Evidence supporting the use of: Polyphenols (unspecified)
For the health condition: Concentration (poor)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Polyphenols—a broad class of plant-derived compounds—have been investigated for their potential cognitive benefits, including effects on concentration or attention. Scientific research suggests that polyphenols, particularly flavonoids found in foods like cocoa, berries, tea, and grapes, may have neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews have reported modest improvements in aspects of cognitive performance, including attention and psychomotor speed, after polyphenol-rich interventions. For example, acute supplementation with cocoa flavanols has been associated with improved performance on tasks requiring sustained attention in some studies.

The proposed mechanisms include enhanced cerebral blood flow, reduced neuroinflammation, and improved synaptic plasticity. However, the evidence is still considered preliminary, with significant variability depending on the type of polyphenol, dose, duration of intervention, and population studied. Most studies use specific polyphenol extracts or concentrates rather than "unspecified" polyphenols, making generalization difficult. Additionally, while the trends are promising, the observed effects are usually small and not universally replicated in all studies.

In summary, there is some scientific basis—though not strong—for the use of certain polyphenols to support concentration, but more robust, standardized research is needed. The current level of evidence is rated as modest (2/5) given the limited and inconsistent findings.

More about Polyphenols (unspecified)
More about Concentration (poor)

Products containing Polyphenols (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.