Brain Health Supplements Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The global market for brain health supplements is projected to expand from approximately US$ 6,634.31 million in 2021 to around US$ 14,249.53 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2022 to 2028.

These supplements are designed to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, creativity, and mood by bolstering overall brain performance. They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid solutions, and typically contain natural ingredients or herbal extracts that aim to boost cognitive abilities and improve memory retention.

Regional Insights

In the United States, the increasing elderly population raises concerns regarding mental health issues, including Alzheimer?s disease, dementia, and depression. The US Census Bureau projects that the number of seniors will reach 80 million by 2040. A survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in June 2021 revealed that 78% of adults aged 50 and older use vitamins or dietary supplements, with 21% specifically taking them for brain health. The survey also indicated that approximately 71% of these individuals use brain health supplements to enhance memory, 60% for improved mental clarity, and 12% to help delay the onset of dementia. Consequently, the increasing elderly demographic and the rise in mood disorders are significant factors propelling the growth of the brain health supplements market in the United States.

Depression ranks as one of the most prevalent mood disorders among adults in the US. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, around 18.5% of adults experience depression, with approximately 20 million adults showing symptoms in 2019. The US military allocates about $100 million annually for cognitive-enhancing medications, which are utilized under specific circumstances to improve cognitive test scores and facilitate sleep for service members who often face challenges in achieving restorative sleep during training or deployment. Key players in the brain health supplements sector are responding to the rising demand by launching innovative products. For instance, Health Via Modern Nutrition Inc. has developed Ketone-IQ, a nutritional supplement created in collaboration with the U.S. military and leading universities, aimed at enhancing cognitive function and overall health. Thus, the combination of an aging population, increasing mood disorder cases, and proactive initiatives by major companies is driving the expansion of the brain health supplements market in the US.

Product Insights

The brain health supplements market is categorized by product type into natural molecules, herbal extracts, and vitamins & minerals. The natural molecules segment includes components such as acetyl-carnitine, citicoline, huperzine-A, alpha GPC, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among others. The herbal extracts segment encompasses ginseng, curcumin, lion's mane, Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, and more. Vitamins & minerals are further divided into categories like vitamins C & E and the vitamin B complex. In 2021, the natural molecules segment held the largest market share, while the herbal extracts segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period, as these extracts are known to enhance memory function and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.

According to a report from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), herbal supplements are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), albeit not as stringently as prescription or over-the-counter medications. Ginkgo biloba, derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, is a prominent supplement marketed for memory enhancement. A significant clinical trial known as the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study involved over 3,000 older adults, averaging 79 years of age, with 54% being men experiencing cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment. Participants received either 120 milligrams of ginkgo or a placebo twice daily for nearly six years, with dosages based on prior research. The findings indicated that Ginkgo biloba extract may reduce the incidence of dementia.

Age Category Insights

The brain health supplements market is also segmented by age group, including adults, children, and the elderly. The adult segment dominated the market in 2021 and is expected to maintain its leading position through 2028. Research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) indicates that Alzheimer?s disease is prevalent among middle-aged adults. Additionally, a report from the Cleveland Clinic states that approximately 2.5% of adults worldwide and 4.4% of adults in the US have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ginkgo biloba is particularly favored among adults as a dietary supplement for cognitive health, proving to be more effective than other supplements in preventing dementia in older adults. The demand for brain health supplements is notably high among adults due to the increasing rates of cognitive impairments.

Distribution Channel Insights

The market for brain health supplements is further divided by distribution channels, including supermarkets & hypermarkets, drug stores, online platforms, and others. In 2021, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share, but the online segment is projected to become the leading channel by 2028. Consumers often prefer purchasing brain health supplements from physical stores where they can inspect products firsthand. The extensive selection of brands available in supermarkets and hypermarkets also attracts consumers. Major retail chains such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and Kroger offer a wide range of brain health supplement products, benefiting from their large customer bases and extensive supply networks.