Nutritional Wellness Blog from BeautifulandWell.com

According to the NutraIngredients cognitive health series, which examines the market, supply, science and regulation behind the cognitive health category, the cognitive health functional category is defined as foods, beverages or dietary supplements that help promote mental health, improve mental performance and uplift mood.

More specific benefits of cognitive health functional foods and nutritional supplements include: enhancing cognitive ability, protecting the brain from damage, fighting the effects of aging (such as memory loss or dementia), addressing depression, and concentration problems, aiding in relaxation, and even helping to reduce aggressive behavior.

Data pooled from market analysts including Euromonitor, Datamonitor and Frost & Sullivan identify a number of key ingredients in the category that can support brain function. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Omega-3, ginko biloba, ginseng (improved memory)
• CoQ10 (slows Parkinson’s disease)
• Phospolipids: Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine – e.g. soy lecithin (fight dementia, cognitive decline)
• St John’s wort, soy lecithin (combat depression)
• Omega-3, PS (phosphatidylserine), Gaba, creatine (brain function)
• Green tea, tryptophan, Gaba, ginko biloba (mood)
• Guarana, caffeine, ginseng (energy boosting)

Supplements lead the Cognitive Health Category

In the food and beverage category, GNPD tracked 276 new cognitive health products launched globally in 2008, and 388 new products in 2009 to date. Europe and the US accounted for 45 and 56 new products respectively in 2008, and 44 each in 2009.  Teas and infusions, water-based drinks and energy drinks are leading the way in beverages. Omega-3 fortified yoghurts, milk and drinking yoghurts are leading the way in dairy.

However, according to Frost & Sullivan, dietary supplements are leading the way in the cognitive health market – and Euromonitor confirms that supplements are “increasingly garnering favor with consumers”.

Euromonitor splits the market up into three main areas: Brain function, energy boosting and mood.

Japan ahead

According to Euromonitor, Japan is the biggest market for cognitive health food and supplements.

US Market for Cognitive Health Supplements Growing

Due to the ageing population of Baby Boomers in the U.S., and the related increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for cognitive health nutritional supplements to support brain function.

There are many cognitive health nutritional supplement formulations on the market.  One of the most recognized is Cognivite from AmeriSciences, a privately-held specialty nutritional supplement company based in Houston, TX which has a joint development agreement with NASA/Johnson Space Center.  The Cognivite formula was developed by renowned geriatric neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh and was launched in 2008.  To learn more about Cognivite, click here.

National Press Release

While B vitamins may not be beneficial once disease starts, some nutritional supplements may have preventitve effect

HOUSTON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ — While a study in the October 15, 2008 JAMA demonstrates that B vitamins do not slow cognitive decline once Alzheimer’s disease has struck, there is a large body of scientific evidence showing that some nutrients may help keep the brain healthy as one ages. A leading expert thinks the time is now for Baby Boomers to look seriously at maintaining cognitive wellness. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10 million Boomers can expect to get Alzheimer’s disease as they age.

“There are many things like heredity that are outside our control, but there are also concrete steps we can take to maintain optimal brain health,” says Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN, a leading Alzheimer’s researcher and physician who has written extensively on the disease. “The time to think about this is long before memory problems start.”

Dr. Sabbagh has looked exhaustively at published research on Alzheimer’s disease and brain health, and he has identified a number of important factors in maintaining cognitive wellness. Among the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s are hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, high homocysteine levels, diabetes-elevated insulin levels, and obesity, especially during midlife.

There is also evidence that dietary modifications can help maintain cognitive wellness. Combing through published research on the topic, Dr. Sabbagh has identified a group of nutrients that have strong evidence of protective effects.

“The use of these nutrients to support cognitive wellness is well documented in the scientific literature,” says Dr. Sabbagh. “The JAMA article underscores the need to consider supplementation long before disease starts.”

To help American consumers make good supplement choices, Dr. Sabbagh worked with AmeriSciences, a leading science-based nutraceutical company, to develop a formulation that includes ingredients with strong scientific merit. AmeriSciences’ Cognivite Complete was specially formulated under Dr. Sabbagh’s guidance to provide nutritional support to help combat declining mental function and memory loss associated with aging. Dr. Sabbagh’s expertise in this area led AmeriSciences to recently appoint him to chair the company’s Scientific Advisory Board.*

Cognivite Complete’s ingredients include: Gingko biloba; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); turmeric root (curcumin); and phosphatidylserine. Gingko biloba helps maintain normal blood flow to the brain and is rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which may offer protection against neuron damage.** Turmeric root, a common spice in Asia and a constituent of many curries, has been shown to exhibit a variety of protective effects in the brain, from stimulation of normal anti-inflammatory functions to the reduction of natural oxidative damage.** DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is a vital component of the cell membranes of the brain. Studies suggest that it may help overall cognitive maintenance.** Phosphatidylserine is a fat derivative (phospholipid) found in soybeans and other foods, which is involved in brain signal activity and is an important part of neuronal membranes.**

According to Dr. Sabbagh’s research, a modest decline in cognitive health is an expected part of the aging process; however, this decline can be exacerbated by factors such as poor nutritional habits and stress. Through lifestyle modifications and a consistent nutritional regimen that includes supplementation, Dr. Sabbagh believes people can help preserve normal brain function and ensure cognitive wellness.

Dr. Sabbagh serves as Chief Medical-Scientific Officer and Director of Clinical Research at the Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, Arizona.*

For more information on Cognivite Complete, please visit www.AmeriSciences.com or www.Cognivite.com.

* Disclosure: Dr. Sabbagh receives royalties from sales of Cognivite Complete, and is in a partnership that distributes AmeriSciences products. Dr. Sabbagh’s relationship with AmeriSciences is separate from his work with Sun Health.

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with your physician before taking any nutritional supplement.

Source: AmeriSciences

See also: http://houston.bizjournals.com/prnewswire/press_releases/Texas/2008/10/15/NE39188