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Starr Walker Brain Retain Review – 8 Things You Need to Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Overview | Nutrition Facts | Benefits | Cautions | Price | Directions | Verdict

Brain Retain is a nutritional supplement designed to support overall brain function through a potent antioxidant blend. The formula is sold as a Starr Walker product, a line of dietary supplements produced by the company called The 3rd Opinion. The business was started by a licensed PhD in Nutritional Science and a talk-show radio host, dr. Mary Schrick. Dr. Mary decided to start manufacturing her own line of natural remedies after an elaborate research of currently available products.

This particular formula is one of the many such supplements and may be classified as a Nootropic formula. It is advertised to be the result of more than 30 years in the field of neuroscience conducted by a Board-Certified Neurologist called David Perlmutter. The product is promoted as a key component for ensuring optimal cognitive function by improving energy production of brain cells mitochondria and fights against free radicals known to cause severe brain damage in time.

Brain Retain ingredients are described in detail by the producer on the official site. The formula includes powerful amino acids such as N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine, plant extracts, vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin D3, Vitamin E, B-Complex vitamins), minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium), and the antioxidant Co-enzyme Q10.

Overview

1) Quick Overview

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is considered a super antioxidant that naturally occurs in the human body and has important benefits on the brain. This is a form of L-Carnitine beneficial due to its qualities of acting as an energy booster for the mitochondria of brain cells while also actin as a precursor for the synthesis of Acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that participates in numerous processes throughout the body (including to maintain proper memory function). ALCAR is an amino acid which is a substance used by the body uses to transform fat into energy. Due to the fact that the body can manufacture this substance, it is not considered an essential nutrient. Supplemental Carnitine is however promoted as a way to increase the body’s supply and improve energy production as well as the functioning of several systems. Although this chemical has been researched for a broad range of health issues (heart-related conditions, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, sexual dysfunctions, Down syndrome, etc.) evidence in most of these cases lacks or is very weak so far. However, there are many who support the benefits of this substance and recommend such products as physical and psychical performance enhancers.

ALCAR may influence the action of thyroid hormone, so people with known affections of this organ (particularly with low thyroid levels) should refrain from using ALCAR supplements.

Vitamins B are considered a very important support for the overall health in general, and for the nervous system in particular. Some of the advertised benefits of the B-complex are stress relief, reduced anxiety levels, reduced depression symptoms, optimal memory and heart function, and many others. The B complex of vitamin consists in 8 essential compounds that work both individually (each of them has a predominant role in the body) and as a whole and improve mood and overall energy levels. The benefits of these nutrients in fighting stress and supporting the overall sense of well-being have been clinically shown in a large number of clinical trials and studies. The common side-effects associated with the B-complex are nausea (when taken on an empty stomach) and restlessness (B-vitamins increase neurotransmission).

Nutrition Facts

2) Brain Retain Nutrition Facts

Brain Retain contains the following ingredients: Sodium, Potassium, Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate), Calcium (as calcium ascorbate), Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols), Vitamin B1 (as Benfotiamine) , Vitamin B2 (as riboflavin 5 phosphate), Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal 5 phosphate), Folate (as Calcium Folinate), Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin), Phosphorus (as potassium phosphate), Magnesium (as Di-Magnesium Malate) N-Acetyl-Cysteine, Phosphatidylserine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Broccoli Seed Extract (providing 30 mg Sulforaphane Glucosinolate), DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil), VegaPro (Proprietary blend of rice protein concentrate and Pea Protein Isolate, Aminogen, L-Glutamine and Glycine), evaporated cane juice, sunflower oil, Inulin fiber (Chicory), natural flavors, cocoa powder, medium chain triglycerides, Potassium citrate, Xanthan gum, Guar gum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, and stevia leaf extract.

3) Does Brain Retain Work?

Alpha Lipoic Acid is also called the “the universal antioxidant,” as it naturally occurs in the human body in almost every type of human cell. It is classified as a fatty acid, a substance needed for proper energy production. The antioxidant benefits are however the ones that have drawn the researcher’s attention. As an antioxidant, ALA is beneficial for a large number of systems, the most important being the cardiovascular and the nervous systems. An important fact is that supporting regeneration and maintenance of other antioxidants (including vitamin E and C and Glutathione) shouldn’t be overlooked. Clinical trials and studies conducted so far have shown that ALA may be beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. It is currently being used as a treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Another important feature of Alpha Lipoic Acid is that this chemical can to cross the blood brain barrier. A large number of clinical trials seem to underline the importance of ALA in preventing and reducing free radicals damage (bone loss, skin aging, neurological problems including Alzheimer’s disease, eye affections including cataracts, etc.), preventing metal poisoning and migraines, supporting a healthy weight, and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Phosphatidylserine is a chemical present in the membranes of most cells, but with higher concentrations in the brain cells. Although initially supplemental PS was synthesized from bovine brain, the worries of disease transmission to humans have led to the discontinuing of such supplements. Today, PS supplements are soy-based products with similar advertised benefits in boosting memory and overcoming stress. An important thing to keep in mind is that most of the clinical studies were made on the bovine cortex derived compound and not of the currently used form.
The use of PS supplements is considered likely safe when used in appropriate dosages. PS is however believed to potentiate the effects of blood thinning medication, so patients who are under such treatment should take special precautions when using such a formula.

Two scoops of Brain Retain are recommended to be mixed with 8-12 oz. of water. Brain Retain reviews are lacking at the time of this review.

Benefits

4) Brain Retain Benefits & Results

  • Brain Retain includes several clinically researched substances shown to potentiate brain activity and support long-term health of the brain
  • The formula comes in two different flavors and is also available as a children supplement
  • Brain Retain can be purchased online from the manufacturers site

Cautions

5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Brain Retain

  • Brain Retain price is very high
  • There seems to be no money back guarantee for this formula
  • A free trial period is not available for this particular formula

Price

6) Brain Retain Price

Brain Retain nutritional formula is sold in bottles that ensure the necessary dose for a half a month. The price per bottle is very high, making a month’s supply ridiculously expensive. The formula can be directly ordered from the official site. International orders are also possible, but the shipping charges are revealed (probably) after completing the ordering form. Shipping charges for US orders are moderate. The company guarantees the safety of all transactions and claims not to store any credit card information that may weaken the security of the site. The formula does not seem to come with a money-back guarantee or a free trial option.

Directions

7) Directions For Taking Brain Retain

Brain Retain suggested dose is 2 level scoops in 8-12 oz. of cold water. Brain Retain side effects are not indicated by the manufacturer. There are no Brain Retain reviews to support the formulas effectiveness at the moment.

Verdict

8) Our Final Take On Brain Retain

Brain Retain is one of the many nootropics available on the nutritional supplement market. Its particularity is that it comes in a flavored powdered form that makes it a more pleasant alternative to common dietary supplements sold as capsules or tablets harder to ingest. The great disadvantage of the formula is the monthly price. This is one of the most expensive products of its type but this high price is not supported by any scientific data or by consumers.

There is no evidence or mentioning that the formula has been the subject of a clinical trial. So the main question is why is this formula better than others and is it worth the cost? Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question. Our advice is to consult a healthcare specialist who can give you information about the active ingredients, their benefits and the unwanted effects that might occur from using such a product.

4/5 - (2 votes)
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Vincent Lloyd

I decided to try Brain Retain after hearing about it from a colleague of mine who was very satisfied with the results. I purchased a bottle and after two weeks I could definitely see improvements in my memory, concentration, learning capacity and overall alertness. I decided I will buy it again and I recommended the product to everyone who wants a fast solution for improving their mental performance.

Mary-Anne Stellman

Brain Retain price is indeed high, but I think it is worth the money! This delicious drink helps me stay focused and alert every single day. I take it in the mornings and I enjoy its effects the entire day. I really love it!

Sandy

It was interesting to discover that ALCAR is detrimental to low-thyroid persons, particularly because the manufacturer does not disclose this in descriptive information on the product. I have taken this product and it did seem to be somewhat beneficial, but not according to its high cost.