Increasing BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein abundant within the brain, is well-researched and associated with neurogenesis (the production of new brain cells), protection against neurodegenerative diseases, energy homeostasis, and other aspects of cognitive health, making it an established and sought-after outcome for formulators of cognitive support products.  
 
A recently-published clinical trial which appeared in the journal Antioxidants examined whether the co-administration of Iron supplements and a cold water-dispersible curcumin extract, branded as HydroCurc by Gencor’s sister company, Pharmako Biotechnologies, would be able to significantly increase levels of BDNF after six weeks of supplementation.
 
The clinical trial, administered by the University of Westminster and Coventry University, found that individuals who were administered HydroCurc and a low-dose iron supplement experienced a significant increase in BDNF.
 
The six-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled a total of 155 healthy subjects between the ages of 19 and 40, who were randomized into five groups: low dose iron (18 mg) with no curcumin; low dose iron (18 mg) with 500 mg HydroCurc; high dose iron (65 mg) with no curcumin; high dose iron (65 mg) with 500 mg HydroCurc; and placebo.
 
The results indicated that participants who supplemented with both HydroCurc and the two varied levels of iron experienced statistically significant increases in their BDNF levels by the completion of the 42-day supplementation schedule.
 
While previous studies have evaluated the effect of administering either curcumin or iron on BDNF levels, this study represents the first in which co-administration was evaluated. Researchers concluded that while the two standalone ingredients have previously been associated with a BDNF increase, there is an additive effect when they are combined, which warrants more research. The authors indicated that it would be valuable to further generalize serum BDNF levels in addition to administering a battery of cognitive performance tests following supplementation.
 
“This could help identify the specific levels of serum BDNF that correlate with the enhancement of cognitive function,” the authors wrote, identifying that population-based averages in range of serum BDNF have been inconsistently reported by current research. 
 
“The findings have vast implications given the increasing concern of the general population with maintaining long-term cognitive function,” Ramasamy Venkatesh, managing director at Gencor Pacific, said. “The findings have vast implications given the increasing concern of the general population with maintaining long-term cognitive function. We recognize that BDNF is critical for the maintenance of normal neurological function and energy homeostasis. Our findings go further in suggesting that the co-administration of iron and HydroCurc provide an additive effect on BDNF, thus aiding in improvement of cognitive functions such as learning and memory.”