Memory Supplements Review

Supplements for Memory & Cognition Enhancement: Ginkgo, Huperzine-A, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Several supplements are commonly known to sharpen memory and improve cognitive function. Even if you don’t suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, people with age-related memory relapse can benefit from these promising approaches.

Ginkgo:

People who reliably take this supplement can have 68 percent lower risk of developing mild memory problems. Made from the dried powdered leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree with a variety of phytochemicals. However, it’s beneficial use for Alzheimer’s patients is not tested proven.

Unfortunately, Ginkgo is one of the most adulterated herbs and testing show “spiked” chemical compounds in samples.  Only half of the Ginkgo products tested passed inspection. For Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia the total daily dose is 120 to 240 mg. Those safe for consumption are:

• Freeda® Ginkgo Biloba (60mg/day)
• Ginkgo-Go®! Ginkgo Biloba Extract (120mg/day)
• GNC Herbal Plus® Standardized Ginko Biloba (60mg/day)
• GNC Preventative Nutrition® Memorall (60mg/2days)
• Mountain Home Nutritionals (Dr. David Williams Brain Advantage) (30mg/2day)
• Nature Made® Ginkgo Biloba (30mg/6day)
• Vitamin Shoppe® Standardized Herbs Ginkgo Biloba Extract (120mg/day)

Huperzine A:

Huperzine A is an extract from a Chinese club moss, known to inhibit the enzyme that is involved in memory and learning, to maintain proper memory function and prevent cell death.

Synthetic Huperzine A does not prove to be effective when taken in supplement form. Doses of 50 to 200 mcg (micrograms) 2x/day have been used for Alzheimer’s disease. Those approved for use are:

• Cognitive Nutrition™ L-Huperzine A (100mcg/1-4day)
• GNC Preventative Nutrition® Memorall (60mg/2day)
• Solaray® Hup A from Chinese Moss with Support Herbs (50mg/1-4day)

 

Acetyl-L-carnitine:

Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid (a building block for proteins) that is naturally produced in the body and found in red meats and dairy products. It helps the body produce energy. Studies suggest acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation prevent age-related declines in energy metabolism and memory.

All Acetyl-L-carnitine products tested past quality control. In Alzheimer’s disease, 1.5 to 4 grams daily has been used, usually divided into two or three doses during the day. The following supplements are recommended:

• BioSynergy™ Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg/1-3day)
• Bluebonnet Acetyl-L-Carnitin (500mg/1day)
• Nutricology® Acetyl-L-Carnitine (250mg/2-6day)
• Swanson® Health Products Premium Brand Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg/1-2day)
• Vitamin World® Naturally Inspired® Acetyl-L-Carnitine (1000mg/day)

The human brain has remarkable capacity for memory and activity. Keep regular brain nerve cells for a lifetime with a constant flow of these supplemental nutrients such as Ginko Biloba, Huperzine A, Acetyl-L-Carnitine to improve and halt the deterioration of mental abilities and social functioning, especially in those with Alzheimer’s Disease!