BDNF Effects on Brain & IQ: Is It Possible?

[Busin]

Hello, I came across this article about brain-derived neurotrophic factor http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain-derived_neurotrophic_factor" and I was wondering if this would have any positive effects on your brain and possibly increase your actual brain structure and therefore your IQ potential.

I do not think there is any medical research on this but I would like to know if there is even any theoretical benefit, (e.g. based on your understanding of what BNDF does at a cellular level, would you expect it to grow more neurons or improve brain structure and therefore improve IQ)?

But, also of importance is how you would need to administer BNDF to get this effect. Could you just eat it? Or take it intravenously, or would you need to do something ridiculous like inject it into the brain for it to have any effect?

I then did a search for NGF and came across this: http://www.vrp.com/ProductPage.aspx?ProdID=2190" and I was wondering if you would expect this to actually improve brain structure like it says.

Thanks for any replys.

 

[Proton Soup]

Res Dev Disabil. 2006 Nov-Dec;27(6):599-604. Epub 2006 Apr 18.Click here to read Links
The effect of acetyl-L-carnitine administration on persons with Down syndrome.
Pueschel SM.

Child Development Center, Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA. sigpueschel@aol.com

Since previous investigations reported improvements in cognition of patients with dementia after acetyl-L-carnitine therapy and since there is an increased risk for persons with Down syndrome to develop Alzheimer disease, this study was designed to investigate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine administration on neurological, intellectual, and social functions in adults with Down syndrome. In this double-blind study we enrolled 40 individuals with Down syndrome and administered acetyl-L-carnitine to the study group during a six months period. Specified examinations and psychological tests were given to persons in both the study and control groups at the start of the investigation and at 3, 6, and 9 months. A detailed analysis of the data revealed that acetyl-L-carnitine administration did not enhance central nervous system functions and that it did not benefit persons with Down syndrome.

PMID: 16621446 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[quicknote]

I appreciate your curiosity about the potential effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on brain structure and IQ. While there is ongoing research on the role of BDNF in brain development and function, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that it can directly increase IQ potential or improve brain structure.

BDNF is a protein that plays a crucial role in the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. It has been linked to learning and memory, and studies have shown that it can enhance the growth and survival of neurons in certain brain regions. However, there is no evidence to suggest that increasing BDNF levels would result in an increase in the number of neurons or improvement in brain structure.

Furthermore, the administration of BDNF would not be as simple as just eating it or taking it intravenously. BDNF does not cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning that it cannot easily enter the brain from the bloodstream. It would need to be injected directly into the brain in order to have any effect, which is not a feasible or safe option.

Regarding the product you found containing nerve growth factor (NGF), there is also no evidence to suggest that it can improve brain structure. While NGF does play a role in the growth and survival of neurons, it is primarily involved in the development and maintenance of the peripheral nervous system, not the central nervous system (which includes the brain).

In summary, while BDNF and NGF are important proteins for brain function, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of these products for increasing IQ potential or improving brain structure. I would caution against any claims made by products that have not been thoroughly researched and proven to be effective. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before considering any new supplement or treatment.