For brain health, skip the supplements and focus on a healthy diet

By Steven DeKosky

June 29

Americans and others around the world have turned increasingly to dietary supplements to maintain or preserve their brain health.

A recent study found that a quarter of adults over 50 take a supplement for brain-related health. But that same study, done by experts convened by AARP, suggests that seniors should spend their money elsewhere. The supplements don’t work.

This is no small issue. Expenditures on non-vitamin brain health supplements such as minerals, herbal mixtures, nurtraceuticals or amino acids, have extended into the billions of dollars. This can cost $20 to $60 a month for seniors, a sizable sum that could be put toward other expenses, including fresh vegetables and fruit that actually do make a difference.

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