Best Supplements for Improved Cognitive Function
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 36 supplements across 59 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence4 studies
Across 3 randomized controlled trials, all reported statistically significant beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium breve MAK40B22B on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or memory complaints. Effect sizes were mixed (small to large), with the largest effect observed for improvements in RBANS total score and memory domains. All studies focused on older adults with suspected or confirmed mild cognitive impairment, and while doses were not consistently reported, treatment durations ranged from 16 to 24 weeks.
- Low evidence7 studies
Across 7 studies, all reported beneficial effects on cognitive function, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly small). Two statistically significant findings from meta-analyses showed small improvements on the MMSE and MoCA (MD 4.23 and MD 1.21, respectively) and a large effect on cognitive symptoms in depression (SMD -0.90). Doses were not consistently reported, and most studies focused on general adult populations or individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions.
- Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on cognitive function, but effect sizes were mixed (small to large). The only meta-analysis (2025) found a large significant effect (SMD -0.90) in patients with depression, while two narrative reviews reported small effects. No consistent dose or duration was reported across studies.
- LowBifidobacterium plantarumAcross 7 studies, all reported beneficial effects on cognitive function, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly small). Two statistically significant findings from meta-analyses showed small improvements on the MMSE and MoCA (MD 4.23 and MD 1.21, respectively) and a large effect on cognitive symptoms in depression (SMD -0.90). Doses were not consistently reported, and most studies focused on general adult populations or individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions.7 beneficial7 studies
- ModerateBifidobacterium breve MAK40B22BAcross 3 randomized controlled trials, all reported statistically significant beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium breve MAK40B22B on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or memory complaints. Effect sizes were mixed (small to large), with the largest effect observed for improvements in RBANS total score and memory domains. All studies focused on older adults with suspected or confirmed mild cognitive impairment, and while doses were not consistently reported, treatment durations ranged from 16 to 24 weeks.4 beneficial4 studies
- LowLactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52Across 3 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on cognitive function, but effect sizes were mixed (small to large). The only meta-analysis (2025) found a large significant effect (SMD -0.90) in patients with depression, while two narrative reviews reported small effects. No consistent dose or duration was reported across studies.3 beneficial3 studies
- LowLactobacillus plantarum HEAL9Across 3 studies, all reported small beneficial effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 on cognitive function, with 1 of 3 findings reaching statistical significance. The most robust evidence comes from a 2025 meta-analysis (MD 4.23 for MMSE, 95% CI 2.77 to 5.68; low certainty). Effects were predominantly small, and the evidence base is too limited to identify a specific dose range or study duration.3 beneficial3 studies
- LowBifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71Across 3 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71 on cognitive function, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. One meta-analysis (the highest-quality study) found a statistically significant large beneficial effect (SMD -0.90, p=0.01). The evidence is limited by a small number of studies, lack of consistent dosing or duration reporting, and reliance on reviews rather than direct trials of the specific strain.3 beneficial3 studies