Over the Counter Supplements for Memory: A Review of Available Evidence.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence for coffee extracts' effectiveness in memory enhancement, as part of a broader review of common ingredients in memory supplements.
Results Summary
The study found no compelling evidence supporting the use of coffee extracts for memory enhancement. It was listed among ingredients with insufficient evidence for cognitive benefits.
Population
Not specified (general review of existing studies on supplement ingredients)
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
apoaequorin | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #1 |
coenzyme Q10 | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #2 |
coffee extracts | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #3 |
L-theanine | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #4 |
omega-3 fatty acids | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #5 |
vitamin B6 | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #6 |
vitamin B9 | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #7 |
vitamin B12 | no change | memory | - | no compelling evidence | no compelling evidence for use | #8 |
ashwagandha | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #9 |
choline | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #10 |
curcumin | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #11 |
ginger | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #12 |
Lion's Mane | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #13 |
polyphenols | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #14 |
phosphatidylserine | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #15 |
turmeric | increase | memory | - | some evidence | some current evidence for memory benefit | #16 |
carnitine | neutral | memory | - | mixed results | mixed results regarding the benefit | #17 |
gingko biloba | neutral | memory | - | mixed results | mixed results regarding the benefit | #18 |
Huperzine A | neutral | memory | - | mixed results | mixed results regarding the benefit | #19 |
vitamin D | neutral | memory | - | mixed results | mixed results regarding the benefit | #20 |
vitamin E | neutral | memory | - | mixed results | mixed results regarding the benefit | #21 |
In 2021, the Global Brain Health Supplement Industry Market size was valued at US$7.6 billion. It is predicted to increase to US$15.59 billion by 2030. Memory and its enhancement are a segment of the market that comprised the highest global revenue share in 2021. In the USA alone, dietary supplement sales reached US$18 billion in 2018. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements' safety, effectiveness, or labeling before products go on the market. The FDA often does not even review supplements before they go to market. Supplement manufacturers are thus responsible for ensuring their products are safe and that their claims are truthful. An extensive review of current supplements on the market was performed by surveying memory products for sale at local and national pharmacies and grocery stores. A list of 103 supplements was compiled and the ingredients in these memory supplements were reviewed. The 18 most common ingredients in these supplements were identified. Each of the supplements included at least one of the 18 most common ingredients. Scientific data relative to these ingredients and their effect on memory was searched using PubMed and Cochrane library databases. Currently, there is no compelling evidence for use of apoaequorin, coenzyme Q10, coffee extracts, L-theanine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12 supplementation for memory. On the other hand, there is some current evidence for memory benefit from supplementation with ashwagandha, choline, curcumin, ginger, Lion's Mane, polyphenols, phosphatidylserine, and turmeric. There are current studies with mixed results regarding the benefit of carnitine, gingko biloba, Huperzine A, vitamin D, and vitamin E supplementation for memory. Dietary supplements geared toward improving cognition are a billion-dollar industry that continues to grow despite lacking a solid scientific foundation for their marketing claims. More rigorous studies are needed relative to the long-term use of these supplements in homogenous populations with standardized measurements of cognition. Health care providers need to be aware of any and all supplements their older adult patients may be consuming and be educated about their side effects and interactions with prescription medications. Lastly, the FDA needs to take an active position relative to monitoring marketed supplements regarding safety, purity and claims of efficacy.