Though Many Dietary Supplements Promise Improved Mental Energy, Only Two Really Work

A study by scientists at the U.S. research firm Life Sciences Research Organization, Inc., that examined peer-reviewed research on the effect of dietary supplements on mental energy has found that Ginkgo biloba and omega-3 fatty acids seem to offer some genuine health benefits. According to the researchers, many foods, beverages and dietary supplements claim they increase mental energy. Researchers looked at 35 food ingredients, dietary supplements, dietary constituents, and dietary factors that promised a positive impact on mental energy, which they defined as consisting of mood, motivation, and cognition. Four constituents and supplements were then reviewed: Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, glucose, and omega-3 fatty acids. The strongest evidence suggests that Ginkgo biloba does affect mood and attention and omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of age-related cognitive decline.