Brain Cell Support Review – Is it Effective?

Brain Cell Support is advertised as a potent combination of nutrients and herbs designed to assist with memory, mood and focus.The manufacturer, Metabolic Maintenance, is a company with over 25 years business experience. They manufacture and market over 100 different products for a variety of conditions and health needs, form anemia and autism spectrum disorders to insomnia and anxiety. The company has gained numerous customer satisfaction and best practice and business activity awards, including a 4 years consecutive award of Best of Los Gatos offered by the U.S. Commerce Association. The company takes pride in the fact that the majority of their formulations are free of animal products, and most common allergens (gluten, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish).

The core ingredient of Brain Cell Support is Cognizin Citicoline, one of the most famous brands under which the active substance Citicoline is marketed worldwide. The formula is especially designed for adults who desire to increase or maintain optimum levels of memory and concentration and a balanced mood. It is also suited for vegetarians. Pregnant and lactating women are however advised to consult a healthcare professional before taking Brain Cell Support.

1) What is Brain Cell Support?

Brain Cell Support is a blend of herbal ingredients and other nutrients designed to assist with mood, memory and focus capacity.

Brain Cell Support features Cognizin Citicoline (or CDP-Choline), a nutrient which has been researched at Harvard University and demonstrated to improve memory and cognitive function. Citicoline is a chemical naturally synthesized by the body from Choline and is known to possess nootropic properties. Studies suggest that CDP-Choline supplements work by increasing receptor densities for the neurotransmitter Dopamine and suggest that they may help prevent memory impairment which results from poor environmental conditions. Additionally, Citicoline may improve focus and mental energy. Preliminary research has found it may possibly be useful in the treatment of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Citicoline seems to be safe when taken short-term (up to 90 days), but the long-term safety is not known. Side effects reported include trouble sleeping (insomnia), headache, diarrhea, nausea, and blurred vision.

DMAE has been shown to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, although conclusive evidence is still required. Several studies which tried to determine its effect on people suffering from neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer’s disease. However, results were mixed. Side effects include drowsiness, elevated blood pressure, weight loss and insomnia. Concern exists in the case of people with epilepsy or a history of convulsions.

2) What’s Inside Brain Cell Support?

Brain Cell Support includes the following ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine (as 600 mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl) 500 mg, Cognizin Ÿ Citicholine (CDP-Choline) 200 mg, DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol as 275 mg DMAE bitartrate) 100 mg, Phosphatidylserine (from soy) 100 mg, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract (standardized to 120 mg 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones) and Gotu Kola herb extract (Centella asiatica, 100 mg standardized to 10% asiaticoside and 30% triterpenes).

If you prefer a more well-rounded approach to brain health, we recommend reading our Brain Vitale review.

3) Does Brain Cell Support Work?

Brain Cell Support contains Citicoline. In the hippocampi of rats with induced Alzheimer’s disease, citicoline has been shown to counteract neuronal degeneration and reduce the number of apoptotic cells present. Citicoline supplementation is also believed to improve memory retention. This psychostimulant is an approved treatment in cases of head trauma, stroke and neurodegenerative disease in Japan and Europe.

DMAE or dimethylaminoethanol is related to Choline and may be a biochemical precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, although this conclusion has been disputed. It is believed that DMAE is methylated to produce choline in the brain. It is known that DMAE is processed by the liver into choline; however, the choline molecule is charged and is not able to pass the BBB (blood-brain barrier).

First pilot studies indicate that Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplementation might be beneficial for children with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). However, extensive research is needed to prove its effectiveness in this field. PS has been demonstrated to speed up recovery, prevent muscle soreness, improve well-being and might, and possess ergogenic properties in athletes involving in cycling.

Ginkgo Biloba and Gotu Kola extracts are well known for their ability to improve function in the vascular system, thus enhancing oxygen levels in the brain and aiding mental clarity and memory. Although most clinical trials and studies trying to demonstrate these herbs positive effects have yet to agree on the results, most consumers appear to be satisfied upon using Ginkgo biloba and Gotu Kola including supplements.

4) Brain Cell Support Health Benefits

• The herbal extracts of Ginkgo Biloba and Gotu Kola are standardized, meaning they are tested for safety and effectiveness
• The formula is available in the form of vegetarian capsules
• The supplement generally received good consumer reviews

5) Brain Cell Support Product Warnings

• The supplement is relatively expensive (approx. $60 for a month’s supply)
• There is a 25% restocking fee for returned products
• The return policy is rather restrictive (only for certain products, only with authorization and under certain conditions)

6) Brain Cell Support Price

Brain Cell Support is one of the more pricey nutritional supplements available on the market. This supplement is currently being sold in bottles containing 60 vegetarian capsules and is available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website, as well as some other retailers. A toll-free number is made available by the manufacturer, which at the time of this review offers free shipping on orders exceeding $200. No money-back guarantees or return facilities are detailed on the manufacturer’s website.

7) Brain Cell Support Serving Size

Reviews report consumer satisfaction in the main benefit areas claimed by Brain Cell Support. No side effects or other drug interactions are mentioned. The manufacturer recommends taking 2 capsules a day.

8) Conclusion

Marketed as a powerful combination of nutrients and herbals, the formula promises to improve memory, mood and focus capacity. The formula has been reported by consumers to be highly effective in improving memory, concentration and even the quality of sleep. No side effects or other drug interactions are mentioned for Brain Cell Support, although the ingredients, separately, may potentially cause such side effects. However, there is a high probability that the formula will work, given its ingredients, even if no guarantee for this particular combination of ingredients is offered.

Still, given the fact that each patient is different and certain pre-existing health conditions may determine the formula to cause unwanted effects, we recommend that you always seek the advice of a healthcare provider prior to use.