Focus, concentration, task completion, clear thinking, and memory are essential for learning, school, and work at any age. Yet, many children, and adults, struggle to stay focused. (Did someone say “squirrel”?) Stress resilience, a balanced mood, and antioxidant protection are also vital to neurological health. Diet, lifestyle, sports related challenges, and screen use can all affect brain health and the ability to focus, making supportive and protective nutrients more important than ever.
We formulated Focus Mini with Saffron to help you and your kids with these concerns. Three premium nutrients are combined to support memory, focus, and cognitive function in small, easy-to-swallow capsules. It features:
• Cognizin® Citicoline
• Bacognize® Bacopa (12% bacopa glycosides)
• Affron® Saffron (3.5% Lepticrosalides®)
Citicoline
Citicoline, also known as CDP choline, is a natural precursor phospholipid that makes up cell membranes in all living cells. It is a bioactive lipid essential for neurological activity, movement of electrolytes and proteins across cell membranes, and cellular communication. Furthermore, citicoline is a nootropic agent, or a smart nutrient, assisting in the production of dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline which are essential for focus, memory, and cognitive function.
Clinical trials reveal significant positive effects on brain health and memory after weeks of continuous use as citicoline supports the myelin sheath, synapse communications, and nerve cell membrane fluidity. Citicoline helps protect the integrity of the blood brain barrier and vascular flow in the brain. This is especially important for individuals who participate in sports like soccer or football.
Specialized brain imaging studies show citicoline is absorbed into the brain resulting in enrichment and bioactivity of the frontal cortex and occipito-parietal cortex. These areas of the brain are involved with attention, memory and other cognitive functions.
Furthermore, citicoline protects and enhances mitochondria energy production in the brain. Research shows that Cognizin® Citicoline supports mitochondrial function enhancing your brain’s energy reserves and cognitive energy.
Cognizin® Citicoline
Cognizin® is a patented, trademarked brand of citicoline used in several human clinical trials. A recent study showed that after six weeks of Cognizin® use, energy stores within the brain increased. Results demonstrated “increased concentration, focus and improved accuracy, better performance, and improved speed on cognitive tasks.”
Cognizin® Citicoline is the premier citicoline to promote optimal neural and cognitive function.
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri, an herbal extract rich in saponins glycosides or bacosides, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support cognitive function and mood. Bacosides have neuroprotective, antioxidant, and inflammation modulating properties. Bacopa monnieri supports function with neurotransmitters involved with circadian rhythms, sleep hormone modulation, and provides adaptogenic function to support stress management.
In addition, Bacopa monnieri plays an important role in microglial cell activity and protection. A 2017 cell study showed that it inhibits the release of inflammatory compounds TNF-a, IL-6, MMP-3 and others from microglial cells.
Microglial cells are the first line of immune defense in the brain responsible for keeping cells clean and healthy within a stable environment. When microglial cells become chronically activated, it creates a stressful environment for the brain due to release of ROS free radicals and cytokines. Prolonged microglial cell activation is associated with decreased concentration, memory and mood changes, word finding difficulties, and can make you feel like you are aging faster.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published February 2022 evaluated the cognitive benefits of Bacopa monnieri in boys age 6 to 14 years. Results of this 14-week study showed improvements with fewer errors, a better sleep routine, greater cognitive flexibility, reduction of interpersonal problems and increased reaction time compared to placebo. The study concluded that Bacopa monnieri may have cognitive, mood, and sleep benefits in children.
Additional Bacopa monnieri clinical trials showed positive mood effects and adaptogenic and nootropic effects with reduction of cortisol-stress levels in 1-2 hours after supplementation.
Bacognize® Bacopa
Bacognize® Bacopa is standardized to bacopa glycosides with stringent quality assurance and control with strict measures to ensure traceability, sustainability and botanical quality. A natural, stimulant free, gluten-free, halal, certified non-GMO and glyphosate residue free, kosher botanical extract, this nootropic adaptogenic herb is used to sharpen the mind and support intellectual performance. It is a highly regarded Ayurvedic rejuvenator that restores and balances the body.
Saffron
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant rich in crocins, crocetin, and other compounds providing rich sources of powerful antioxidants like carotenoids, terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Also called “red gold”, this spice was originally cultivated in Greco-Roman, Egyptian, and Persian cultures and has been used for thousands of years across the globe as a flavoring and coloring agent as well as a health remedy.
The biologically active compounds of saffron have been shown to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory COX1, COX2, PGE2, iNOS and other compounds. It decreases oxidative stress against lipids, i.e. lipid peroxidation, and increases the levels of critical antioxidant systems like glutathione and SOD. It offers antioxidant support in cells against blood glucose stress and can cross the blood brain barrier providing neurological protection. Saffron may support a healthy mood by modulating levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
Furthermore, the carotenoids found in saffron provide biologically active antioxidant support to the retina protecting this delicate neurological tissue against oxidative stress. A substantial source of stress to the retina comes from blue light emitted from computer screens, smart phones, TVs, etc. Anyone, especially kids, who spend hours each day on devices that emit blue light must optimize nutrient intake to protect retinal health and vision for life.
Affron® Saffron
Affron® Saffron is the only saffron extract standardized by HPLC to ≥3.5% Lepticrosalides® a complex of bioactive compounds, saffron, safranal, and crocin isomers, believed to be responsible for its beneficial properties. Studies of saffron supplements containing Lepticrosalides indicate their role in saffron extract’s support for positive mood and sleep.
This bioactive saffron complex is backed by several clinical studies demonstrating effectiveness for cognitive health, positive mood, mental and emotional wellness, emotional stability during stress, and restorative sleep.
One such study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in teens age 12-16 years evaluated the effect of Affron® Saffron. After 8 weeks of daily use, the adolescents reported improvements in mood and less internalization of stress.
Studies evaluating the effects of stress causing mood challenges in mice demonstrated the benefits of saffron. Results showed improvements in motivation, pleasure, mood, and stress tolerance.
Saffron is contraindicated for pregnant women. It can also interact with medications including antidepressants, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and sedatives. Please check with your prescribing physician or pharmacist for personal guidance.
Brain fatigue, poor concentration or memory, or being easily distracted makes it more difficult to accomplish tasks, learn, and function at any age. Focus Mini with Saffron may be used by adolescents and adults who desire support for concentration, cognitive function, mood, stress, and sleep. The benefits of these three stellar nutrients extend beyond brain health to anti-aging and other health support. Go ahead and give it a try no matter your age!
Additional Resources
Strengthen Your Blood Brain Barrier for Sharp Thinking and Healthy Aging
Is Your Brain on Fire? Stress and Injury Cause Microglial Cell Overactivation
Brain Fog and Irritability Linked to Glial Cell Health
Bacopa Monnieri: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Cognitive Enhancement
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