a result of an innovative scientific study from the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI) at South East Technological University (SETU), a brand new patented nutritional supplement is now being launched onto the Irish market.
The unique ReMind™ food supplement was scientifically developed to contain the exact nutrient formula tested in the most recent NRCI study, which demonstrated positive effects on Alzheimer’s patients’ quality of life. It reflects the very latest scientific understanding of brain nutrition and offers an over-the-counter, simple but effective addition to the overall management of a progressive disease.
The clinical trial named Re-MIND (Memory Investigation with Nutrition for Dementia), during which this product was used finds that patients with mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease who consume three daily supplement capsules containing fish oil, carotenoids and vitamin E demonstrate benefits from this targeted nutritional intervention.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial is a follow-on from an earlier breakthrough study by the NRCI which took place in 2018. The trial was led by Prof John Nolan and Dr Rebecca Power of the NRCI, working with Professor Ríona Mulcahy, Consultant Physician in General and Geriatric Medicine at University Hospital Waterford.
Individuals consuming the nutritional supplement demonstrated statistically significant increases in their blood concentrations of carotenoids (plant-based pigments that give fruits and vegetables their colours), omega-3 fatty acids (the building blocks of our cells), and vitamin E (one of four essential fat-soluble vitamins) after 12 months in comparison to patients receiving a placebo.
The main outcomes of the trial include slower rates of disease progression and greater improvements in mood and memory, as reported by the carers of patients receiving the active intervention. The research team concluded that this supplement formulation should be used as part of the overall management of Alzheimer’s disease.
The ReMind™ supplement, which is now patented in Ireland, the UK and the USA, contains protective active ingredients that are naturally found in the brain but decrease with age and disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the key building blocks of the brain, with DHA fatty acids making up 40% of our brain. Carotenoids have been discovered in both our eyes (at the macula) and our brain. ReMind™ offers individuals an easy way to deliver a targeted daily boost of 500mg Omega-3 DHA, 150mg Omega-3 EPA, 15mg Vitamin E, 10mg Lutein, 10mg Meso-Zeaxanthin, and 2mg Zeaxanthin to the brain.
“The relationship between targeted nutrition and brain health is now well established, and even more important than ever because of our growing and ageing population,” says Professor John Nolan at the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland.
Explaining the evidence base behind the supplement, Professor Nolan says “The many scientific discoveries over the last two decades have led us to this point. Our earlier published studies clearly demonstrated that carotenoids are related to cognitive function in the general population across all ages. When combined with omega-3 fish oil we saw improved response of the carotenoids in blood, and improvements in cognitive function can be achieved with supplementation of these nutrients. Then, we observed that these positive effects can also be achieved in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. In 2014, we reported that patients with Alzheimer’s disease have very low levels of carotenoids compared to aged-matched controls, so the results of the Re-MIND trial are compelling when all the evidence is considered.”
Speaking of the ReMind™ product launch, Professor Nolan stated, “We are delighted that the general population can now benefit from our scientific findings with the launch of the exact nutritional supplement formulation we used in the Re-MIND trial. Only by using nutritional supplements that have a scientific evidence base, with confirmed efficacy, and quality in terms of product stability and label claim will patients be able to benefit”.
Approved by the Supplement Certified which is an independent testing programme. ReMind™ is gluten-free and diabetic-friendly. It is available to order in all pharmacies for next-day availability and is in stock in selected totalhealth and Haven pharmacies nationwide. It can also be purchased at www.remind.eu. It is priced at €49.95 for a one-month supply.
