15. 03. 2020. BrainBright, by Bio Trust, Really Improve Memory? | ConsumerLab.

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Brain Bright For Memory?
Question:
What is Brain Bright and can it really improve memory or cognition?

Answer:
[Update: (1/26/20) A recall announcement may affect this product.]

Brain Bright (BioTrust Nutrition) is promoted on the company's website as a "science-backed" "triple-
action brain enhancement formula" which promises to provide: 1) greatly improved memory and recall, 2)
immediate concentration and razor-sharp focus and 3) second-to-none long-term brain health (by
shielding the brain from toxins).

Evidence:
While the ingredients (and the amounts of these ingredients) in Brain Bright are each supported by some
research suggesting a potential benefit, there are no published clinical studies on the effects of these
ingredients when combined.

The claims made on the website appear to be based on an unpublished study, along with studies by
others on the different ingredients listed in the product.

BioTrust provided ConsumerLab.com with a summary of the unpublished clinical trial. It involved 29
healthy adults between the ages of 19 and 68 (average age not given). It found that 2 tablets of Brain
Bright taken daily for one week appeared to slightly reduce the number of mistakes on a test of
concentration and short-term memory (approximately 1 mistake vs. 2.5 mistakes, respectively), but did
not improve reaction time, processing speed or attention, compared to placebo. However, as data was not
provided and the study results did not undergo peer-review for publication, it's difficult to draw any
meaningful conclusions. In addition, no information about adverse effects was included.

Here is the evidence for each of the key ingredients in Brain Bright based on studies of the individual
ingredients. You can use the links to get more information about each ingredient on ConsumerLab.com.
Also shown is the amount of each ingredient listed in the suggested daily serving size of 2 tablets:

B Vitamins (riboflavin (8 mg), B-6 (20 mg), folate (as folic acid) (800 mcg), B-12 (methylcobalamin) (500
mcg) - The same doses of B-6, folic acid, and B-12, taken together, were found in one clinical study to
slow cognitive decline in people age 70 years or older with mild cognitive impairment (riboflavin,
however, was not used in the study).

Gingko biloba (240 mg of extract standardized to 24% glycosides, 6% lactones, and < 1 ppm ginkgolic
acid) - Although this amount and type of extract is in-line with those used in some clinical studies for
cognitive function, some experts have concluded there is little evidence that gingko improves cognitive
function. The Brain Bright claim of "second-to-none long term brain health (by shielding the brain from
toxins)" appears to be based on laboratory and animals studies demonstrating the antioxidant activity of
ginkgo glycosides. However, we are not aware of any studies demonstrating long-term brain health
benefits based on gingko's antioxidant properties.

Rhodiola rosea (200 mg root extract standardized to 5% rosavins and 2% salidrosides) — Doses in
this range have shown some efficacy for improving certain measures memory and mental fatigue in a few
small studies. However, overall, due to contradictory findings and design flaws in the studies, some
researchers concluded there is insufficient evidence for this use.

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15. 03. 2020. BrainBright, by Bio Trust, Really Improve Memory? | ConsumerLab.com

N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (500 mg) - N-acetyl-L-tyrosine is converted into the amino acid tyrosine in the body.
Although a few, small studies suggest tyrosine may improve memory or mental function in people who are
sleep deprived or exposed to other forms of stress, it should be noted that these studies used higher
doses of L-tyrosine (2,000 mg to 15,000 mg). In addition, it's not clear how much N-acetyl-L-tyrosine is
actually converted into tyrosine in the body (Magnusson, Metabolism 1989; Van Goudoever, J
Parenter Enteral Nutr 1994).

Acetyl-L-carnitine (500 mg) - There is some evidence that acetyl-L-carnitine may provide some help for
age-related memory impairment, however, typically at a higher dosage (1,500 to 2,000 mg).

L-theanine (100 mg) - There is evidence that taking 50 mg of this amino acid (which is also found in
black and green tea) may increase alpha brain wave activity, which plays an important role in attention,
within less than an hour of taking. This research may be part of the basis for the claim that Brain Bright
promise of "immediate concentration."

Brain Bright also contains 5 mg of black pepper extract (BioPerine), an ingredient which is sometimes
added to supplements to enhance the bioavailability of certain ingredients.

Safety:
It's important to note that the directions for use state: "Take 1 tablet 2 times daily, preferably without food,
or, for enhanced concentration take 2 tablets as needed. Do not exceed 6 tablets per day." Taking the
maximum recommended dosage of 6 tablets would provide three times the dosages of each ingredient as
listed above. There are risks associated with taking such high doses of some of these ingredients,
including vitamin B-6, B-12 and folic acid. Furthermore, there are no published studies on the safety of
taking all of these ingredients together. For example, both Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola may lower blood
sugar, and both Rhodiola and L-theanine may lower blood pressure.

There are also potential interactions with medications for some of these ingredients. More information
about potential side-effects and drug interactions for each ingredient can be found in the "Concerns and
Cautions" sections of ConsumerLab.com's product reviews, which you can find by clicking on the above
links to each review.

ConsumerLab.com has not tested Brain Bright to determine whether this product contains what it claims,
and without contaminants.

Cost: Brain Bright costs $49 for a bottle containing 60 tablets - a 30 day supply if you take the
recommended 2 per day. The website claims there is a one-year money back guarantee and you will not
be enrolled in an auto-delivery program.

The bottom line:

Brain Bright contains several ingredients in doses which some small studies suggest may help to improve
memory and cognition. However, there are no published clinical studies showing that these ingredients
are safe or effective when taken together as in the Brain Bright formula. Furthermore, the overall evidence
for two of its main ingredients, ginkgo and rhodiola, is currently considered insufficient for memory and
cognition, and the evidence for the other ingredients is quite preliminary.

See the Encyclopedia article about Enhancing Memory and Mental Function for more information.

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15. 03. 2020. BrainBright, by Bio Trust, Really Improve Memory? | ConsumerLab.com

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COMMENTS Add Comment

Louise8611 April 4, 2016

I am amazed once again by the thorough examination of Brain Bright by CL; putting all the ingredients
together and examining the product as thoroughly as you did saved me DAYS of research from which I
otherwise might, and probably would have, missed. I trust CL and will always. Once again you have
saved me from myself in my efforts to seek even more benefits presented tantalizingly on the internet.

Thank you so much. I am truly grateful.

Sincerely,
Louise McCarthy
Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com April 4, 2016

Thank you for your kind words Louise! We are glad this was helpful for you.
Comment on Post

Jeannie Marie8599 April 3, 2016

Hi! As a PubMed junkie I know I stumbled upon a study that linked consumption of ginkgo biloba with
glaucoma (pressure behind the eye?) For this reason I never take it or recommend it. Consumer Labs
might want to look into this. I greatly appreciate the work of Consumer Labs. YES! Even those of us who
devote great amounts of time doing research on Pub Med to make informed decisions on supplements,
appreciate your valuable work. Thanks.
Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com April 11, 2016

Hi Jeannie - We are aware of some studies (not all have found a benefit) showing that in people
with normal tension glaucoma, ginkgo biloba extract increased blood flow to certain parts of the
eye (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21976939) and improved pre-existing visual field
damage (without changes in eye pressure) (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12578781),
but we are not aware of a link between taking ginkgo and an increased risk of glaucoma. Can
you please let us know which study you are referring to?
Comment on Post

Jeannie Marie8630 April 11, 2016

Thank you pointing this out. Not much time here but after a quick review of the research
on Gingko Biloba on Pub Med failed to show any research indicated that the consumption
of this alternative herbal medication had any real negative consequences. In fact as you
pointed out it has been shown to reduce the oxidatoxidative stress at the level of the
mitochondria found in glaucoma.
Most likely I heard about this association of ginkgo biloba and increased IOP from the
network news. FAR TOO much of their revenue comes from Big Pharma - and they love to
stoke fear, real or imagined, about any "alternative" treatment or dietary supplement into
the hearts and minds of the American consumer.
Thanks again!
Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com April 11, 2016

Thank you for your kind words Jeannie.

We are aware of some studies (not all have found a benefit) showing that in people with normal
tension glaucoma, ginkgo biloba extract increased blood flow to certain parts of the eye

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15. 03. 2020. BrainBright, by Bio Trust, Really Improve Memory? | ConsumerLab.com

(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21976939) and improved pre-existing visual field damage

(without changes in eye pressure) (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12578781), but we are
not aware of a link between taking ginkgo and an increased risk of glaucoma. Can you please
let us know which study you are referring to?
Comment on Post

Lisa 11615 January 22, 2017

I have been taking Brain Bright for a almost a month and I feel like it has helped some with
my ability to stay focused. I have no actual proof that taking Brain Bright is the reason but I
feel like it has helped. I am going to take it for another couple of months and see how I do
on it. I only take one a day..not two.

This is all based on my personal use and opinion.

Thanks for all the hard work that CL does to find out all this info to help us. It is greatly
appreciated
Comment on Post

This CL Answer initially posted on 4/2/2016. Last updated 8/2/2017.

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