Many people dream of boosting their brain power with a simple tablet. In the UK alone, the market for memory-enhancing supplements is booming, offering everything from ginkgo biloba to various vitamins promising memory in a bottle.
However, the effectiveness of these brain supplements remains uncertain. Green Bioactives’ GBL-Memory, for instance, claims to improve memory by up to 10% based on a study with healthy volunteers over two months. Yet, experts like Professor Sanjay Manohar from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences urge caution, noting that such studies involve small samples and require extensive validation before widespread recommendations can be made.
Take ginkgo biloba, an ancient Chinese extract popular for its purported memory benefits. Despite its widespread use, a meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Oxford found inconsistent and unreliable evidence of its effectiveness, particularly for dementia or memory issues. Similarly, omega-3 fish oil supplements, believed to support brain health with fatty acids like DHA and EPA, have shown mixed results in studies on cognitive function among older adults.
While some studies suggest that vitamin B supplements may slow brain atrophy over time, others question their ability to prevent cognitive decline. Experts like Dr. Natalie Rout and Dr. Thusiyan Nandakumar emphasize that obtaining essential nutrients through a balanced diet, including sources like oily fish for omega-3 or B12-rich foods for vitamin B, may be more beneficial than relying on supplements.
Ultimately, while the human mind holds potential for improvement, evidence supporting most over-the-counter supplements remains limited. Instead of seeking a quick fix through supplements, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is crucial for overall brain health. For those concerned about memory issues or dementia, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended over self-prescribing supplements.
