Are supplements good for brain health?
1/27/2025 by Sara Shu, D.O.
Healthcare clinicians are often asked about brain or memory supplements, as there are countless products with excellent and effective marketing that claim to increase memory, concentration and learning. Unfortunately, there isn’t yet a magic pill for brain health, and it may be more worthwhile to spend your money elsewhere.
Ingredients of these supplements can vary and include a wide range of vitamins, botanical herbs, medicinal mushrooms and even jellyfish. Many of these products are not FDA-approved or regulated for purity of ingredients or other added substances. To date, no large clinical trials or high-quality evidence suggest any product marketed as such is beneficial. Some may even pose serious health risks, including side effects and interactions with your medications.
Speaking with your healthcare clinician before initiating any of these supplements would be wise. Instead, consider focusing on proven strategies to promote healthy aging and memory, including physical and cognitive exercise, optimal sleep, social connectedness and healthy eating.
If you or your loved ones have concerns, speak with your healthcare clinician for further evaluation.
Sara Shu, D.O., is a board-certified family medicine physician and geriatrician-in-training in Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.