I. The Rise of the Brain Health Industry: Dual Drivers from Demand to Market

In today's fast-paced life and social development process, brain health has jumped from a rarely concerned field to a core health issue focused on by the whole people. From infants just born to the elderly who have gone through years, the demand for brain health among people of different age groups is comprehensively reshaping the pattern of the health consumption market.

(I) Lifecycle-Based Brain Health Demands

Early childhood is a crucial golden period for brain development. During this stage, the brain, like a high-speed "super chip", rapidly builds neural connections, laying the foundation for future learning, cognition, and emotional development. Parents' attention to their children's brain development has driven the popularity of a series of infant milk powders and supplementary foods rich in nutrients such as DHA and ARA, aiming to provide sufficient "fuel" for their children's brain development.
Adolescence, facing the heavy pressure of academic studies, strengthening memory becomes a key demand. To stand out in exams, they are eager for products that can improve memory and concentration. Brain-nourishing health products containing phosphatidylserine and ginkgo biloba extract have quietly appeared in many students' schoolbags, becoming their "secret weapon" to cope with academic challenges.

Professionals are in a state of high pressure and high load for a long time, and brain fatigue has become a constant "enemy". Staying up late to work overtime and frequent business trips keep their brains tense at all times. Coffee and tea can no longer meet the growing demand for anti-fatigue. Energy drinks and brain health foods rich in ingredients such as L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine and taurine have emerged as "energy supply stations" for them to strive in the workplace.  
Entering old age, cognitive maintenance and Alzheimer's disease prevention have become important issues in life. With the increase of age, brain function gradually declines, and problems such as memory loss and cognitive impairment quietly come. According to statistics, the population over 60 years old in China has reached 310 million. Such a large elderly group has an extremely urgent demand for brain health products. From traditional health products such as deep-sea fish oil and coenzyme Q10 to emerging neuronic acid products, they are all safeguarding the brain health of the elderly. China's 300 million people with sleep disorders have opened up a new niche market for the brain health industry, and sleep-aiding brain health products have become new favorites in the market.

Data from Acute Market Reports shows that the global brain health nutrition market size has reached 11.6 billion US dollars in 2024. China's large elderly population and people with sleep disorders are spawning a potential market of 100 billion yuan. The vigorous development of this market is not only the release of health needs, but also the embodiment of society's attention to the quality of life.

(II) Ingredient Innovation Leads Product Upgrade

In the past, people mainly relied on traditional food to supplement brain nutrition. Walnuts and deep-sea fish became "brain-nourishing stars" on the dining table. However, the nutritional components of these foods are complex, and the content of effective ingredients is limited, making it difficult to accurately meet the diverse needs of the brain. Today, with the advancement of science and technology and in-depth research, the emergence of functional factors such as neuronic acid and phosphatidylserine has brought revolutionary changes to brain health intervention. Enterprises have abandoned the traditional "empirical food supplement" model and turned to "scientific formulas", accurately proportioning a variety of effective ingredients to develop products with more significant effects and stronger pertinence.

Dongpeng Beverage took the lead in layout, adding L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine to its sugar-free special drinks. This new ingredient can effectively relieve brain fatigue, providing consumers with a new choice, and also marking the successful penetration of brain health ingredients from the health product field to the functional food field. Since then, more and more food enterprises have followed up, adding brain health ingredients to beverages and snacks, allowing consumers to easily take care of their brain health in their daily diet.

II. Analysis of Core Functional Ingredients: Scientifically Proven Guardians of Brain Health

Behind the vigorous development of the brain health industry, a series of core functional ingredients are playing a key role. These ingredients, like important parts in precision instruments, each assume a unique mission and jointly guard brain health. They have been scientifically verified to provide comprehensive care for the brain, from the repair of neural pathways to the optimization of synaptic function, and then to the balance regulation of neurotransmitters. Each ingredient contributes to the normal operation of the brain.

(I) Neural Pathway Repair Expert — Neuronic Acid (Cis-15-Tetracosenoic Acid)

Neuronic acid, scientifically known as cis-15-tetracosenoic acid, is a core natural component of brain nerve fibers and nerve cells. It is also the only natural substance scientifically proven to repair damaged nerve fibers and promote neuron regeneration. It is like a skilled craftsman who can accurately repair damaged neural pathways in the brain, allowing nerve signals to be transmitted smoothly.

Acer truncatum seed oil is one of the main sources of neuronic acid. In 2011, Acer truncatum seed oil was approved as a new resource food, which laid the foundation for the wide application of neuronic acid. Clinical research is the "touchstone" to test the efficacy of ingredients. A number of clinical studies have shown that neuronic acid has a significant preventive effect on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In these studies, subjects taking products containing neuronic acid had their damaged nerve fibers in the brain effectively repaired, nerve signal transmission was smoother, and cognitive and motor functions were significantly improved.

Neuronic acid not only has a preventive effect on neurological diseases, but also shows unique efficacy in other aspects. Studies have found that it can improve obesity-related metabolic disorders, help the body better regulate fat metabolism, and maintain physical health. Adding neuronic acid to infant formulas can promote the development of visual nerves, allowing babies to have more acute vision to explore this colorful world.

(II) Synaptic Function Optimizer — Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Phosphatidylserine, referred to as PS, is a component of 50% of the phospholipids in brain cell membranes and plays an indispensable role in the normal operation of the brain. It is like a "lubricant" for brain cell membranes, which can enhance the fluidity of cell membranes and make information transmission between brain cells more efficient.

In 2010, phosphatidylserine became a new food ingredient in China with a daily limit of 600mg. This identification has made its application in the food field more extensive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes its efficacy in "alleviating age-related memory decline", which is undoubtedly a strong endorsement of the efficacy of phosphatidylserine.

Clinical research is a key link to verify its efficacy. In studies on children, children supplemented with phosphatidylserine showed significantly improved concentration in the learning process, were able to listen more attentively and complete homework, and their academic performance also improved significantly. For athletes, phosphatidylserine can effectively improve muscle fatigue, allowing them to recover their physical strength faster after high-intensity training and competitions and maintain a good competitive state.

In recent years, scientists have also discovered new potentials of phosphatidylserine. Studies have shown that it can alleviate stress-related sleep disorders by regulating GABA receptors. When people are under stress, the GABA system in the brain will be imbalanced, leading to sleep problems. Phosphatidylserine, like a "mediator", can regulate GABA receptors, calm the brain, and help people regain sweet sleep.

(III) Golden Combination of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids — Omega-3 (DHA/EPA)

DHA and EPA in Omega-3 fatty acids are essential structural raw materials for brain cell membranes and play a fundamental supporting role in brain health. They are like the cornerstones of building the "mansion" of the brain and are indispensable. Peony seed oil, as a high-quality source of Omega-3, has an Omega-3 content of up to 42%, far exceeding that of deep-sea fish oil, providing people with more diversified choices.

A study published in the journal BMJ pointed out that people with high intake of Omega-3 fatty acids have a 37% higher probability of healthy aging. This research result has attracted widespread attention and made more people realize the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health. For the elderly, Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of beta-amyloid deposition and reduce the occurrence of cognitive impairment. Beta-amyloid deposition is one of the important pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 fatty acids, like "cleaning guards", can reduce the deposition of this protein and protect brain health.

During adolescence, when the brain is in a stage of rapid development and learning, supplementing Omega-3 fatty acids can improve learning and memory efficiency. After supplementing Omega-3 fatty acids, students can better understand and remember knowledge and perform better in exams.

(IV) Neurotransmitter Balancer — γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

γ-Aminobutyric acid, referred to as GABA, is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a key role in regulating the balance of the nervous system. It is like a "braking system" in the brain, which can calm down over-excited neural activities.

GABA relieves stress and improves sleep quality by regulating the balance of the autonomic nervous system. When people are under the pressure of life and work, the brain will be in a tense state, and GABA will play a role in relaxing the nerves. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare designates it as a functional ingredient for "improving anxiety", which has attracted more attention to GABA in the field of anti-anxiety.

In China, GABA has been widely used in sleep-aiding drinks and stress-relieving foods. Many consumers feel that their stress has been significantly relieved and their sleep quality has been greatly improved after drinking drinks containing GABA. When used in combination with PS, GABA can also synergistically improve the recovery speed of brain fatigue. When people experience brain fatigue due to long-term work and study, supplementing both GABA and PS can restore brain vitality faster and improve work and study efficiency.

(V) Emerging Potential Ingredients: From Laboratory to Market

In the field of brain health ingredient research, new ingredients are constantly emerging. They are like the rising sun, containing enormous potential and bringing new hope to the development of the brain health industry.

L-α-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC)
L-α-Glycerylphosphorylcholine is a precursor of acetylcholine that can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and plays an important role in neural transmission in the brain. In 2024, it was approved as a new food ingredient in China with a daily limit of 600mg. This approval has opened the door for its application in the food field.

Clinical research is an important basis for testing its efficacy. Studies have shown that after taking L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine, the choline level in the brain can be increased within 1 hour, improving the working memory and reaction speed of professionals. For professionals who often need to process a lot of information and respond to various emergencies, L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine is like their "smart assistant", enabling them to handle work more efficiently.

Green Oat Extract (Neuravena)
Green oat extract is a patented ingredient of IFF, containing natural polyphenols and β-glucan. These ingredients endow it with unique brain health efficacy. Nine studies conducted in 4 countries have confirmed that taking green oat extract can improve concentration within 1 hour, allowing people to focus more on the task at hand.

Its mechanism of action is to improve information processing speed by promoting cerebral blood flow. For students, taking green oat extract before exams or during study can improve learning efficiency and better master knowledge. For high-frequency brain users, such as programmers and designers, it can also help them maintain a high-efficiency work state and improve work quality.

III. Brain Health Codes in Daily Diet: Superfoods and Scientific Matching

On the road to pursuing brain health, daily diet is like a treasure trove, containing rich nutritional codes. Reasonable food selection and scientific diet matching can not only provide sufficient energy for the brain, but also nourish the brain imperceptibly, improve cognitive ability, and prevent brain aging. Next, let's explore the brain health secrets hidden in daily food together.

(I) Five-Star Brain-Nourishing Food List

Black rice, as an ancient grain, is rich in anthocyanins, with a content of up to 200mg per 100g. Studies have shown that people who consume more than 60g of black rice per week have an 8.1-point increase in cognitive scores. The strong antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins can effectively inhibit nerve cell apoptosis and provide comprehensive protection for the brain. In daily life, black rice can be made into soybean milk or cooked with other grains into porridge, 30-50g per day, allowing the brain to absorb nutrients in delicious food.

Deep-sea fish, such as sardines and mackerel, are high-quality sources of DHA and EPA. Eating 90g of steamed deep-sea fish twice a week can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 17.9%, and the effect is more significant for women. DHA and EPA are like "lubricants" for the brain, which can make the transmission of nerve signals in the brain smoother and improve the working efficiency of the brain. When choosing deep-sea fish, priority should be given to small deep-sea fish, such as sardines and mackerel, which have low mercury content and are safer and healthier.

Eggs, although ordinary, are rich in lecithin and choline. People who eat 1-2 whole eggs a day have a 9.3-point higher cognitive score than others in 6 years. Phospholipids in egg yolks can promote the synthesis of acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter and plays an important role in improving memory and learning ability. To retain the nutrition of eggs, it is best to choose boiled or steamed eggs instead of frying, because frying will destroy the nutrients in eggs.

Blueberries, small in size but full of energy, are rich in polyphenolic compounds. People who eat 75g of fresh blueberries 3 times a week have a 14% improvement in attention in 6 months. At the same time, blueberries can also improve synaptic plasticity, making the neural connections of the brain more flexible. You can eat fresh blueberries directly, or mix blueberries with yogurt to make delicious and nutritious blueberry yogurt.

Walnuts are well-known brain-nourishing products, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating walnuts 3-5 times a week can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 12.6%. Vitamin E in walnuts can also synergize with Omega-3 fatty acids to delay neuron aging. Eating 3-5 walnuts a day can provide sufficient nutrition for the brain, but it should be noted that excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent excessive calorie intake.

(II) Brain-Friendly Diet Patterns

1. Low-Protein High-Carbohydrate Strategy: Studies in Cell Reports have confirmed that this model can replace calorie restriction and improve cognition by regulating the mTOR pathway. It is recommended that whole grains account for more than 60% of staple foods. In this diet mode, the body converts carbohydrates into glucose to provide a stable energy supply for the brain. At the same time, reducing protein intake can reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the burden on the brain. Whole grains are rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins and other nutrients, which can help regulate blood sugar and blood lipids, creating a good internal environment for the brain.

2. Food Rainbow Principle: Intake 5 colors of fruits and vegetables every day (black - black beans/blueberries, green - spinach/broccoli, yellow - pumpkin/corn, etc.) to cover antioxidants, dietary fiber and trace elements. Fruits and vegetables of different colors contain different nutrients. Black foods such as black beans and blueberries are rich in anthocyanins and have strong antioxidant capacity; green foods such as spinach and broccoli are rich in vitamin K and folic acid, which can promote brain metabolism; yellow foods such as pumpkin and corn are rich in carotene and lutein, which have a good protective effect on the eyes and brain. By ingesting fruits and vegetables of various colors, comprehensive nutritional support can be provided for the brain.

3. Fermented Food Intervention: Kimchi, natto and other foods are rich in probiotics and short-chain fatty acids. They regulate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. Clinical studies have shown that they can reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol by 25%. The gut-brain axis is an important channel connecting the gut and the brain. The balance of intestinal flora has an important impact on brain health. Probiotics in fermented foods can regulate intestinal flora, and short-chain fatty acids can regulate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis, reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol, and keep the brain calm and relaxed. You can appropriately increase the intake of fermented foods such as kimchi and natto in your daily diet to add points to brain health.

IV. Scientific Selection Guide: Key Points to Avoid Pitfalls from Ingredients to Products

(I) Three Principles for Screening Functional Ingredients

1. Evidence-Based Basis: When choosing brain health products, the evidence-based basis of functional ingredients is crucial. Priority should be given to ingredients supported by more than 3 human clinical studies. These studies are like the "golden signboard" of product efficacy, which can provide strong evidence for the product's effect. Certification by authoritative institutions is also an important criterion for judging the reliability of ingredients, such as FDA health claims and China's new food ingredient certification. Ingredients that have obtained these certifications have undergone strict review and evaluation, and their safety and effectiveness have been recognized. When choosing products containing neuronic acid, you can check whether there are relevant clinical research reports and whether they have obtained new food ingredient certification to ensure the quality and effect of the product.

2. Synergistic Formula: Pay attention to products with compound formulas. The synergistic effect of multiple functional ingredients can improve the effect through multi-channel effects, avoiding inefficient supplementation of a single ingredient. The combination of PS, DHA and neuronic acid: PS can enhance the fluidity of cell membranes, DHA is an important component of brain cell membranes, and neuronic acid can repair damaged nerve fibers. They cooperate with each other to take care of brain health from multiple aspects. This compound formula is like a professional "brain health guard team", where each member performs their duties to jointly protect brain health.

3. Bioavailability: Bioavailability refers to the degree and speed at which drugs or nutrients are absorbed into the blood circulation by the human body. Technologies such as liposome encapsulation and microencapsulation can improve the absorption rate of fat-soluble ingredients, allowing nutrients to be better absorbed and utilized by the human body. In terms of dosage form selection, powder and liquid dosage forms are superior to traditional tablets due to their good dispersion and fast dissolution, and can take effect faster. Some DHA products using liposome encapsulation technology have a higher absorption rate than ordinary products, which can provide more sufficient nutrition for the brain.

(II) Precise Matching for Different Groups

1. Children and Adolescents: Children and adolescents are in a critical period of brain development. Priority should be given to products containing DHA and phosphatidylserine, which can promote synaptic connections, maintain attention, and provide sufficient nutritional support for brain development. To avoid the impact of sugar on children's health, sugar-free formula products should be selected, allowing children to supplement nutrition without ingesting excessive sugar.

2. Workplace High-Pressure Groups: Workplace high-pressure groups are facing high-intensity work pressure and heavy work tasks for a long time. The combination of Alpha-GPC and GABA is their ideal choice. Alpha-GPC can quickly improve brain energy metabolism, keeping the brain full of energy; GABA can relieve stress and relax tense nerves. Priority should be given to ready-to-drink functional drinks, which are convenient for them to supplement energy and relieve brain fatigue at any time during work breaks.

3. Elderly Groups: The brain function of the elderly gradually declines. The core formula of neuronic acid and Omega-3 can effectively protect brain health. Neuronic acid can repair damaged nerve fibers, and Omega-3 can reduce the risk of beta-amyloid deposition and reduce the occurrence of cognitive impairment. When choosing capsule preparations, check for heavy metal residues to ensure product safety, allowing the elderly to take them with confidence.

V. Future Trends: From Ingredient Innovation to Scene Integration

Technology-Driven Ingredient Upgrade

In the era of rapid technological change, the field of brain health ingredients is undergoing profound changes. The continuous emergence of cutting-edge technologies has injected strong momentum into the upgrading of ingredients, opening a new chapter in the development of the brain health industry.

Gene editing technology, as a cutting-edge technology in the field of life sciences, is gradually being applied to the production of brain health ingredients. Taking neuronic acid in Acer truncatum seed oil as an example, the current content of neuronic acid in Acer truncatum seed oil is about 5-6%. Through gene editing technology, researchers can precisely regulate the genes of Acer truncatum, which is expected to increase the content of neuronic acid to 10%. This breakthrough can not only increase the output of neuronic acid, but also reduce production costs, allowing more people to benefit from the brain health effects of neuronic acid. It is like injecting new vitality into the "health tree" of Acer truncatum, enabling it to bear more "health fruits" rich in neuronic acid.

Microbial fermentation has shown great advantages in the production of high-purity PS. In the past, the production of PS mainly relied on traditional extraction methods, which were not only costly but also limited in purity. Today, the rise of microbial fermentation has brought new hope to the production of PS. Through genetic engineering modification of microorganisms, they can efficiently synthesize PS. This method not only improves the purity of PS, but also greatly reduces production costs. At present, plant-derived PS accounts for more than 70% of the market, becoming the mainstream product in the PS market. Microbial fermentation is like a "green factory", which efficiently produces PS while contributing to environmental protection.

    Nano-delivery system is another important innovation in the field of brain health ingredients in recent years. It can accurately deliver effective ingredients to the brain, significantly increasing their concentration in the brain. Studies have shown that nano-delivery systems can increase the concentration of effective ingredients in the brain by 40%. The application of this technology is like creating a "high-speed direct train" for brain health ingredients, allowing nutrients to reach the brain quickly and accurately to exert their maximum efficacy. Some brain health products using nano-delivery systems can quickly improve brain function and enhance users' cognitive ability and memory.