June 15th 2024.
The idea of boosting brain power with the help of supplements is a popular one. Many people are constantly on the lookout for the latest pill or tablet that promises to significantly improve their memory. It's a dream come true for many - the ability to enhance our cognitive abilities with just a simple supplement. This desire for better memory has led to a booming industry in the UK, with a wide range of products lining the shelves of pharmacies, from ginkgo biloba to various vitamins, all claiming to offer memory in a bottle. But the question remains - do these brain supplements actually work?
The newest product on the market is Green Bioactives' GBL-Memory, which contains two plant extracts, Fructooligosaccharides and L-Theanine. In a recent study, it was found to improve memory function by up to 10% in healthy volunteers who took it for two months. However, Professor Sanjay Manohar from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences urges caution, stating that the results are based on a small sample size and more research needs to be done before any definite conclusions can be drawn.
This is not the first supplement to make such claims. Ginkgo biloba, an ancient Chinese extract, is also believed to help maintain memory with age decline. However, a meta-analysis conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford found inconsistent and unreliable evidence to support this claim. Similarly, fish oil supplements, which contain important fatty acids for brain and nerve development, have also been touted as a memory booster. But a review by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found no significant impact on cognitive function in older individuals.
Another popular supplement is vitamin D, especially during the winter months. While it is generally safe to take vitamin D supplements as per NHS recommendations, there is still no conclusive evidence that it has any effect on memory. On the other hand, vitamin B supplements have shown some promise in slowing down brain atrophy (loss of brain cells and connections) in healthy volunteers over a two-year period, but there are conflicting reviews on its effect on thinking abilities.
Dr. Natalie Rout, a London-based GP, suggests a more holistic approach to obtaining these essential vitamins and nutrients. She recommends incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts, into our diets instead of relying solely on supplements. Similarly, Dr. Thusiyan Nandakumar, also based in London, advises caution when it comes to taking supplements specifically targeted for memory.
It's clear that there is no magic pill that can instantly improve our memory. As Professor Manohar points out, while the human mind has the capacity to be improved, there is very little evidence to support most over-the-counter supplements. So what can we do to enhance our memory? As it turns out, the answer lies in maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. This not only includes foods that are good for our heart but also a variety of foods in the right proportions.
Dr. Richard Oakley from Alzheimer's Society emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing the risk of dementia. He suggests that instead of relying on supplements, we should focus on incorporating a range of foods into our diets to improve overall health. While there are steps we can take to reduce our risk of memory issues, it's always a good idea to consult with our GP if we have any concerns. So, rather than rushing to buy the latest supplement that claims to prevent or treat dementia, it's best to seek professional advice first.
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