A newly published, peer-reviewed clinical study in Clinical Nutrition reports that Brainberry® supplementation positively affects cognitive performance – specifically spatial working memory. The study was conducted by Solabia Nutrition’s internal R&D team in collaboration with Maastricht University researchers.
Brainberry®: the superberry for brain fitness
Brainberry® is a clinically validated extract from the Aronia Nero Eggert Variety, standardized for 25% Cyanidins. Previous human clinical trials have demonstrated benefits for cognitive performance, including improvements in psychomotor speed and attention, supporting its positioning as a science-backed ingredient for brain health applications.
The Study:
Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation affects brain vascular function and cognitive performance: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross over study in older adults with overweight or obesity – full text available here.
Study Overview
This six-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study evaluated the effects of Brainberry® on cognitive performance in adults at increased risk of cognitive impairment.
Participants received Brainberry® (40 mg anthocyanins per day) or placebo for six weeks, separated by a washout period of at least six weeks.
Methods
Thirty healthy older adults (mean age 65 ± 6 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI 28.3 ± 2.7 kg/m²) participated in the study. A key strength of the study design was the direct and objective assessment of both brain vascular function and cognitive performance using highly validated, gold-standard methodologies. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that requires substantial technical expertise and investment, underscoring the rigor and seriousness of the clinical approach.
Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), a widely recognized, computer-based testing platform that has been extensively validated in academic and clinical research and is considered a reference standard for measuring specific cognitive domains.
Results
Cognitive Performance
Brainberry® supplementation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in spatial working memory measured by the CANTAB memory test – errors were reduced by 20% compared to placebo (p=0.006). Spatial working memory is essential for everyday cognitive tasks such as navigation, object and word recognition, and problem-solving, and is known to be sensitive to age-related cognitive decline.
Brain Vascular Function
Regional CBF decreased in one cluster located in the right insular cortex (p=0.004), compared to placebo. Possibly, a reduced CBF in this brain region might relate to an inhibitory control towards insular cortex-related functionalities, such as motivational decision-making, emotional processing and stress responses.
About Solabia Nutrition
Solabia Nutrition, headquartered in Maastricht, The Netherlands, develops proprietary, clinically validated bioactive formulations for the health and sports nutrition industry. All Solabia Nutrition ingredients are natural, science-backed, and supported by rigorous clinical testing. Key areas of expertise include gut microbiome, brain health, women’s health, energy & vitality, and skin health.
Contact
For more information, please contact: contact@solabia.com
