Impact of a novel dietary supplement on cognitive function in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Menopause is frequently associated with cognitive complaints, including difficulties with memory, concentration, and executive functioning. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), caffeine, and B vitamins have been individually associated with mechanisms that may support cognitive health. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-component dietary supplement containing these ingredients on cognitive function in healthy postmenopausal women. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy postmenopausal women were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a multicomponent dietary supplement containing PQQ, GABA, caffeine, vitamins, and minerals or matching placebo for 6 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and study completion using the CNS Vital Signs computerized neurocognitive battery. The primary endpoint was the Neurocognition Index (NCI). Secondary endpoints included multiple cognitive domains, including Memory, Visual Memory, Cognitive Flexibility, and Executive Functioning. Analyses were performed using ANCOVA adjusted for baseline scores. Sixty-three participants completed the study and were included in the efficacy analysis (30 active treatment, 33 placebo). Compared with placebo, the dietary supplement was associated with a significant improvement in the primary endpoint, Neurocognition Index (adjusted mean difference + 5.89 points; 95% CI 1.27–10.52; p = 0.013). Significant favourable effects were also observed for Memory (+ 7.86 points; p = 0.020), Cognitive Flexibility (+ 7.57 points; p = 0.039), and Visual Memory (+ 7.97 points; p = 0.030). Executive Functioning demonstrated a favourable trend that approached statistical significance ( p = 0.053). A significant finding for Complex Attention was observed in a direction that differed from the overall pattern of results. Six weeks of supplementation with a multi-component dietary supplement containing PQQ, GABA, caffeine, and B vitamins was associated with improved global cognitive performance and selected memory- and executive-related cognitive domains in healthy postmenopausal women. These findings support the potential role of targeted nutritional supplementation in cognitive support during the postmenopausal period. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term effects. NCT06748989, registration date: 19 December 2024. Ethic approval: NNGYK/08530-2/2025.