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These Top 5 Brain Supplements Can Help Sharpen Memory and Boost Cognition
We have identified the key factors to look for in a top-notch cognitive health supplement and how you can spot the scams.
Table of Contents
Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes
Our #1 Choice for 2023
How Can You Tell a Good Memory Supplement from a Bad One?
In our analysis, we noticed a number of companies making exaggerated claims about the cognitive improvements you can realize by using their products, not all of which are likely. What kind of results can you realistically expect from a brain supplement?
When Will You See Results?
The ingredients in most cognitive health products can provide some noticeable improvements within 30 days. However, it may take additional time to restore optimal acetylcholine production and maximize your brain’s ability to forge new neural pathways.
Research suggests that 3 months of daily use helps significantly increase the likelihood of lasting improvement. Here is a reasonable timeline to expect:
Month 1: You may feel less forgetful and more focused as you experience less frequent “senior moments.”
Month 2: You may notice that your short-term memory feels considerably sharper with greater capacity and faster recall.
Month 3: Peak cognitive potential is reached. You may experience long-lasting improvement in memory retention, greater concentration and alertness, and a renewed confidence in your mind.
The 5 Must-Have Ingredients for a Good Memory Supplement
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Alpha GPC
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Huperzine A
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Lion's Mane Mushroom
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Bacopa Monnieri
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Ginkgo Biloba
Warning Signs of Potential Scams
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Lack of Clinical Studies
Be wary of companies that cite the clinical efficacy of individual ingredients within a product rather than the effectiveness of the product as a whole. The highest indicator of quality in a supplement is the commission of a placebo-controlled clinical study for safety and effectiveness by an independent third party. This is of particular importance when assessing the claims of a brain supplement, as participants can be evaluated for quantifiable performance improvements on a standardized cognitive test. You expect the same high standard of research and testing before trusting a medication, so why wouldn’t you do the same before trusting a supplement?
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Unproven Ingredients
There are very few natural ingredients for cognitive enhancement that are both potent and safe for consumption. Other herbs and compounds billed as nootropics have little clinical evidence to back their effectiveness. Watch out for supplements that include an extensive list of ingredients to create the illusion of comprehensive support. More is not necessarily better when it comes to your health. Some of the supplements we reviewed contained more than 10 unique ingredients!
Top 5 Cognitive Enhancers of 2023
Key Ingredients
Alpha GPC
Huperzine A
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Bacopa Monnieri
Ginkgo Biloba
Proof of Efficacy
Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
No Unproven Ingredients
Other Considerations
No Artificial Additives
Vegan
Non-GMO
Gluten-Free
Made in a GMP-Certified Laboratory
Made in the USA
1.  RediMind
Our Rating
A+
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
A+
Pros
Clinically tested against placebo by independent third party
After 30 days of daily use, study participants scored 51% higher* on a standardized cognitive test
Contains all 5 must-have ingredients
No fillers or artificial additives
Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
Made in the USA
Cons
Available online in Philippines, but not currently sold in retail stores
The Bottom Line
RediMind contains all 5 of the ingredients we consider essential for optimal memory support, including alpha GPC, huperzine A, lion’s mane mushroom, bacopa monnieri, and ginkgo biloba. It is also produced in a GMP-certified laboratory in New York.
It is available on Amazon.com, but we found significantly better discounts and shipping options to Philippines on Nutreance’s website. The company also offers other products for mental health, including a stress relief supplement and a natural sleep aid.
Overall, RediMind is our top pick for cognitive enhancement in 2023.
2.  MemorAll
Our Rating
A-
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
A-
Pros
Contains 3 out of 5 must-have ingredients
No artificial additives
Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
Made in the USA
Cons
No clinical study
Does not contain alpha GPC or lion's mane mushroom
Contains some ingredients with questionable efficacy
The Bottom Line
Acetyl L-carnitine, another ingredient in the formula, has been shown to promote the production of acetylcholine. However, it can be easily obtained through a well-rounded diet, and it must be paired with alpha GPC for maximum bioavailability. Unfortunately, the supplement does not include alpha GPC or lion’s mane mushroom, both of which are essential for optimal acetylcholine levels and the formation of new neural connections.
The product also contains phosphatidylserine, a naturally occurring compound with neuroprotective potential. However, the most promising clinical trials involved phosphatidylserine derived from bovine brain tissue, while the ingredient in this vegan formula has been extracted from sunflower oil.
Most importantly, it has not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness in a placebo-controlled clinical study, which could justify the inclusion of some ingredients with less certain efficacy.
3.  Membrin
Our Rating
B
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
B
Pros
Contains 2 out of 5 must-have ingredients
No fillers or artificial additives
Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
Made in the USA
Cons
No clinical study
Does not contain alpha GPC, lion's mane mushroom, or bacopa monnieri
Focuses more on cerebral blood flow than acetylcholine production
The Bottom Line
The formula is free from fillers and additives and is made in the USA.
Membrin does not contain alpha GPC, lion’s mane mushroom, or bacopa monnieri, each of which are critical to help promote optimal production of acetylcholine for better focus, faster recall, and improved neuroplasticity. This appears to be by design, as Ortho Molecular Products indicates that the product is geared toward improved blood flow in the brain. While this approach to cognitive enhancement has its merits, it does not address age-related decline of acetylcholine production and its impact on memory.
They have not tested the product for efficacy in a clinical study. One final note: this supplement has been contraindicated for women of childbearing age, as it may negatively impact fertility.
4.  CogniAid
Our Rating
B
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
B
Pros
Contains 2 out of 5 must-have ingredients
No artificial additives
Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
Made in the USA
Cons
No clinical study
Does not contain alpha GPC, lion's mane mushroom, or ginkgo biloba
Contains some ingredients with limited proof of efficacy
The Bottom Line
The formula prominently contains Memophenol, a proprietary extract of grape and wild blueberry, and NooGandha, a trademarked derivation of ashwagandha. Both of these ingredients have been tested individually for safety and effectiveness in clinical studies. However, the results were mixed.
In the case of Memophenol, one study of college students indicated better cognitive performance by 36%, but a larger study of elderly subjects found no significant effect on overall cognitive test scores. Meanwhile, the 2 studies available for NooGandha demonstrated improvement in short-term memory, but the statistical increases were small.
The product does not contain alpha GPC, lion’s mane mushroom, or ginkgo biloba, each of which promotes faster decision-making and better memory retention by supporting acetylcholine levels. More importantly, the product as a whole has not been tested by an independent, third-party clinical study.
5.  Ceriva
Our Rating
B
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
B
Pros
Contains huperzine A
No fillers or artificial additives
Non-GMO and gluten-free
Made in the USA
Cons
No clinical study
Does not contain 4 out of 5 must-have ingredients
Not vegan
The Bottom Line
While the product’s stated goal is to aid the body’s natural modulation of acetylcholine, the formula is missing 4 out of our 5 must-have ingredients for optimal acetylcholine production. While the colostrum-derived polypeptide complex shows promise and huperzine A alone can help boost short-term memory, a stronger supporting cast of ingredients would be preferred. A clinical study would go a long way to validate the formula’s efficacy.
Lastly, if you are allergic to dairy or lactose-intolerant, take note that this supplement’s polypeptide complex is derived from milk.
References
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