Trying To Remember Something? These 16 Memory Supplements Can Help

mbg Supplement Editor

Expert review by

We searched for brands with nootropic ingredients that deliver cognitive benefits proven by science.

You can trust the products included in this list have the best forms and doses—no "sprinkling" over here!

While not every formula can be 100% derived from plants, we found products that feature as many botanicals, herbs, and phytonutrient ingredients as possible.

We prioritize brands with a clear emphasis on quality testing (purity and potency) with products that feature high-quality active ingredients and "other ingredient" lists that are short and clean.

For enhanced memory creation, recall, and retention, brain guard+ is the supplement to beat. In addition to supporting critical memory function, this cutting-edge brain-centric formula features a trio of clinically researched ingredients in their full-potency doses to promote cognitive benefits today and brain longevity down the road: Powerhouse neuronutrient citicoline promotes neuronal and neurotransmitter health; unique botanical kanna improve executive function, stress resilience, and cognitive flexibility; and resveratrol bolsters blood flow to the brain for optimal cognitive function. Talk about a stacked lineup you won’t forget!*

Believe it or not, our emotional health has a profound impact on our ability to remember things. This comprehensive mood-enhancing supplement is packed to the brim with adaptogenic herbs that not only support memory and attention, but promote stress resilience as well to ensure you feel calm, cool, and collected as you perform mentally taxing tasks. With essential nutrients, amino acid ingredients like L-theanine, GABA, and 5-HTP that bolster feel-good neurotransmitter synthesis, and a “Zen Blend” of adaptogenic herbs (i.e., holy basil, ashwagandha, kanna, and saffron), this array of neuronturients and botanicals is sure to deliver improved focus and clarity and support a stress-free, healthy mood.*

If you’re looking for a handful of daily nootropic supplements that check a number of cognitive boxes, this brain bundle may be for you. This package includes a one-month supply of brainMD’s top brain health supplements: two brain-focused multivitamin capsules, two brain and memory capsules, and one fish oil softgel. They should all be taken twice a day. Neurovite Plus delivers a vast array (over 50 ingredients!) of essential vitamins and minerals, plus brain-supporting neuronutrients and nootropics like pterostilbene, resveratrol, and choline. With brain-directed ingredients (think phospholipids like phosphatidylserine and herbal botanicals like Ginkgo biloba and huperzine A), these supplements promotes brain energy, communication, and performance. Finally, Omega-3 Power fish oil delivers a concentrated dose of EPA plus DHA to support healthy cognition (including memory recall and retention), mood balance, and focus and communication.*

If you’re passionate about neurohacking, this supplement is for you. This ingredient list is overflowing with nootropic capabilities; you'll receive brain-centric vitamins, botanicals, amino acids, and other bioactives that deliver memory support and prompt overall cognitive function. Designed with mental performance in mind, this is a full-on regimen (read: seven capsules daily) powered by B vitamins, carnitine, artichoke leaf, velvet bean, rhodiola root extract, and loads more. With 28 total active ingredients, you’ll benefit from various brain-supporting actions—such as energy, focus, memory, mood centering and mental clarity and acuity.*

Memory performance can’t be top notch without the ability to focus clearly. Enter: focus+. In just one capsule, this focus supplement delivers instant- and extended-release energy from organic whole coffee berry and green coffee beans, as part of an array of clinically researched botanicals and bioactives. These vegetarian nootropic ingredients don’t just help with focus and concentration, though—caffeine, guarana, vitamin B12, and Panax ginseng enhance speed and reaction time of memory task performance. From productivity and energy to memory and learning, this daily supplement has you covered.*

Phospholipids are essential for brain cell structure, function, and integrity. In fact, every cell membrane in the brain and throughout the body is made up of these specialized lipids. This supplement delivers a potent dose of phospholipids (derived from sunflower oil as opposed to soy, like many other phospholipid ingredients in the market) to support neurological function and overall brain health. The main phospholipid of the complex, phosphatidylcholine (PC), is crucial for building healthy brain cell membranes, maintaining neurological function, and synthesizing neurotransmitters that regulate memory, mood, and intelligence. If it’s a brain-boosting dose of functional fats you’re after, this phospholipid complex delivers.*

Naturally found in brain cell membranes, neuronutrient phosphatidylserine is a key central nervous system phospholipid that aids in global brain function and supports a healthy mind. The problem? Like many brain-critical nutrients, phosphatidylserine levels can decrease with age and lead to suboptimal cognitive performance down the road. This supplement delivers 200 milligrams of phosphatidylserine derived from natural sources to modulate healthy levels of the specialized brain lipid, which in turn supports neuronal messages, memory, and information retention (a win for brain longevity in all ages!).*

Your daily must-have essential for brain health, omega-3 potency+ delivers critical neuroprotective fatty acids EPA and DHA that support brain structure, memory, communication, and function. With 1,500 milligrams of EPA plus DHA in their triglyceride form (i.e., the optimal, most bioavailable form) in each serving of omega-3 potency+, this supplement provides comprehensive support for your brain health needs. Sustainably sourced from sea to softgel, this premium fish oil comes from 100% wild-caught, cold-water anchovies from the South Pacific, with third-party verified ORIVO certification technology for authenticity. Plus, organic lemon oil and organic rosemary make for the freshest experience (and no aftertaste).*

If you’re seeking healthy aging in the brain, huperzine A is a phytochemical that should be on your radar. This nootropic compound helps regulate healthy neurotransmitter levels; bolster memory, learning, and cognition; and protect nerve cells. In addition to a clinically backed dose (200 micrograms) of huperzine A derived from toothed clubmoss, this supplement includes an immunomodulatory proline-rich-polypeptide (PRP) complex from colostrum that helps stabilize cognitive function. Together, these ingredients foster neuroprotection, cognitive support, and neurological function now and later in life.*

Evidence shows that curcumin—a principal phytochemical in turmeric—can help increase levels of the brain protein BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF supports the growth and function of neurons, which in turn promotes brain longevity by maintaining healthy cognitive function. In addition to 250 milligrams of turmeric root extract, this nootropic supplement is jam-packed with other brain-essential botanicals (lemon balm, ginkgo, and bacopa), antioxidants (resveratrol, lutein, and zeaxanthin), amino acids (acetyl-l-carnitine), and phospholipids (phosphatidylserine—derived from sunflower oil instead of soy, we might add) that deliver comprehensive memory support, promote cerebral blood flow, and support neurotransmitter production.*

Supporting both memory and mood, this supplement covers your emotional and cognitive bases. In addition to Ayurvedic herb bacopa, which has been clinically shown to promote memory acquisition, retention, and recall (especially in older adults), this impressive ingredient list delivers an entourage of herbal extracts sourced from five additional unique botanicals: whole grape, wild blueberry, ashwagandha, American ginseng, and huperzine A from toothed clubmoss extract. Chock-full of plant bioactives, this formula targets multiple brain mechanisms, from promoting healthy levels of neurotransmitter acetylcholine to supporting neuronal function and the transmission of nerve impulses (so your brain can stay sharp and send all those important messages!).*

Magnesium is an essential macromineral that’s needed throughout the body (and yes, the brain) every day to support a slew of physiological functions. The problem? Many Americans don’t get enough magnesium. This brain-focused magnesium supplement offers 144 milligrams of magnesium in a highly absorbable form developed by MIT researchers that has been shown to deposit greater amounts of the essential mineral in brain tissue: magnesium L-threonate. This magnesium supplement helps maintain synaptic connections, bolster neuronal integrity, improve executive and cognitive function, and support both short- and long-term memory. Since healthy levels of the mineral are challenging to sustain as we age, supplementing with magnesium can be especially beneficial to healthy brain aging and longevity (whether you take it in college or retirement!).* 

Looking for a nootropic-packed powder to deliver brainpower to your daily beverages? This award-winning powder contains all your favorite brain-healthy adaptogenic mushrooms (lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps) and herbs (turmeric, ginkgo biloba, and gotu kola), plus black pepper to make sure you’re getting the most out of turmeric root’s curcuminoids. From memory recall support to improved cerebral blood flow, these brainy botanicals are sure to enhance your cognition and make your day. Add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie or mix with your favorite nut milk for an earthy and nutritious golden mylk latte—you’ll feel mentally clear and ready to take on whatever cognitive task lies ahead!*

Whether it’s combating oxidative stress in the brain or increasing blood flow to bolster cerebrovascular health, resveratrol is a dynamic antioxidant you want on your memory support team. (And with 80 milligrams of quercetin plus 1,000 milligrams of resveratrol, this potent antioxidant polyphenol blend isn’t playing around.) The unique resveratrol complex delivers a blend of resveratrol compounds from not one, but three sources: Japanese knotweed, organic French whole red wine grape, and organic Muscadine whole red grape. Each form of resveratrol dissolves at a different speed to deliver cognitive benefits over a four-hour span. What’s more, the antioxidant has been shown to activate SIRT1 (aka “the longevity gene”), which helps promote healthy brain aging and whole-body longevity support.* 

What do you get when you combine four brain-essential amino acids, three neurocentric compounds, four nootropic botanicals, and one phospholipid? Answer: Seriously comprehensive cognitive support. With holistic brain function in mind, this supplement promotes multi-dimensional neurological support by offering an array of 12 neuronutrients that promote memory, mental alertness, cellular communication, neuroprotection, stress resilience, and more. If we’re talking cognitively critical amino acids, ingredients acetyl-L-carnitine, glutamine, L-pyroglutamic acid, and L-tyrosine fit the bill. These essential building blocks help modulate neurotransmitter synthesis to promote healthy mood and emotional balance so you can handle those external stressors coming your way. Inhale, exhale.*

Cerebral blood flow (i.e., getting blood to your brain) is vital for optimizing memory and overall cognitive function. This brainpower chew is like an antioxidant superfood for circulation. Its brain-centric trio of ingredients (i.e., beetroot, resveratrol, and coffee fruit extract) promotes blood flow to the brain for memory support in just one 20-calorie blueberry-pomegranate-flavored chew. For carb-conscious folks: Each chew nets four grams of carbs, including two grams of added sugars from tapioca syrup and raw cane sugar, plus stevia leaf extract for added sweetness.*