Brain Health
Specialized dietary supplements are very popular and effective products for improved memory and cognitive support. CP offers four unique products, each designed to have a specific reinforcing role. The goal of this article is to provide direction in choosing the right supplement or supplements to achieve optimal results for those individuals interested in supporting the health of their brains and its cognitive functions.
Extension IQ™
The primary supportive product is Extension IQ, which was designed to improve cognitive processing and facilitate neuronal synaptic transmission. Improving neuronal transmission supports memory, cognition, clarity of thought and speed of thought processing. This product contains vitamins, botanicals, amino acids and other natural products to optimize levels of important brain neurotransmitters and support healthy brain functions. It’s the ideal choice for first-line-of-defense for anyone who wants to maintain and improve their cognitive functions. Extension IQ was formulated to be part of your normal daily regimen, which should include a multivitamin and mineral supplement.
DMAE and choline, included in the product, are the precursors to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.1 Acetylcholine, important for learning, memory and attention, is found in low levels in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Studies using animal models have shown that DMAE stimulates brain neurons and improves working memory performance.2 Vitamin B5 is a precursor of coenzyme A, which is important for energy metabolism as well as the biosynthesis of acetylcholine.3 Huperzine-A, from Huperzia serrata, inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine and has been shown in clinical trials to significantly improve cognition, behavior, mood and quality of life compared to subjects receiving a placebo.4 According to one study, 58 percent of subjects supplemented with 200 mcg of Huperzine-A daily for 8 weeks showed improvements in their memory, cognition and behavioral functions.5
L-phenylalanine, also part of Extension IQ, is an essential amino acid that is converted into the amino acid L-tyrosine, the precursor for the synthesis of several other neurotransmitters including norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine. These are stimulatory neurotransmitters that regulate mood, sex drive, memory, alertness and learning. L-phenylalanine is also metabolized to phenylethylamine, a mood-elevating compound that occurs naturally in the brain.
Other ingredients are included to support cognitive function. Vitamin B12 is important as reduced levels are associated with faster rates of cognitive decline.6 Pyroglutamic acid acts as a neuroprotective agent7 and has been shown to improve memory in older subjects in clinical trials.8 Vinpocetine, derived from a constituent of Vinca minor, enhances memory by improving cerebral circulation, antioxidant activity and increasing utilization of glucose and oxygen.9-10 Clinical trials have shown that vinpocetine supplementation significantly improved cognitive function in subjects with ischemic stroke and mild cognitive impairment.11 Ginkgo biloba leaf has been extensively studied as a memory enhancer. Ginkgo also has antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties, improves microcirculation, decreases platelet aggregation and protects neurons from oxidative damage.12-15 Numerous human trials have demonstrated that standardized Ginkgo leaf extract significantly improves cognitive function in a wide range of cognitive disorders and is particularly indicated for memory loss, attention, alertness, vigilance, arousal and mental fluidity.16
Neuron Growth Formula
While Extension IQ provides supportive precursors for the production of neurotransmitters, a second product known as Neuron Growth Formula works to complement Extension IQ by providing specialized, natural ingredients shown to regenerate neurites and dendrites in the brain, thus improving cognitive processes. Aging in the brain is characterized by loss of neurons, neurites and dendrites, which disrupts the neural communications network, resulting in physiological and behavioral impairments. Evidence suggests that reductions in the levels of brain growth factors, like nerve growth factor, lead to declining brain cell function and degenerative diseases.17 Neuron Growth Formula should be taken by individuals who want to increase the number of brain cells, which will promote increased brain processing speed and improved cognition.
Neuron Growth Formula includes acetyl L-carnitine arginate, acetyl L-carnitine, Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), Ginkgo biloba and uridine. Combining acetyl carnitine and acetyl carnitine arginate provides a synergistic response and has been shown to increase neurite outgrowth by 19.5 percent in brain cell cultures.18 Human studies show that acetyl carnitine supplementation also induces significant improvement in subjects with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.19 Uridine stimulates neurite outgrowth by enhancing phosphatidylcholine synthesis, as well as blocking receptors that inhibit neurite growth.20 Animal models have shown that oral uridine supplementation increases neurotransmitter release and neurite outgrowth in vivo.21 Additionally, human studies have shown that Gotu kola supplementation for 2 months improves memory and self-rated mood in elderly subjects.22
Brain Vibrance™
Brain Vibrance can provide a rapid improvement in mental processing speed and clarity as well as longer-term brain support. It can instantly refresh the brain and can be used as a late-afternoon pickup; in addition, Brain Vibrance provides cognitive support for those under increased stress. Using Brain Vibrance will deliver an immediate and pleasant boost for those times when thought processes are sluggish and can be the ideal solution to eliminate “brain fog.” The nutrients in the product also nourish the brain over time, adding complementary long-term support to its short-term brain-boosting action.
Brain Vibrance includes phosphatidylserine, alpha-glycerophosphocholine (GPC) and acetyl-L-carnitine. Phosphatidylserine has been shown to improve cognitive impairments in elderly subjects with moderate to severe cognitive decline. In a placebo-controlled study, supplementation with 300 mg per day of phosphatidylserine for 6 months resulted in significant improvements in behavioral and cognitive measurements compared to the placebo group.23 Phosphatidylserine also is useful in younger individuals. Research indicates that phosphatidylserine reduced elevated blood cortisol levels while improving mental and physical performance in younger subjects, who were under stress24 GPC increased levels in the brain of choline and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved specifically in learning and memory. In addition, GPC improved memory, focus, and concentration and may also help maintain healthy brain function with aging.25 In clinical trials, GPC has been shown to improve cognitive function in subjects with mild to moderate, early Alzheimer-type dementia.26
CDP Choline
CDP Choline is a “building block” molecule or precursor to alpha-glycerophosphocholine, which is the most bioavailable form of choline for the brain and is the most effective way to achieve increases in the neurotransmitter levels of acetylcholine; in addition, CDP Choline acts as a precursor for uridine. Most individuals are in need of as much acetylcholine as possible, not only in the brain but also for effective neurotransmission at the nerve muscle synapses throughout the body. CDP Choline may be taken in combination with Neuron Growth Formula and Brain Vibrance by those individuals looking for additional cognitive support, such as the elderly, athletes or anyone interested in assuring that his or her acetylcholine levels are maintained at optimal levels. It also adds to the neurotransmitter stimulation provided by Extension IQ.
Oral CDP Choline supplementation activates biosynthesis of structural phospholipids of neuronal membranes, increases brain metabolism and increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the central nervous system.27 It also provides neuroprotective activity in hypoxic and ischemic conditions (such as stroke), and improves learning and memory performance in animal models of brain aging.27 CDP Choline restores mitochondrial function in the cells; mitochondria are the cells’ “energy factories,” responsible for ATP production. Research indicates that CDP Choline also inhibits apoptosis (programmed cell death), which is associated with cerebral ischemia, neurodegeneration, cerebral vascular disease, head trauma, cognitive disorders of different causes and age related cognitive impairment.28
Conclusion
There are many products available that are formulated specifically for brain health and support of cognitive function. Choosing the correct brain-specific products for your particular health goals helps ensure that you achieve the desired results.
References
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