A long list of vitamins – We’re not going to break down every single one here, suffice to say that yes you do need them all for brain health. We’d have also have liked to have seen some more vitamin D seeing as this is the most common deficiency in the US, but it’s all still pretty good when you look it as an extra rather than the core focus of the supplement [1].
Glutamine - A precursor of the neurotransmitter glutamate, glutamine is essential for healthy brain functioning. It can impact memory, cognition, clarity, and learning. Studies have also demonstrated glutamine’s positive effect on chronic stress symptoms and memory impairment. And to top it off glutamine is able to reduce stress and stimulate normal memory function [2].
Phosphatidylserine -
A protective fatty substance, phosphatidylserine has been found to prevent the effects of mental deterioration caused by age. It can slow, halt, and even reverse deterioration in nerve cells and changes in the biochemistry of the brain.
A review of studies into phosphatidylserine found it was able to support an array of cognitive functions, including “the formation of short-term memory, the consolidation of long-term memory, the ability to create new memories, the ability to retrieve memories, the ability to learn and recall information, the ability to focus attention and concentrate, the ability to reason and solve problems, language skills, and the ability to communicate” [3]. An impressive list of benefits for a single supplement, and in our view one of the reasons MemoRyse is the best product in its price class.
Bacopa -
Recent studies into the effects of bacopa have demonstrated powerful benefits for people (and brains) of all ages. Benefits include increased mental alertness, improved memory, and faster cognition. For example, one study tested participants’ word recall and found that the bacopa supplementation group’s scores were significantly higher than the placebo group [4]. The benefits offered by bacopa are both immediate and useful on a daily basis.
DMAE Bitartrate -
Involved in the production of important neurotransmitters, dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is considered to offer anti-ageing benefits thanks to its powerful brain-boosting abilities. While thought to be particularly effective at restoring short-term memory function, DMAE is also linked to improved mental clarity, better focus, and even better sleep. Unfortunately, most of the evidence supporting DMAE’s brain-enhancing properties comes from studies conducted decades ago. Therefore, DMAE is probably the least scientifically up-to-date ingredient in MemoRyse. New studies, using modern techniques and standards, would be beneficial for verifying its effects on the brain.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine -
The use of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) to treat dementia has been heavily debated in the scientific literature. According to a review published in 2020, the verdict is still out on whether ALC plays a role in dementia, but the underlying mechanisms of ALC seem reasonably clear. The review describes the mechanisms of ALC as, “restoring of cell membranes and synaptic functioning, enhancing cholinergic activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism, protecting against toxins, and exerting neurotrophic effects” [5]. Therefore, while it may or may not be an effective treatment for a serious brain disease like dementia, it is reasonable to conclude that ALC supports overall brain health and functioning.
Gingko -
Shown to improve brain functioning in patients with dementia, gingko is found in a number of high-end brain-enhancing supplements. Studies have also demonstrated gingko’s effect on healthy brains, recording its ability to improve cognitive performance [6]. The gingko dose in MemoRyse is comparable to amounts found in the highest-dosed brain-enhancing supplements - a big plus for budget-brain-booster MemoRyse.
Hyperzine-A -
Certainly the most ambiguous ingredient in MemoRyse, hyperzine-A is thought to improve brain function and prevent cognitive decline. Small studies have demonstrated significant benefits in subjects suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, but studies on healthy individuals have reported mixed results. Most reviews of the evidence suggest larger clinical studies are needed before the benefits can be fully verified.