Cognitive Function

NemaLife builds nematode-based ingredient screening pipeline for rapid, affordable, and actionable results

10-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The whole organism assay platform is helping companies explore novel ingredients for health and lifespan, weight management, cognitive health, muscle health, and more.

Ketone supplements may boost reaction times for soccer players

31-Oct-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Decreases in reaction time that occur during team sports may be prevented by ketone ester supplements, suggests data from a small study from Canada.

Pro esports organization taps Thorne HealthTech as official partner

11-Oct-2022 By Danielle Masterson

The collaboration will leverage the new partnership in many ways, with the main goal of introducing gamers to a healthy lifestyle with science-driven products that support enhanced performance.

UK Biobank data suggests omega-3 supplements may prevent dementia

07-Oct-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Regular consumption of fish oil supplements may be associated with significant reductions in the risk of different types of dementia, according to analysis of over 200,000 people in the UK Biobank cohorts.

Single ashwagandha dose may exert cognitive performance: Study

03-Oct-2022 By Stephen Daniells

One 400 mg dose of an ashwagandha extract may improve working memory and maintain reaction times, says a new study from scientists at Texas A&M University, the University of Wisconsin, and Increnovo LLC.

The second wave of esports supplementation

22-Sep-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Gamers are looking to the health and wellness industry to give them an edge on their competition. We sat down with two experts to see what gamers are into and what brands should consider when formulating for this developing industry.

Daily multivitamin may improve cognition, may protect against decline: RCT

14-Sep-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Multivitamin supplements may improve cognition, episodic memory, and executive function in older people, and slow cognitive decline by 60%, according to data from the high-profile COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study for the Mind (COSMOS-Mind).

Meta-analysis: Creatine supplementation improves memory in healthy adults

09-Sep-2022 By Asia Sherman

Creatine supplementation increases creatine content in the brain and improves memory performance in healthy individuals, particularly in older adults, according to a new meta-analysis.

Broccoli compound may boost cognitive function and mood in older adults: RCT

16-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Sulforaphane, a compound derived from broccoli, may boost processing speed and mood in healthy older adults, says a new study from Japan.

Ingredient blend may boost attention and focus under stress: RCT

12-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of herbs, minerals and vitamins may improve attention, and lower anxiety under stressful conditions, according to two studies using Sanofi’s commercially available Teadiola product.

NutraIngredients-USA Awards: Meet the Ingredients of the Year!

05-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Six new “Ingredients of the Year” were announced at the recent NutraIngredients-USA Awards spanning beauty from within, cognitive function, healthy aging, prebiotic, sports nutrition, and weight management. Read on to meet the winners…

Creatine + beta-alanine may boost physical & cognitive performance in military personnel: Study

03-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

One week of creatine supplementation at the end of a four week beta-alanine supplementation protocol may boost physical and cognitive performance compared to beta-alanine alone.

Researcher makes case for creatine as nootropic

20-Jul-2022 By Danielle Masterson

The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) featured a variety of presentations to promote the science and application of evidence-based sports nutrition and supplementation, including a non-so-well-known application of creatine.

Study shows effectiveness of Juvenescence’s ketosis-inducing supplement

26-May-2022 By Asia Sherman

In its quest to increase healthspan, biotech longevity firm Juvenescence continues to build on research to support its novel ketone ester.

News in brief

Braini gets patent on proprietary cognitive health blend

16-May-2022 By Hank Schultz

Neurotropic brand Braini says it has received a composition of matter patent on its proprietary blend of cocoon silk fiber, a seed oil and a blueberry extract.

RCT supports efficacy of multi-ingredient nootropic for cognitive boost for gamers

16-May-2022 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of nootropics may boost multiple cognitive performance measures without raising heart rates in healthy young adults, says a new study that supports the formulation for gaming and sports nutrition.

Tapping into the esports market by unmasking the gamer

12-May-2022 By Danielle Masterson

During the recent webinar, Maximizing esports success: Meeting gamer demand, esports experts broke down how to market to gamers in an effective way.

Mango leaf extract with benefits for brain and sports performance patented by Nektium

11-May-2022 By Liza Laws

A mango leaf extract known for improving human health, including cognitive function and sports performance has been through the first round of being patented in several primary markets by botanicals supplier Nektium.

Kyowa Hakko put multi-year plan in place to catch esports wave in 2019

21-Apr-2022 By Hank Schultz

Ingredient supplier Kyowa Hakko said it saw the egaming wave coming and put a plan in place that culminated in the first-ever booth by an ingredient supplier at the SXSW festival in 2019.

How baby boomers are shaping the gaming segment

21-Apr-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Esports players retire extremely young compared to traditional athletes. But for older generations who missed the gaming craze, it’s game on.

Esports nutrition among gamers becoming more standard

19-Apr-2022 By Danielle Masterson

This year’s Sports Nutrition Summit brought in experts that provided the insights needed to earn the respect of gamers, especially when it comes to authenticity, health and wellness.

Webinar examines how to maximize esports success

11-Apr-2022 By Danielle Masterson

The panel discussion will delve into the latest trends in gaming and how to authentically tap into the community.

2022 NutraIngredients-USA Awards: Last call for entries!

06-Apr-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The extended deadline to submit entries for the NutraIngredients-USA Awards is fast approaching – submit your entries now for your chance to join our Hall of Fame!

Influx of gaming supplements continues into booming esports market

31-Mar-2022 By Asia Sherman

With millions in prize money and sponsorships on the line in an increasingly competitive arena, gamers known as esports athletes are adopting training regimens to combat the physical and mental toll of prolonged sedentary screen time.

Fermented dairy consumption improves relational memory in healthy adults: Study

29-Mar-2022 By Asia Sherman

Consuming fermented dairy increases the presence of certain gut microbiota and improves relational memory in healthy adults, says a new study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.

Study: Enriched infant formula may improve neurocognitive function in children at age 6

28-Mar-2022 By Asia Sherman

Infant formula enriched with milk fat globule membrane, omega-3 fatty acids and synbiotics improves brain function in healthy children, a new study suggests.

Low vitamin C linked to cognitive impairment in older adults

22-Mar-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Research suggests that vitamin C deficiency affects cognition and nerve signaling in the brain, making it a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment.

NutraIngredients-USA Awards: What are our judges looking for?

24-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

With five weeks left until the closing date for entries for the NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2022, we’re often asked about the judging process, so here’s what you need to know…

Gut bacteriophages linked to improved cognitive ability in humans (and mice & flies)

21-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The presence of a specific bacteriophage – a virus that targets bacteria – in the human gut has been linked to an improvement in cognitive functions and memory in humans, mice, and flies.

Six ingredient categories open for entries in NutraIngredients-USA Awards

31-Jan-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The prestigious NutraIngredients-USA Awards are back for 2022, with six categories dedicated to the best and most innovative ingredients.

Bacopa extract may boost sleep, cognitive & mood measures in kids: Study

26-Jan-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of a specific Bacopa monnieri extract may improve measures of cognitive flexibility and executive functioning in children aged 6 to 14 years, says a new study from Australia.

The NutraIngredients-USA Awards are back! Submit your entries!

12-Jan-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The NutraIngredients-USA Awards are back for 2022 with new two categories but the same commitment to honor the best and brightest in ingredients, finished products, companies, people, and initiatives in the dietary supplements industry.

NIU’s predictions: The categories, ingredients, & industry issues to watch in 2022

05-Jan-2022 By By Stephen Daniells and Hank Schultz

The year is new, and a lot of people are getting out their crystal balls. NutraIngredients-USA is no exception, and here are our issues and topics to watch in the dietary supplements space in 2022.

Doubling prenatal choline intake improves cognitive performance in childhood, say scientists

05-Jan-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

There are “population-wide benefits of adding choline to a standard prenatal vitamin regimen,” according to a nutrition expert.

Nutrition21's Nitrosigine may boost cognitive performance in healthy adults: Study

22-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Acute supplementation with Nutrition 21’s inositol-stabilized arginine silicate ingredient may enhance cognitive function and memory in healthy aduts, says a new study.

Omega-3s plus carotenoids and vitamin E show ‘synergistic’ benefits for memory: RCT

21-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin, and vitamin E may improve working memory in cognitively healthy older adults, says a new study from Ireland.

Sustained release ashwagandha extract shows stress-reducing activity

20-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release capsules may boost memory and focus, while also improving sleep quality and lowering stress levels, says a new study.

IFF’s green oat extract may improve mental processing and resilience to mental fatigue: Study

15-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

A single dose of a green oat extract may improve a number of neurophysiological parameters, from cognitive control to attention and processing speed, says a new study.

B vitamins have ‘significantly favorable effects’ on cognitive scores in older people: RCTs

10-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Older people with mild cognitive impairment experienced significant cognitive benefits from supplementation with B vitamins, but only in people not using aspirin, says a pooled analyses of two randomized placebo-controlled trials.

Study provides ‘first’ report of elderly gut microbiota changes and cognitive decline

08-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

The composition of the gut microbiota is different between healthy older people and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), says a new study which may lead to better microbiota-based diagnosis for early stage MCI.

Sage extract shows cognitive boosting activity during tiring exercise: Study

07-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of sage extracts may improve cognitive function even during a fatiguing endurance cycling exercise, says a new study using Nexira’s Cognivia ingredient.

‘Life-altering benefits’: DHA Omega-3 supplements boost cognition in malnourished children

01-Dec-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Fortifying ready-to-eat therapeutic foods with DHA-rich fish oil may significantly improve brain development in malnourished infants and children, says a triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical feeding trial.

News in Brief

Health Canada approves Kemin’s Neumentix for brain health

19-Nov-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Kemin’s spearmint extract Neumentix Phenolic Complex K110-42 has received approval from Health Canada for use in helping support cognitive function, sustained attention and working memory.

Review finds support for cognitive health benefits of prebiotics

17-Sep-2021 By Hank Schultz

A new review makes the case that prebiotic oligosaccharides could play a role in brain health via metabolites circulating in the blood and neural feedback mechanisms.

Bacopa monnieri extract linked to multiple mental wellbeing perks

19-Aug-2021 By Nikki Hancocks

Bacognize, a proprietary Bacopa monnieri extract, has a positive influence on a number of wellbeing aspects including mental wellbeing, alertness, focus, sleep, stress, according to a new study.

Science builds for L-Theanine’s cognitive benefits: RCT

03-Aug-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements containing L-theanine from tea my boost measures of cognitive function such as attention and memory in middle-aged and older adults, suggests a new study from Japan.

NutraIngredients-USA Awards: Meet the Ingredients of the Year!

21-Jul-2021 By Stephen Daniells

The Ingredient of the Year categories honored the best and the brightest across a range of health endpoints, including beauty-from-within, cognition, healthy aging, prebiotic, sports nutrition, and weight management.

Subscription model forces Purity Products to focus on quality, efficacy, exec claims

07-Jul-2021 By Hank Schultz

Focusing on products that consumers want for the long haul and providing formulas that provide measurable benefits are what have helped Purity Products succeed long term, according to a company official.

Spermidine: ‘An underappreciated nutrient that may pack a powerful punch in the management of aging’

14-Jun-2021 By Stephen Daniells

With studies showing significant benefits for cognitive function and brain health, plus data suggesting a link to measures of biological age, spermidine holds “significant promise in limiting the effects of aging”.

Nutritional supplement shows promise for those with ASD: Study

07-Jun-2021 By Danielle Masterson

A new survey on the nutritional blend IQed found the product may be beneficial for those with autism, apraxia and other conditions involving motor and speech delays.