Brain Health Supplements: Do They Really Deliver?

Nearly four out of five adults over age 50 take some sort of dietary supplement. And an AARP survey found that one in five of those people does so specifically to maintain or improve their brain health.

Most people who take supplements don’t have any clinical need for them, but still add them to their shopping carts in hopes of big payoffs. Is better brain health among the possible benefits of dietary supplements? Not according to AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health.

The independent collaborative of scientists, health professionals, scholars and policy experts from around the world reviewed the evidence for potential brain health benefits of some 20 vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. They did not find sufficient evidence that taking any of these supplements would benefit brain health.

There are some cases in which supplements may be helpful, such as when nutritional deficiencies are present. For example, people who have vitamin B12, or folate, deficiency may need to take a supplement because a lack of that B vitamin can cause cognitive problems.

The bottom line: If you want to try a new supplement, talk to your health care provider. If you get the green light, be careful which product you choose. It’s also a good idea to focus on lifestyle changes to support brain health, prioritizing habits such as exercise, a healthy diet and consistently getting a good night’s sleep.

Want to dive deeper into the research on supplements and brain health? Read this article on Staying Sharp.

_{This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any expert, professional or specialty advice or recommendations. Readers are urged to consult with their medical providers for all questions.}