Supplements to boost BDNF [research backed]

You may have read that boosting BDNF is a good idea. But, to be honest, it is likely only important to boost BDNF with supplements if your levels are lower than optimal.

6 min readAug 10, 2021

This article digs into the research studies that show when, how, and why it is important to focus on BDNF.

What is BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)?

BDNF is a neurotrophin, which means that it is a signaling protein that promotes neuronal growth, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic function.[ref]

Your brain has billions of neurons, which send signals via electrical impulses along axons or by releasing chemical signals via synapses. Our brains are continually making new connections and getting rid of old, non-useful connections.

This forming of new connections and paring down unused connections is part of neuronal plasticity.[ref]

BDNF is important in neuronal plasticity — both in neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) and in eliminating inactive neurons.[ref]

Going deeper into the science here…

BDNF initially forms as a precursor called proBDNF. It then modifies into a mature form (mBDNF) or left as the unprocessed proBDNF and transported and released.

The two different forms of BDNF, mBDNF or proBDNF, do pretty much opposite functions:

When proBDNF releases, it promotes apoptosis (cell death) and synaptic weakening. The proBNDF acts to prune unused neurons.
Mature BDNF, on the other hand, is promoting cell survival and neuronal connections.[ref]
Both processes are needed in learning, memory, and cognitive function.

It’s pretty cool how one molecule, BDNF, can do two different functions depending on post-translational modifications.

If you are wondering what causes proBDNF to become mBDNF, it is a proteolytic enzyme called plasmin. This is the same enzyme that degrades fibrin in blood clots. Blocking fibrin with α2-antiplasmin can change the amount of formed mBDFN. While mBDFN is vital for memory processes, blocking the conversion of proBDNF to mBDNF prevents ‘social defeat’ and social avoidance (animal study).[ref]

What is the BDNF gene?

BDNF is encoded by a gene of the same name. People have different BDNF genetic variants that can make them more or less likely to have low BDNF levels.

The main variant, known as the Val66Met variant, significantly decreases BDNF levels. You can check it in your genetic raw data.

Check your genetic data for rs6265 Val66Met (23andMe v4, v5; AncestryDNA):

T/T: decreased BDNF[ref] referred to in studies as Met/Met; introversion, resilient to adverse events, a quicker decline in Alz., more likely to be overweight[ref][ref][ref]
C/T: somewhat decreased BDNF, referred to as Val/Met; introversion, resilient to adverse events, a quicker decline in Alz
C/C: typical BDNF, referred to as Val/Val

What are the benefits of boosting BDNF?

Alzheimer’s and dementia patients have lower BDNF levels.
Decreasing depression
Increasing working memory

Preventing dementia: One sad fact of life is that there are currently no real treatments for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Therefore, prevention is the only real option. Low BDNF is found in people with cognitive impairment in aging and in Alzheimer’s disease. BDNF is thought to play a protective role in preventing neurodegeneration.[ref][ref]

Depression and BDNF: While BDNF isn’t like a happy pill, increasing BDNF can help people diagnosed with mood disorders. For some people, research shows that low BDNF is a contributing factor for depression and anxiety disorders. Thus, increasing BDNF is a viable treatment approach for some depression, bipolar, or anxiety patients.[ref][ref][ref] In fact, a couple of antidepressant medications do increase BDNF.[ref]

Increasing memory: BDNF plays a vital role in creating and storing memories. Lower levels of BDNF may play a role in decreased cognitive function — aka brain fog.[ref]

What are the best supplements for increasing BDNF?

Curcumin
Bacopa monnieri
Ginkgo biloba
Zinc
Resveratrol
Lion’s Mane mushrooms
Taurine
Lithium orotate

Bacopa Monnieri is a traditional Indian herb. Animal studies show that Bacopa prevents memory loss and keeps BDNF levels stable. Another study showed that Bacopa increased the protein levels of proBDNF in the hippocampus and improved object recognition.[ref]

Ginkgo biloba flavonols act as a neuroprotective antioxidant. A (human) clinical trial showed that 240 mg/day for 12-weeks increased BDFN levels compared to placebo.[ref]

Resveratrol has been shown in a number of animal studies to increase BDNF levels — especially when conditions aren’t ideal, such as in hypoxia.[ref][ref]

Lion’s Mane mushroom extract has been shown to increase BDNF levels.[ref] In a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s patients, the lion’s mane extract group had less of a decrease in BDNF over time along with preventing cognitive declines.[ref]

Curcumin reverses the decrease in BDNF levels that come from chronic stress.[ref]

Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, has been shown in studies to reduce depressive symptoms. Animal studies show that taurine helps to boost BDNF when it is low.[ref][ref]

Lithium is a micronutrient that we get each day at low levels in foods and water. Low levels of lithium supplementation may increase BDNF levels if they are low. Lithium orotate is available at health foods stores as a supplement.[ref][ref] Read more about lithium orotate.

How can you use epigenetics to increase your BDNF levels?

intermittent fasting
stress reduction
brain stimulation

Epigenetics refers to increasing or decreasing the transcription and translation of genes into proteins. One way of epigenetically decreasing the transcription of genes is through attaching a methyl group at a certain spot on the DNA. This is called DNA methylation, and it prevents the gene from being turned into its corresponding protein.

Recent research shows acute stress downregulates BDNF in the brain (animal studies). Stress causes DNA methylation of BDNF in the hippocampus and other regions of the brain.[ref]

Reducing stress — whether physical or mental — should help to restore your BDNF levels.

Choline is one source of methyl groups needed in the methylation cycle. Animal studies show that choline early in life helps to prevent BDNF deficiency.[ref] Learn more about choline here.

Lifestyle changes to boost BDNF:

control stress and inflammation
a healthy diet that avoids junk food
regular exercise
social connections
sun exposure
sleep in the dark

Diet: A diet that is high in fat and refined sugar has been shown in animal studies to significantly decrease BDNF in the hippocampus. Consequently, this impacts memory and cognitive function.[ref]

Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio: A clinical trial in adolescents with depression found that increasing omega 3 and decreasing omega 6 for 12 weeks significantly increased BDNF.[ref]

Exercise increases BDNF, at least for most people. Both long-term exercise and short bursts of exercise have been shown to moderately boost BDNF.[ref] This is one way that exercise may reduce depression and prevent dementia.

Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight or bright light during the day increases BDNF levels.[ref] This means that getting outside in the morning hours can have several different cognitive benefits.

Quality sleep: Good quality sleep boosts BDNF. Sleep acts as a mediator between stress and BDNF levels.[ref]

Sleep in the dark: Dim light at night decreases BDFN levels (animal study).[ref] Make sure that you don’t have light in your room at night when you sleep. Block out the street light coming in through your windows with some blackout curtains or shades. Even small amounts of light at night can impact sleep, so try covering up electronic indicator lights and getting rid of night lights.

Learn more about the negative impacts of light at night.

Avoiding drugs that reduce BDNF: Research shows that amphetamine usage reduces BDNF in areas of the brain.[ref]

Conclusion:

Lifestyle factors, aging, and genetics can all affect your BDNF levels. But keeping BDNF at an optimal level is necessary both for your current mental health and for preventing cognitive decline in aging.

If you are concerned about BDNF, make a plan to incorporate several of the options above. For example, include both lifestyle changes — reducing sugar, getting out in the sun — and a supplement to boost low BDNF.