Anthocyanin Supplements Enhance Memory

Australian researchers have found that anthocyanin in dietary supplements shows promise for memory enhancement and support of healthy cognitive aging.

A paper is published in Nutritional Research. The researchers describe the result of a study that investigated the association between anthocyanin intake and indices of memory and cognition in forty older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Anthocyanins are flavonoids that provide purple, red, and blue pigmentation in fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, plums, and cherries. Flavonoids are compounds found in plant-based foods, which have been suggested to support healthy aging of the neurological and cardiovascular systems.

Flavonoids regulate blood pressure, and are thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative action on neurons. For example, previous human studies have shown that dietary supplements containing Blueberry anthocyanin may support brain health. And supplements containing Bacopa Monnieri flavonoids may enhance memory.

The objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the effects of anthocyanin intake on memory and cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In particular, the researchers wanted to explore  whether cognitive performance differed between consumers of higher and lower anthocyanin doses.

Forty participants, 21 men and 19 women, were recruited to take part in an 8-week randomized controlled trial (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001184268). All participants were aged 50 or more, with a clinical diagnosis of possible or probable mild cognitive impairment. The primary aim of the trial was to determine whether a cognitive training intervention and anthocyanin supplements would prevent further cognitive decline or improve cognitive performance.

The participants consumed different foods containing different amounts of anthocyanin. And they were split into two groups according to their average daily anthocyanin intake. The participants consuming less than 10mg per day were categorized as lower intake consumers. And those consuming more than 10mg per day were categorized as higher intake consumers.

The cognitive performance of all participants was evaluated with tests like the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. This is a widely used and well-validated cognitive test. It consists of five consecutive trials in which participants recall a list of 15 words that have been read aloud to them.

The results of the study indicate that higher intake anthocyanin consumers demonstrated better memory retention. For example, they recalled between 2 and 3 words more than lower intake anthocyanin consumers after a short delay. Higher anthocyanin intakes were also associated with a slower rate of forgetting, with higher intake consumers forgetting around 2 words less on average after a long delay. Therefore, the hypothesis that higher consumption of anthocyanins is associated with better cognitive performance is confirmed by the study.

Thrivous develops Vitality Geroprotector to promote healthy cellular and metabolic function for better aging. Each serving provides a clinical dose of Blueberry anthocyanin, as well as complementary nutrients. As demonstrated by this study, Vitality may also enhance memory retention, decrease forgetfulness, and support healthy brain function for better aging. Get your Vitality today!