Not All Supplements Are Created Equally— Recommend a Supplement Backed by Science

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Across the globe, there is a growing demand for supplements, driven by consumers who are eager to put their health in their own hands. Cognitive health is at the top of the list as adults of all ages are now recognizing the importance of supporting their brains throughout their lifetime.¹

But when it comes to navigating crowded supplement aisles, it’s important to remember that not all supplements are created equally. Pharmacists are on the front lines with the important opportunity to guide consumers in making choices based on science and their unique needs.

WHAT SHOULD CONSUMERS LOOK FOR IN A BRAIN HEALTH SUPPLEMENT?

According to Melissa Halas, MA, RD, CDE, a nutrition expert and member of the Neuriva Brain Health Network®, it’s important to select products supported by published research. “There is no one-size-fits all approach to supplements, and everyone’s body has its own unique needs. When a supplement has a benefit your patient is looking for, in safe and effective amounts, it can help serve their personal health goals,” she said. It’s also critical to read labels and understand the ingredients.

WHAT IS NEURIVA?

Neuriva is a dietary supplement comprised of two clinically proven, naturally sourced ingredients that have been well-published in support of brain health: Neurofactor and plant-sourced Sharp PS (phosphatidylserine).

WHAT MAKES THE SCIENCE BEHIND NEURIVA SPECIAL?

Unlike ordinary memory supplements, Neuriva helps fuel five indicators of brain performance: focus, memory, learning, concentration and accuracy. Neurofactor is a decaffeinated botanical extract made from the nutrient-rich fruit of the coffee cherry that has been clinically proven to increase levels of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). The results of a clinical study published in 2019 suggest that coffee cherry extract is associated with improvements

in reaction times, thus improving speed of cognitive performance. The authors concluded, “The reductions in reaction time suggest that, during periods of cognitive challenge, coffee cherry extract may improve processing speed, support reduced mental fatigue, support attention, motivation, focus and/or alertness.”²

BDNF is the most prevalent growth factor in the central nervous system (CNS), and is essential for the development of the CNS and for neuronal plasticity.³ BDNF influences a variety of functions including supporting the health of existing brain cells, supporting the growth of new neurons and synapses, and supporting overall cognitive function, including memory and learning.⁴

Phosphatidylserine (PS), a major acidic phospholipid in the brain, is key to cell function in the brain. It has been known to support the nerve cells in the brain and communication between them.⁵

According to Gary Small, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Director of the UCLA Longevity Center at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, and Brain Health Network member®, “Double-blind placebo-controlled studies have shown that phosphatidylserine improves memory abilities in adults.”

HOW ELSE IS NEURIVA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET?

Part of what makes Neuriva unique is its holistic ecosystem, including the Neuriva Brain Gym, an app that allows you to assess, train and monitor your cognitive performance. In addition, Neuriva has partnered with respected experts as part of the BHN ranging from nutritionists to neuroscientists to educate and contribute to the science in the brain health space.®

REFERENCES

• Global $11.6 Billion Brain Health Supplements Market to 2024. (2017, September 12). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-116-billionbrain-health-supplements-market-to-2024-300517802.html
• Robinson, JL, Hunter, JM, Reyes-Izquierdo, T, Argumedo, R, Brizuela-Bastien, J, Keller, R and Pietrzkowski, ZJ. Cognitive short- and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2019:117. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1702622.
• Autry AE, Monteggia LM. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Rev. 2012;64(2):238-58. doi: 10.1124/pr.111.005108.
• Bathina S, Das UN. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications. Arch Med Sci. 2015;11(6):1164-78. doi: 10.5114/aoms.2015.56342.
• Kim HY, Huang BX, Spector AA. Phosphatidylserine in the brain: metabolism and function. Prog Lipid Res. 2014;56:1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.plipres.2014.06.002.