DEFICIENCIES*

• 15% of those 20–59 yrs old have lower than recommended levels of B12 (2015 study, US only)
• 20 to 85% of vegetarians/vegans may be deficient due to limited intake of animal products (2019, 2024)

CLINICAL STUDIES  (not exhaustive)

1. B12 helps increase energy levels and reduce fatigue for those deficient (Study 1, Study 2)
2. Evidence for benefit of B vitamin supplementation in healthy and at-risk populations for stress
3. Supplementation with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or folate has positive effects on memory performance in women of various ages

**Common misconception: more B12 = more energy**

There is no concrete evidence that obtaining more than the recommended daily value will provide additional energy. Studies suggest B12 reduces fatigue and increases energy for those who are not getting or absorbing the daily recommended about.​

Learn more here:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-benefits​

*BrainFood includes B12 as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement. 

CLINICAL STUDIES* (not exhaustive)

1. Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Reducing Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
2. CoQ10 might reduce the frequency of headaches
3. Potential prevention & therapeutic effects for CoQ10 in degenerative disorders
4. CoQ10 potential in reducing depression symptoms
5. CoQ10 supplementation could alleviate fatigue but differences between studies population should be taken into account

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*We like to be transparent. You deserve that. So here are additional facts you should know:

​Facts: ​

• Studies have suggested CoQ10 supplementation could alleviate fatigue, support mood regulation (particularly depression), and prevent degenerative disorders given it's protection against oxidative cell damage. However, more evidence is needed to fully substantiate these claims.
• Most studies have been aimed at populations over 60

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Why does this mean? ​

• While CoQ10 is an essential nutrient, there is still debate in the scientific community on whether ingesting CoQ10 outside of what the body produces has enough additional benefit to be therapeutic, especially at a younger age.
• Given the evidence that CoQ10 can protect brain health and has preventative properties, we’ve included it in our drink.

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See Healthline Link Here for More info >​

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DEFICIENCES*

• Approximately 2 out of 5 people deficient
• Suboptimal vitamin D associated with higher risk of ADHD
• People with depression more likely to have deficiencies in several nutrients, i.e., Vitamin D

CLINICAL STUDIES  (not exhaustive)**

1. Increase in vitamin D for those with suboptimal levels linked to better emotional regulation & reduced hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3)
2. Increase in vitamin D levels may help reduce negative thoughts and brain fog (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3)
3. Higher sun exposure and dietary intake of vitamin D are associated with lower perceived stress among physically active individuals

*BrainFood includes Vitamin D as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a substitution or medical supplement. 

​**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Vitamin D supplementation for reducing ADHD like symptoms, stress, or improving mood regulation, but studies are promising.

DEFICIENCIES*​

• More than 1 out of 10 adults don't get enough zinc from their diet to meet the recommended average amount needed for good health (aged 19 and up; Source NIH)
• Multiple studies indicate a correlation between ADHD and low zinc levels

CLINICAL STUDIES**  (not exhaustive)

1. May improve hyperactivity & impulsivity 
2. May enhance the improvement of inattention
3. Those with attention difficulty and/or hyperactivity may be more prone to declined levels of zinc

*BrainFood includes zinc as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement. Recommended daily amount for adults 19+ is 11mg/8mg, for males/females, respectively; Tolerable upper limit is 40mg. 

**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Zinc supplementation for improving / mitigating symptoms of low concentration / ADHD. More evidence is needed, but studies are promising​

ALC is a form of L-carnitine, an amino acid derivitive found in the body. L-carnitine turns fat into energy. Studies suggest ALC helps to increase the efficiency of energy production in brain, supports mitochondrial health (powerhouse of the cell!), and protects cells from inflammation and damage.

DEFICENCIES

Often lower in vegetarians and vegans

CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)

1. ALC supplementation significantly decreases depressive symptoms compared with placebo/no intervention
2. ALC exhibits positive effects in slowing progression of mental deterioration
3. Studies suggests a role of ALC in slowing down cognitive decline
4. ALC can improve energy status, decrease oxidative stress after brain injury
5. Preclinical studies showed that boosting mitochondrial metabolism of ALC  protects against oxidative stress, rapidly ameliorates insulin resistance, and reduces neuroinflammation

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*We like to be transparent. You deserve that. So here are additional facts you should know: ​​

Facts:

• Studies have suggested ALC supplementation could reduce depressive symptoms, slow progression of cognitive decline, and improve brain injury healing. However, more evidence is needed to fully substantiate these claims.

What does this mean?

• There is still debate in the scientific community on whether ingesting ALC outside of what the body produces itself provides enough additional benefit, especially at a younger age
• Given the evidence that ALC can protect brain health and has preventative properties, we’ve included it in our drink

​Other Resources to check out (WebMD) >

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DEFICIENCIES*

• Low folate status has been linked to depression and poor response to antidepressants in some, but not all, studies
• 17% of women age 19 to 30 years do not meet the EAR (Estimated Average Requirement)
• Higher risk of insufficient folate = women of childbearing age and non-Hispanic black women

CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)**

1. Folic acid supplementation appears to improve cognitive function and reduce blood levels of Aβ-related biomarkers in MCI.
2. Analysis of six randomized controlled trials revealed that folic acid supplementation decreased the depression score
3. Folic acid helps enhance the body’s antioxidative defense mechanisms (Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials)

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Note: B12 deficiency is more common than Folate deficiency, and a high intake of folic acid can hide a B12 deficiency. This is why we include both as well.

*BrainFood includes Folate as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement. 

**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Folate supplementation for improving cognitive function and depression, but studies are promising.​​

DEFICIENCES*

• 9 out of 10 Americans do not get enough fiber. (According to National Consumption Survey)

CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)

1. Fiber-deprived diet leads to cognitive impairment
2. Health Effects and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber
3. Effects of High Performance Inulin Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Antioxidant Status in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
4. Inulin (as well as certain other prebiotics) may help prevent and/or reduce the severity of depression**
5. Total dietary fiber intake was associated with a 10% lower odds of depression

*BrainFood includes Fiber as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement. 

**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Inulin for preventing or reducing severity of depression, but studies are promising.

CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)**

1 ) Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms 

2) Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue

3) Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review

*while generally considered safe, always best to speak to your healthcare provider before starting a new herbal supplement

**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Rhodiola for improving cognitive function, stress resilience, and mood, but studies are promising.​