Building Brain Defenses with Dietary Supplements – What Does Science Say and How Can We Get It Right?

By Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS

In the U.S., according to the dietary supplement industry forecast report, brain-health supplements generated $3 billion in sales globally in 2016, and that figure in 2023 was predicted to reach $5.8 billion. These products are aimed primarily at those who are concerned with or experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss and those seeking to improved cognitive performance. 

Many of the hundreds of types of “brain supplements” sold to the public consist of a mixture of vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E with B6 and B12), minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc, amino acids, along with herbal ingredients. From a study done in 2020, by the Consortium for Health and Military Performance and University of Mississippi, researchers could not identify any published clinical studies confirming the brain health claims made by 12 of the most advertised brain health supplements sold at that time. (1) 

Buyer Beware

The results of this study are disappointing to say the least. Brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and brain age-related cognitive decline continues to explode in the US as the average age of our population advances. By 2030, more than 20% of the population will be over 65 years old. Taking a pill or dietary supplement to reduce the risk of cognitive decline associated with aging would certainly be an amazing and welcomed solution, but the only way this can happen is through rigorous scientific study.   

Research to Preserve Brain Function

For the last several years, I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Pravat K Mandal, PhD, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Mandal has been able to identify, using a non-invasive MRI scan, the antioxidant Glutathione. Typically, glutathione is produced in large amounts by specialized cells in the brain to counter oxidative stress. An example of oxidative stress is what happens to an apple after it is sliced open. Once exposed to air, the flesh of the apple starts to turn brown and eventually rots. This is a chemical reaction called oxidative stress.  

In the brain of those with brain degeneration, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Mandal has found that the antioxidant, glutathione, is significantly reduced. He and many other scientists believe this is due to the depletion of glutathione as it is used to counter the oxidative stress and destruction that is occurring as the brain is being attacked by disease. Over time, oxidative stress is the destructive factor leading to cognitive decline associated with most brain diseases and cognitive decline.

New Way to Test for Treatments for Brain Degeneration – Getting it Right!

With this new MRI testing for glutathione, we now have a non-invasive way that could be used not only to check for decreased levels of glutathione, but also for determining if treatments, such as diet changes, exercise and even dietary supplement, might increase glutathione, and potentially counter oxidative stress to improve symptoms of brain decline. I’m excited to be part of this research and will continue to report on our results.