If you are looking for a boost in mental performance, check out this list of our 5 favourite supplements with cognitive enhancing properties. These supplements are natural, sold in the UK and Europe, and all have studies backing up their benefits.

Alpha GPC – Memory and Focus

Alpha GPC is a natural, highly concentrated version of Soy Lecithin. With powerful memory and learning properties, Alpha GPC works tremendously well as both a standalone mental performance supplement or in a stack. An acetylcholine precusor, Alpha GPC is 40% Choline by weight. When your body takes in Choline, it turns it into Acetylcholine, which boosts your memory, learning and concentration abilities.

 

CDP Choline – Memory

CDP Choline is a natural, water-soluble compound found in the body. Also a Cholinergic (like Alpha GPC), CDP Choline helps the body to produce Acetycholine, which is used for a variety of cognitive functions including memory retention and recall.

 

 

Uridine – Memory and Mood

Uridine is a natural compound which is one one of the building blocks to RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), used in the process of storing memories in the brain. By boosting your RNA levels, a higher level of protein translation at your neuronal synapses can occur, which has been studied to improve memory formation and retention.

  • 12-week study found Uridine to improve spatial short term memory, recognition, recall, attention and executive functions. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12370853)
  • Boosted synaptic connections in the brain and improves Neuroplasticity (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16880353)
  • Works incredibly well when stacked with a Choline supplement (see our Mr. Happy’s stack article for more on this)
  • Helps to increase levels of Dopamine in the brain – improving your mood and motivation to study for longer.

 

Trans-Resveratrol – Cognition

Trans-Resveratrol is a natural, more powerful alternative to Resveratrol. Trans-Resveratrol can be found in red wine, chocolate and group fruit and has been linked to improving cognition and providing the body with a wide variety of health benefits.

 

Pterostilbene – Memory and Anti-Anxiety

A molecule with a similarity to Resveratrol, found in grapes and blueberries, Pterostilbene helps to improve memory and cognition, in addition to providing other body-benefiting effects.