The brain is made up of 100 billion neurons, containing thousands of dendrites, passing on chemical messages that allow an individual to interact with the world. As Marshall Melnychuk noted in an online article, the brain is the filter for all stimuli and the holder of life experiences, so it’s no wonder consumers are constantly searching for a way to protect and enhance brain function. He outlined the top five supplements—leaving out a high quality multivitamin with antioxidant as a “given”—that hold the promise of potency for optimal brain power.
At the top of list comes omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish oil; cold water fatty fish is important to eat for brain health, but it’s unlikely most consumers will get enough through diet alone, making supplementation with a high quality product, such as wild salmon oil, a prime idea. Another fat-based nutrient for the brain is phosphatidylserine (PS), which is found in the neuron membranes; it is critical for the release of neurotransmitters and synaptic activity.
Also on the list is acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), which has been shown in studies to benefit brain health, athletic performance and weight management. Melnychuk noted studies have shown ALCAR has the ability to protect brain cells as well as regenerate neuronal growth. Finally, he listed two key antioxidants—coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). CoQ10 not only exerts antioxidant effects, but also aids in cellular metabolism and energy production. ALA is found in every cell of the body, where it assists in turning glucose into energy; it passes easily into the brain where it helps protect nerve tissue from free radical damage.