P.L. Thomas ~ Synapsa

MORRISTOWN, N.J.P.L. Thomas (PLT) hopes to give brainy consumers an edge with its new ingredient, Synapsa Natural Memory Support.

This patented extract of Bacopa monnieri offers seed-to-shelf quality control (QC) and is backed by six clinical studies targeted to healthy adults from 18 to 65. According to PLT, the ingredient has been shown to improve information processing, enhance memory and upgrade intellectual performance. New data also suggests short-term supplementation with Synapsa may help improve mental performance. The extract adds to PLT's brain health portfolio, including Zembrin® Sceletium tortuosum, which debuted at the 2012 SupplySide West expo.

"A 2010 HealthFocus U.S. Trend Survey showed that 53 percent of consumers had concerns with their mental abilitiesup nearly 50 percent from a similar survey in 2000," said Seth Flowerman, director of business development. "Yet the cognitive health category in supplement sales remains relatively small in comparison to segments like heart health and joint health. There is remarkable room for growth in this areaparticularly in the area of cognitive performance related to study and work."

According to PLT, more than 120 million "knowledge workers" use cognitive skills in their job. Paired with approximately 21 million college students, the market for cognitive products is growing.

Learn more about the cognitive health segment in the INSIDER feature, "The Cognitive Continuum: Botanicals for Brainpower."