New Report Pans Supplements for Brain Health

A working group of top neurologists, nutritionists and researchers — finds that supplements to preserve or boost memory or cognition aren't worth the plastic they're bottled in. The report analyzes existing studies on supplements that purport to boost cognition — from fish oil to apoaequorin (jellyfish), with the authors finding insufficient evidence to recommend any type of supplement for brain health for most adults. Indeed, one AARP analysis of spending on just six different supplements marketed for brain health shows that 50-plus adults spend more than $93 million a month on these proprietary blends alone. Along with providing advice consumers and health practitioners can act on, the report calls out supplement makers, whose products — unlike prescription drugs — are not regulated by the U.S. Overall, the authors stress, vitamins or nutrients that might be helpful in preserving brain health should be consumed as food. They note at least a few studies have shown that those who eat seafood have a lower risk of declining memory and thinking skills — as well as Alzheimer's — a benefit not obtained from taking omega-3 as a supplement.

“These people taking these pills are spending between $20 and $60 a month and flushing dollars down the toilet that could be better spent on things that actually improve their brain health,” Lock says. This shows that people do not know much about the pills they are taking, and people are spending way too much money on them. I would rate this pain as a 9 because it is not helping to fix anyones pain at all, and I would say it is biological. 

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