Best Supplements for Improved Cognitive Function
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 85 supplements across 121 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence6 studies
Across 6 studies, 5 reported beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba on cognitive function, predominantly with small effect sizes. The evidence is strongest in clinical populations (e.g., patients with dementia, vascular cognitive impairment, or Parkinson's disease), with one large systematic review (n=3,582) showing neutral findings. Effects are typically observed at 8-12 weeks, though only 2 studies reported duration (median 70 days).
Dose: 240 mg daily (EGb 761 extract) - Moderate evidence4 studies
Across all 3 studies (all randomized controlled trials), Bifidobacterium breve MAK40B22B showed small to large beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or memory complaints. All 3 studies reported statistically significant improvements, primarily on subscales of memory and global cognition. Effects were typically observed at 16-24 weeks, and all studies used the A1 strain (MAK40B22B), though no specific dose range was consistently reported.
- Low evidence7 studies
All 7 studies reported beneficial effects on cognitive function, with predominantly small effect sizes. Two studies reported statistically significant improvements, but evidence certainty is low due to limited original data and potential publication bias. No consistent dose or duration data were available.
- LowBifidobacterium plantarumAll 7 studies reported beneficial effects on cognitive function, with predominantly small effect sizes. Two studies reported statistically significant improvements, but evidence certainty is low due to limited original data and potential publication bias. No consistent dose or duration data were available.7 beneficial7 studies
- ModerateGinkgoAcross 6 studies, 5 reported beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba on cognitive function, predominantly with small effect sizes. The evidence is strongest in clinical populations (e.g., patients with dementia, vascular cognitive impairment, or Parkinson's disease), with one large systematic review (n=3,582) showing neutral findings. Effects are typically observed at 8-12 weeks, though only 2 studies reported duration (median 70 days). · Dose: 240 mg daily (EGb 761 extract)5 beneficial1 neutral6 studies
- ModerateBifidobacterium breve MAK40B22BAcross all 3 studies (all randomized controlled trials), Bifidobacterium breve MAK40B22B showed small to large beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or memory complaints. All 3 studies reported statistically significant improvements, primarily on subscales of memory and global cognition. Effects were typically observed at 16-24 weeks, and all studies used the A1 strain (MAK40B22B), though no specific dose range was consistently reported.4 beneficial4 studies
- LowBifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71All 3 studies report beneficial effects on cognitive function, but only one (a meta-analysis) reached statistical significance and found a large effect (SMD -0.90; p=0.01). The remaining two reviews indicate small to moderate benefits. However, the evidence base is very small and indirect—most studies evaluated probiotics generally or synbiotics, not Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71 specifically.3 beneficial3 studies
- LowLion's ManeAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lion's Mane on cognitive function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate (predominantly moderate). The most robust evidence comes from a randomized controlled trial showing quicker Stroop task performance at 1.8 g/day over 28 days in healthy adults. The evidence base is small (only 3 studies), so conclusions should be considered preliminary. · Dose: 1.8 g/day3 beneficial3 studies
- LowLactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 on cognitive function, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. The only statistically significant finding came from a 2025 meta-analysis reporting a large beneficial effect (SMD -0.90, p=0.01) in patients with depression, while two narrative reviews noted small, inconsistent benefits, particularly in healthy populations with low baseline stress. Doses, forms, and study durations were not consistently reported, limiting dose-specific conclusions.3 beneficial3 studies
- Very lowLactobacillus plantarum HEAL9Across 3 studies, all reported small beneficial effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 on cognitive function. One meta-analysis (n=390) found statistically significant improvements on MMSE and MoCA, though the certainty of evidence was low. The remaining RCT (n=66) showed a trend toward improvement that did not reach statistical significance. Evidence is very preliminary, with no consistent dose or duration data available.2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies