often linked to cognitive decline (3)​.

But that's not all! Berberine has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the brain from damage caused by chronic inflammation (4). Inflammation is a key player in many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, so keeping it in check is crucial for long-term brain health.

Ultra Pure NR

If you've been keeping an eye on the latest brain health trends, you've probably come across Ultra Pure NR (Nicotinamide Riboside). NR is a form of vitamin B3 that's making waves for its ability to boost NAD+ levels in the body and trust us; your brain loves NAD+.

NAD+ is a coenzyme that plays a critical role in cellular energy production, and as we age, our NAD+ levels naturally decline. This decline can lead to decreased brain energy, slower thinking, and—dare we say it—a bit of forgetfulness. But don't worry. Ultra Pure NR is here to help! By increasing NAD+ levels, NR gives your brain cells the energy boost they need to stay sharp and focused (5).

NR supplementation can improve cognitive function and may even slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline​. A 2023 study demonstrated that older adults who took NR supplements experienced improvements in memory and attention (6)​.

Ultra Pure Trimethylglycine

Trimethylglycine (TMG) is also known as betaine. It plays a crucial role in a process called methylation, which is essential for brain function and overall health.

Methylation helps produce neurotransmitters—those handy little chemicals that help your brain cells communicate with each other. In other words, without proper methylation, your brain would struggle to send messages, and we all know how frustrating bad communication can be.

Research has shown that TMG can support healthy brain function by regulating homocysteine levels, which are linked to cognitive decline when elevated (7)​. This makes Ultra Pure Trimethylglycine one of the best supplements for brain health if you're looking to boost mental clarity and focus.

Ultra Pure Quercetin

Ever wish you could give your brain a powerful antioxidant boost? Ultra Pure Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables that's known for its ability to protect your brain from oxidative stress. We all know how important antioxidants are for our bodies, but did you know they can also keep your brain in top shape?

Oxidative stress is one of the major contributors to cognitive decline, and antioxidants like Quercetin can help neutralize harmful free radicals before they cause damage. This makes Ultra Pure Quercetin one of the best supplements for brain health, especially for those looking to protect their brains as they age.

A 2020 study in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that Quercetin has neuroprotective effects that may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases​ (8).

Beyond its antioxidant properties, Quercetin also helps reduce inflammation in the brain, which is a key factor in maintaining cognitive health over the long term. 

Ultra Pure Spermidine

Ultra Pure Spermidine is a natural compound that promotes autophagy—the brain's self-cleaning process. Your brain benefits from cellular cleaning to remove damaged cells and make room for new, healthy ones.

As we age, autophagy slows down. When this happens, old and dysfunctional brain cells accumulate, leading to cognitive decline. Supplementing with Spermidine can help keep your brain in tip-top shape, ensuring that old cells get replaced and new ones can thrive.

A study published in JAMA Network found that Spermidine may help delay cognitive aging and improve memory​ (9). It's particularly exciting for those of us who want to keep our minds sharp well into our golden years.

Ultra Pure Resveratrol

Resveratrol's strength is its ability to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain. As we age, oxidative stress increases, leading to the wear and tear of brain cells, which can contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline. Resveratrol steps in like a shield, protecting those brain cells and keeping them functioning smoothly.

Research has shown that Resveratrol may not only protect brain cells but also support healthy blood flow to the brain, which is critical for keeping your neurons well-fed with oxygen and nutrients (10)​. In one study, participants who took Resveratrol experienced significant improvements in memory performance and cognitive function (11)​.

Ultra Pure Apigenin

Feeling stressed out and scatterbrained? Ultra Pure Apigenin might be the calming supplement you didn't know you needed. Apigenin is a flavonoid found in plants like chamomile, and it's known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. But don't let its soothing nature fool you—it's also one of the best supplements for brain health when it comes to supporting focus and memory.

Apigenin works by binding to receptors in the brain that help reduce stress and promote relaxation. And when your brain is relaxed, it's easier to focus, think clearly, and retain information.

Studies have shown that Apigenin may also protect brain cells from damage and support neurogenesis, the process of creating new brain cells​ (12). So, next time you need a little mental clarity without the jitters, Apigenin is a great natural option to consider. It's like a cup of chamomile tea for your brain!

The Bottom Line

There you have it—a lineup of some of the best supplements for brain health, each offering unique benefits to help keep your mind sharp, focused, and resilient. Whether you're dealing with everyday mental fatigue, trying to improve your memory, or simply looking to support your brain as you age, these supplements have got you covered.

Each of these supplements plays a vital role in promoting brain health. And let's not forget the antioxidant powerhouses like Resveratrol and Quercetin that fight oxidative stress, helping to protect your brain for years to come.

But remember, while supplements can do wonders for brain health, they're just one piece of the puzzle. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep are still essential for keeping your brain in peak condition. So, take care of your brain holistically, and if you're thinking about adding any of these supplements to your routine, don't forget to consult with your healthcare provider first.

References

1. Fekete M, Lehoczki A, Tarantini S, Fazekas-Pongor V, Csípő T, Csizmadia Z, et al. Improving Cognitive Function with Nutritional Supplements in Aging: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Clinical Studies Investigating the Effects of Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Other Dietary Supplements. Nutrients [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Oct 18];15(24):5116. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/24/5116
2. Sinyor B, Mineo J, Ochner C. Alzheimer’s Disease, Inflammation, and the Role of Antioxidants. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports [Internet]. 2020 Jun 16 [cited 2024 Oct 18];4(1):175–83. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7369138/
3. Chen Q, Mo R, Wu N, Zou X, Shi C, Gong J, et al. Berberine Ameliorates Diabetes-Associated Cognitive Decline through Modulation of Aberrant Inflammation Response and Insulin Signaling Pathway in DM Rats. Frontiers in Pharmacology [Internet]. 2017 Jun 6 [cited 2024 Oct 18];8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5460072/
4. Tian E, Sharma G, Dai C. Neuroprotective Properties of Berberine: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Antioxidants [Internet]. 2023 Oct 1 [cited 2024 Oct 18];12(10):1883. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/10/1883
5. Lautrup S, Sinclair DA, Mattson MP, Fang EF. NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cell Metabolism [Internet]. 2019 Oct;30(4):630–55. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550413119305029
6. Orr ME, Kotkowski E, Ramirez P, Bair-Kelps D, Liu Q, Brenner C, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of nicotinamide riboside in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. GeroScience [Internet]. 2023 Nov 23 [cited 2024 Oct 18]; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828186/
7. Yang ZJ, Huang SY, Zhong KY, Huang WG, Huang ZH, He TT, et al. Betaine alleviates cognitive impairment induced by homocysteine through attenuating NLRP3-mediated microglial pyroptosis in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. Redox Biology [Internet]. 2024 Jan 4 [cited 2024 Oct 18];69:103026–6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10808937/
8. Chiang MC, Tsai TY, Wang CJ. The Potential Benefits of Quercetin for Brain Health: A Review of Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Mechanisms. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1 [cited 2023 Apr 13];24(7):6328. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/7/6328/html#B77-ijms-24-06328
9. Schwarz C, Benson GS, Horn N, Wurdack K, Grittner U, Schilling R, et al. Effects of Spermidine Supplementation on Cognition and Biomarkers in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA network open [Internet]. 2022 May 2 [cited 2024 Oct 18];5(5):e2213875. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35616942/
10. Singh N, Agrawal M, Doré S. Neuroprotective Properties and Mechanisms of Resveratrol in in Vitro and in Vivo Experimental Cerebral Stroke Models. ACS Chemical Neuroscience [Internet]. 2013 Jun 11 [cited 2024 Oct 18];4(8):1151–62. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3750679/
11. Cicero AFG, Ruscica M, Banach M. Resveratrol and cognitive decline: a clinician perspective. Archives of Medical Science [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2024 Oct 18];15(4):936–43. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6657254/
12. Charrière K, Schneider V, Manon Perrignon-Sommet, Gérard Lizard, Alexandre Benani, Agnès Jacquin-Piques, et al. Exploring the Role of Apigenin in Neuroinflammation: Insights and Implications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2024 May 6 [cited 2024 Oct 18];25(9):5041–1. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38732259/