What are the effects of IQ Blast supplement on health?

IQ Blast Supplement: Contents and Health Effects

IQ Blast supplement has no standardized formulation with proven benefits for cognitive function, and many cognitive enhancement supplements contain ingredients that may require discontinuation before surgery due to potential bleeding risks or medication interactions.

Common Ingredients in Cognitive Enhancement Supplements

Based on available guidelines and research, cognitive enhancement supplements like IQ Blast typically contain some combination of the following ingredients:

B Vitamins

• B vitamins (B1, B6, B12, folate) are commonly included in cognitive supplements 1
• No evidence that supplementation improves cognition or slows cognitive decline in individuals without vitamin deficiency 1
• Should be discontinued 2 weeks before surgery due to potential effects on glucose metabolism and insulin secretion 1

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Often included in cognitive supplements (DHA and EPA) 2
• European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) explicitly recommends against omega-3 fatty acid supplements for correcting cognitive impairment or preventing cognitive decline 2
• May require discontinuation before surgery due to potential antiplatelet effects 1

Antioxidants

• Vitamin E is commonly included but not recommended for prevention or correction of cognitive decline 1
• Should be discontinued 2 weeks before surgery 1

Other Common Ingredients

• Phosphatidylserine: Limited evidence for cognitive benefits 1
• Ginkgo biloba: Mixed results regarding benefits for memory 3
• Huperzine A: Mixed results for cognitive enhancement 3
• Various herbal extracts (ashwagandha, Lion's Mane, turmeric) with some preliminary evidence for memory benefits 3

Safety Concerns

Perioperative Risks

• Many supplement ingredients require discontinuation 2 weeks before surgery 1
• Potential risks include:
  • Bleeding complications (omega-3s, vitamin E)
  • Medication interactions
  • Cardiovascular effects (horny goat weed causes vasodilation) 1
  • Sedative effects (kava, lemon balm) 1

Regulatory Issues

• The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety, effectiveness, or labeling before they go to market 3
• Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring product safety and truthfulness of claims 3
• Quality control and actual ingredient content may vary significantly between products 3

Evidence for Cognitive Enhancement

• Most cognitive supplements lack robust scientific evidence for their marketing claims 3
• A systematic review of randomized controlled trials on dietary interventions for cognitive impairment found limited evidence for most supplements 1
• Some studies show modest benefits in specific populations:
  • Vitamin-mineral supplementation showed modest improvements in non-verbal intelligence in poorly nourished children 4, 5
  • Some evidence for specific ingredients like phosphatidylserine, but effects are often transient 1

Bottom Line

IQ Blast and similar cognitive enhancement supplements:

1. Contain various ingredients with limited scientific evidence for cognitive benefits
2. May pose health risks, particularly before surgery
3. Lack standardized formulation and quality control
4. Should be approached with caution and skepticism 6

For those seeking cognitive enhancement, focus on established approaches:

• Balanced nutrition from whole foods
• Regular physical exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Cognitive stimulation
• Management of cardiovascular risk factors

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.