Before you consider taking a vitamin supplement or a brain-boosting product, you should consider there are three important things: using evidence-based medicine, weighing the benefits vs. risks, and what experts say about the supplement. Here’s an introduction.

Many commonly used supplements claim to have benefits for the brain. Here is what is often claimed, what the science actually shows, and how to think about using these products wisely.

Supplements known as “brain boosters” are often marketed as memory or brain enhancers. While the claims may sound compelling, current scientific evidence does not support their routine use for brain health or Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s an overview.