Cognium: What to Know

Natrol Cognium Reviews Introduction

Natrol Cognium is a brain and memory supplement. There are a few different formulations including Cognium Extra Strength, Cognium Focus, and Cognium Memory.

Key features of this cognitive function supplement include:

• It’s stimulant-free
• Contains a clinically studied ingredient
• May help with memory and recall in as few as four weeks
• May have antioxidant activity to protect the brain and reverse age-related damage
• Drug-free
• Could help with mental clarity and keeping your mind sharp
• May increase brain blood flow and glucose uptake 
• Minimal known adverse effects 

The only ingredient in Cognium’s original formulation and Cognium Memory is silk protein hydrolysate.

This is also called silk fibroin. Silk Fibroin is a protein found in silk made by the silkworm. From the threads of silkworm cocoons, it’s high in glycine, which is an amino acid. When hydrolysis is used to produce it, it can improve how bioavailable the protein from the thread of silkworm cocoons is and how much can be used by the brain and body.

You may also see the active ingredient for memory called silk amino acid. Silk amino acid, in addition to glycine, has other amino acids, including L-alanine, L-serine, and L-valine.

We were able to find a couple of research studies looking at silk fibroin and its efficacy as a memory and brain supplement.

In one clinical trial, researchers found that the ingredient did have the potential to improve memory measurements in healthy adults and reduce indicators of cognitive decline when given doses of more than 280 mg a day for three weeks.

The effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. 

With doses of 400 to 600 mg a day, the study participants seemed to reach a plateau as far as the effects and improvements in memory.

In another study, we found that researchers looked at the ability of silk protein hydrolysate as dietary supplements to increase glucose uptake.

When glucose uptake in the brain is increased, it can have neuroprotective benefits. For example, studies have shown that people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease have reduced glucose metabolism in the brain.

There is the potential that enhancing neuron uptake of glucose in the brain could help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases and promote mental agility.

What Do Cognium Reviews Say?

The Cognium Memory product, just to give an overview, has thousands of customer reviews on Amazon. Overall, it has an average four-star rating.

The overview of those reviews is primarily that people didn’t feel the product worked for them. A common problem with reviews of supplements is often that users don’t take the product long enough to see results.  Many reviewers of Cognium pointed out that they did use the product for a month and still didn’t see benefits for brain function or brain fog. 

With that being said, while many people don’t feel Cognium works, they also didn’t experience any negative side effects.

Not all the reviews are bad, and some people left Cognium reviews saying they feel the product has helped them. Specifically, some Cognium reviews say that the product helps them focus on things like conversations. Many people have found the best results when combining Cognium with other supplements like ginkgo and turmeric. Natrol Cognium might also work best if you combine it with something that offers antioxidant protection or anti-inflammatory properties such as fish-oil supplements. 

For people who feel that it’s a good product, they say they notice they can remember names more easily, and general memory recall seems to be improved for them.

Are There Any Cognium Side Effects to Be Aware Of?

In our research, we weren’t able to find any major side effects of this nootropic supplement, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t possible. You should speak to your doctor before starting any supplement. While most Cognium reviews say there were no side effects, a few people said they had mild ones such as a headache.

Cognium Reviews FAQs

The following are answers to some of the common questions related to Cognium.

What Are the Active Cognium Ingredients?

The active ingredient in Cognium is silk protein hydrolysate, which has a structure that may make it conducive to supporting and protecting the brain. There are no drugs or stimulants in Cognium.

Cognium is a vegetarian product. There are quite a few fillers and artificial ingredients listed as being part of the Cognium formulation, however, even though they aren’t active ingredients.

How Do You Take Cognium?

According to the instructions, ideally, you should take Cognium twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. This helps keep a steady supply of the active ingredient in your body.

It can take three to four weeks to see results. Some people may see results sooner, but for others, it might be right at the four-week mark when they see benefits.

Where Can I Buy Natrol Cognium?

You can buy Natrol Cognium online at retailers like Amazon. You can also buy it in many drugstores such as Walgreen’s.

Is There Clinical Research Backing Up Cognium?

When you see the marketing for Cognium, it repeatedly mentions that this product is clinically proven. We disagree. We were only able to find two studies referencing the active ingredient in this product. One study was in human participants, but the other study we found was in vitro.

An in vitro study is in a controlled environment like a test tube.

In vitro studies can help us begin to understand how something works, but it’s not the same as doing a study in humans. There are a lot of human factors that you can’t study in vitro, such as the role of our metabolism and whether a supplement or ingredient has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier.

With that being said, we think it’s a stretch to say Cognium is clinically proven to be effective.

Additionally, there are no specific Natrol Cognium clinical studies—only a few looking at the main ingredient.

Natrol Cognium Alternatives

If you’re interested in alternatives to Cognium that may be more effective for memory and brain health, the following are a few of our suggestions.

Genius Mushrooms

This is one of the top-ranked mushroom and brain health supplements on Amazon, and it’s one of our favorite cognitive enhancers and high-quality nootropics. We’ve done a full review on Genius Mushrooms that you can check out if you’re interested.

Genius Mushrooms contains a blend of natural mushroom ingredients that provide nootropic brain support, stress relief, and natural energy.

Lion’s Mane for example is a possible brain booster, and reishi is also included in this formulation. Reishi may improve your mood and even detoxify your liver.

Focus Factor

Focus Factor is another one of our favorite brain supplements, which again, we’ve reviewed in-depth if you’d like to learn more. Focus Factor is a top-seller and is top-ranked on Amazon.

Focus Factor has a combination of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are important for the health and functionality of your brain. Potential improvements in adults who take Focus Factor include memory and concentration, focus, and may even boost your mood and overall health.

Neuriva

Neuriva is considered a nootropic brain supplement that may help with memory and focus, learning, and concentration. It’s one of the more expensive brain supplements but also well-reviewed by users and is a popular brain supplement overall. 

This mental health supplement has ingredients like coffee cherry neurofactor studied more in-depth than the active ingredient in Natrol. It’s also caffeine-free, and you can use the Neuriva Brain Gym App to further improve your memory and “exercise” your brain.