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Best products to support brain and cognitive function
Written byLiz Connor
Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson
From bites with benefits to smart smoothie toppers, support your cognitive function and keep your brain in gear with our top picks of snacks and supps
Our top picks
Supports weight management
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett Brain Health Trail Mix "With Benefits" Miso & Ginger 210g
Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price
€7.79
Ever wondered what’s really going on upstairs? Your brilliant brain is buzzing with activity 24/7, and it’s doing a lot more than just helping you ace the pub quiz.
Your brain is the most complex organ in your body, housing billions of neurons that communicate across trillions of synapses.1 Not only does it control vital functions like breathing, movement and heart rate,2 but it's also at the very core of what makes us human – shaping our learning, memories, feelings and emotions.
If you’re keen to take care of your cerebral matter (the largest part of your brain) this season, the good news is that we’re living in the golden age of so many choices of products than ever when it comes to cognitive, brain and mental performance support.
Whether you’re looking to support mental performance, brain health or cognitive function, you’ll find something for everyone in our pick of H&B’s top products.
Cod liver oil is one of those rare old-fashioned ingredients that actually seems to have some science behind some of the ingredients in it. It’s a source of DHA which contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.
Just take one capsule a day with food.
One of the many reasons we find it hard to focus on important tasks is often because we’re too exhausted to concentrate.
That’s where these supplements come in. They’re packed with niacin and vitamins B6 and B12, all essentials for energy production,3 plus pantothenic acid to support normal mental performance.
Just take two tablets a day with a glass of water and some food, and you’re all set.
Packed with 26 essential vitamins and minerals, this delicious powder is designed to support energy and mental performance. With vitamins like vitamin b12 which helps reduce fatigue, and pantothenic acid that helps mental performance.
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance, while iodine, iron and zinc play a role in supporting normal cognitive function. The best part? You can enjoy this delicious blend any time during the day.
Support your mind and body with this blend. Each serving delivers 4,000mg of high-quality lion’s mane mushroom extract.
It’s expertly blended with bacopa monnieri, energising guarana and adaptogenic maca root, along with essential vitamins B6 and B12 – both supporting normal psychological function and energy-yielding metabolism.
Snacking gets a bad rap, but it can be a smart (and tasty) way to extra add nutrients to your day. This delicious trail mix has a little bit of everything: miso flavoured almonds, crystallised ginger, edamame beans, tamari roasted sunflower and pumpkin seed clusters with sesame. All as tasty as they sound.
It’s got vitamin B5 to support normal mental performance and zinc to keep your cognitive function normal. Plus, it delivers macros.
Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon and is naturally rich in caffeine. Its seeds also contain a mix of plant compounds, called phytochemicals. Together, these compounds might support vitality by stimulating the central nervous system. While research into guarana’s cognitive benefits is still developing, some studies4 suggest it might improve alertness.
Take one tablet daily, ideally with breakfast or lunch.
The final say
Shopping for new products can be confusing stuff, but getting clued up on how different ingredients work can empower you to make the best decisions for your health.
Now you’re thinking clearly, why not sip smarter too? Head over to read our favourite drinks with benefits.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
- Ackerman S. Learning, Recalling, and Thinking [Internet]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US); 1992. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234153/
- Ackerman S. Major Structures and Functions of the Brain [Internet]. Nih.gov. National Academies Press (US); 1992. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234157/
- Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: A narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 16;12(1):228.
- Hack B, Penna EM, Talik T, Chandrashekhar R, Millard-Stafford M. Effect of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 14;15(2):434.
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