Supplements that Might Boost IQ and Memory

Nutritional deficiencies have long been linked to memory problems, attention deficit, psychological disorder, and dementia. Addressing these deficiencies before they strike may not only prevent cognitive decline, but also enable the brain to think more quickly and actively. Furthermore, some herbally sourced supplements have been found to also improve memory and IQ.

The following nootropic, or brain-boosting, supplements and nutrients might be capable of improving your memory and cognitive skill. As always, talk to your doctor before taking any herb or nutritional supplement, especially if you have a preexisting medical condition.

Fish Oil

Of all the supplements currently on the market, few have gained as much positive media attention as omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish oil. In addition to their proven usefulness in treating heart disease, high cholesterol, and arthritis, omega-3 fats are best known for their amazing ability to improve health in all areas of the brain.

In Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible, Dr. Earl Mindell writes that the gray matter of the brain is composed largely--or even mostly--of the omega-3 fat known as docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Without adequate levels of DHA, neurons do not fire as fluidly and lead to cognitive problems. This discovery is thrilling: it has even led some physicians to suggest that adequate supplementation with DHA could lead to a smarter populace in future generations.

DHA is particularly important for young children. Studies conducted by widely accredited groups including Oxford University have found that children and infants who take omega-3 supplements score higher on IQ tests and have fewer attention difficulties. These studies are relevant to adults as much as children, if not more so: it is best to protect the delicate tissues of the brain by feeding them adequately.

Vinpocetine

A semisynthetic derivative of periwinkle, vinpocetine is one of the most effective yet least common supplements for maintaining and increasing brain power. Its efficacy has been backed by a number of placebo-controlled studies. One 2004 study by the University of Leeds in England, and published in the Drug Development Research journal, noted "significant improvement" in memory and cognitive function in subjects given vinpocetine compared to placebo.

Other studies have yielded similarly encouraging results. Vinpocetine appears to function by dilating the blood vessels that feed the brain, leading to increased oxygen intake and, possibly, increased IQ. Because of this, it has been used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and age-related dementia.

Brain cells may be stimulated and protected by the use of vinpocetine, and science may soon yield an ability to increase the IQs of people who are cognitively challenged using this miraculous supplement. Although there have been no serious side effects reported in human studies, talk to your doctor about determining a proper dose if vinpocetine is right for you.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest species of tree in the world, is probably the most famous and well-known of nootropic supplements. No one is completely certain how ginkgo works, but it has been shown to increase attention and memory in young, healthy people, as well as people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and dementia.

Ginkgo's brain-boosting affects appear to peak after about two and a half hours, according to a May 2005 article published in Psychopharmacology. Compared to placebo, people who take moderate to high doses of ginkgo biloba extract of leaf appear to think more quickly and acutely than people who do not.

Boosting IQ using supplements and herbs may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but it may well be within the realm of possibility, now or in the near future. After getting the go-ahead from your doctor and reviewing the potential risks and side effects of these supplements, you may find that your own cognitive skill can be improved using simple--and relatively inexpensive--herbs and dietary supplements.