Attention Factor: A Review of Ingredients

Healthmasters' Attention Factor was formulated with one thing in mind: cognitive performance.

As humans age, the brain becomes less and less efficient, due to factors such as age, diet, genetics, and one’s environment. However, the main ingredients in Attention Factor have been selected based on the newest research available. In this article, we will be reviewing the three, primary components of Attention Factor and their corresponding studies.*

Vitamin B12 (as MecobalActive™ methylcobalamin)

I have discussed the benefits of B12 several times in articles including “The Importance of Methylated B Vitamins” and “The Importance of a B-Complex Supplement.” However, we will examine how B12 supports explicitly cognitive performance.

To begin, as discussed in the former of the two mentioned articles, having methylated ingredients is essential for proper bodily absorption and utilization of B12. Therefore, we have used a bioavailable, patented, pure form of B12, methylcobalamin, as opposed to the synthetic, cheaper version, cyanocobalamin.

Numerous studies have shown vitamin B12 plays a role in maintaining healthy nerves because long-term deficiency of B12 can lead to impaired peripheral nerves, optic nerve, and the brain.

Additionally, vitamin B12 is a cofactor in the production of myelin, a mixture of proteins and phospholipids forming a whitish insulating sheath around many nerve fibers, increasing the speed at which impulses are conducted, and B12 plays a role in the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters, a type of neurotransmitter in the brain [1] [2] [3].

Further, proper B12 levels can regulate the production and support healthy levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to various diseases and declined cognitive function [4], and vitamin B12 plays a vital role in energy metabolism by taking part in the conversion of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins into glucose to fuel energy production and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production for cellular energy [5].

To summarize, vitamin B12 supports healthy cognitive function by supporting nerve health, maintaining proper homocysteine levels, promoting cellular energy production.

Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate

I have thoroughly examined magnesium in “Magnesium: Deficiency Effects and Positive Benefits.” However, this section will directly focus on magnesium L-threonate.

After ten years of research and development, the highly bioavailable form of magnesium as magnesium L-threonate (MgT) was discovered in 2010 by researchers from the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [6]. The researchers found MgT led to the enhancement of learning abilities, including working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. This is because MgT is the only form of magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly enter the brain. The researchers found that without proper brain levels of magnesium, synaptic function worsened, which suggested magnesium played a role in supporting synaptic function [6]. Since its discovery, MgT has been the subject of many studies.

In a 2014 study using a mouse model, researchers investigated the memory supporting effects of MgT in mice. The researchers found MgT treatment prevented synapse loss and memory decline in the transgenic mice through several deep chemical processes (if you would like to read about MgT’s effects, see reference [7].).

The researchers of the 2014 study concluded, “Our results suggest that elevation of brain magnesium exerts substantial synaptoprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, and hence it might have therapeutic potential for treating Alzheimer's disease” [7].

A 2011 study noted elevating magnesium levels in the brain might be a way to enhance synaptic plasticity [8], and a 2004 study found that maintaining elevated magnesium levels in the brain can preserve synaptic density and synapse function [9].

Further studies have also testified that MgT enhances synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory functions [6] [7] [10] [11].

In a 2016, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers investigated the effectiveness of MgT for treating cognitive impairment in older adults. With the MgT treatment, the researchers found those who took the supplement had significantly improved cognitive ability when compared to the placebo group, and the MgT group’s cognitive fluctuation reduced. The researchers also noted the MgT treatment “nearly restored their impaired executive function” [12]. The researchers concluded stating MgT had a significant effect on cognitive well-being.

To summarize, through maintaining proper magnesium levels in the brain, magnesium L-threonate supports mmory function, synapse function, cognitive well-being, and might play a future role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

TeaCrine® Theacrine

Like MgT, theacrine is a fascinating supplement when it comes to cognitive performance. Theacrine is found in specific coffee and tea plants, and while it may have a very similar structure to caffeine, theacrine has different physiological effects.

Both caffeine and theacrine are non-specific adenosine receptor agonists, meaning they bind to the adenosine receptors and prevent them from working. Adenosine signaling is partially what makes people tired, so by blocking that signal, theacrine can make someone feel more awake.

However, unlike theacrine, caffeine acts as an orthosteric inhibitor, and that is what can cause people to become addicted to caffeine. Because theacrine is not an orthosteric inhibitor, it is non-addictive.

Further, theacrine is a dopamine receptor agonist and therefore, can increase dopamine signaling associated with movement, task initiation and completion, attention, learning, mood, and the brain’s reward center.

Contrary, unlike caffeine, the effects of theacrine do not wear off over time. In a 2016 study, researchers found that after 8-weeks of daily 300mg doses, theacrine was non-addictive and its effects did not diminish [13], supporting the notion it can be used daily with no psychologically addictive results.

In a 2014 randomized, double-blinded, within-subject study, researchers investigated the effects theacrine had on cognitive function, psychometric, and hemodynamic indices in healthy humans.

Three hours after a 200mg dose, the researchers found the theacrine group had significant improvements in energy (+8.6%) opposed to the placebo group (-5.7%) and reductions in fatigue (-6.7%) opposed to the placebo group (+5.8%). Members of the study also participated in a 7-day study where they reported improved subjective measurements for energy, fatigue, concentration, anxiety, motivation to exercise, and libido with a 200mg daily dose [14].

In a 2017 double-blinded, within-subject study investigating the effects of caffeine versus theacrine, researchers found theacrine to increase energy, concentration, and mood while reducing fatigue. The researchers also examined whether there would be any adverse reactions when taking caffeine and theacrine together, including alarming heart rate and blood pressure levels, and they found no adverse effects and noted the combination indicated an active safety profile [15].

To summarize, theacrine supports healthy cognitive function by having been shown to increase energy, concentration, mood, and attention while not becoming addictive or have decreasing effects.

Conclusion

By now, I hope you have a solid understanding as to why these specific ingredients were chosen while Healthmasters was researching and developing this formula. The vitamin B12 supports healthy neurological and cellular energy function, magnesium L-threonate supports proper memory function, synapse function, cognitive well-being, and theacrine supports energy and concentration levels.

If you have any further questions about Healthmasters’ Attention Factor, please call our office at 800.726.1834.

 

References:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26812511

[2] https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/15477631

[3] http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/16218195

[4] https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/11339443

[5] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15648265080292S103

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20152124

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25213836

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22016520

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15572114

[10] http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/27178134

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25152202

[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26519439

[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26766930

[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4271659

[15] https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/28875060

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.