The field of brain health and cognitive longevity has taken a bold step forward with the launch of FLT COGNITION, a revolutionary supplement targeting mental clarity, focus, and long-term brain health.
To dive into the science behind this innovation, Phil Newman sat down with Dr. Linda May-Zhang, Vice President of Science and Innovation at Blue California.
From discussing Ergothioneine’s role in brain health to exploring the synergistic benefits of the supplement’s unique ingredient stack, this conversation offers a window into the future of cognitive supplementation.
Watch the full interview or read the highlights below.
Blue California: A legacy of innovation in dietary supplements
Dr Linda May-Zhang shared her excitement about collaborating with Longevity.Technology and its new consumer product brand: FLT. “Blue California has over 30 years of experience in the dietary supplements industry, focusing on natural products,” she explained.
The company’s vertically integrated approach allows it to oversee every step of product development, from ingredient research and manufacturing to final product delivery.
Dr May-Zhang highlighted the groundbreaking work her team has done in bringing ergothioneine, marketed as ErgoActive, to the forefront of dietary supplementation.
“We were one of the first companies to commercialize ergothioneine, and it’s been on the market since 2018,” she said. “Our goal has always been to provide sustainable, innovative solutions for healthy longevity.”
Ergothioneine: A game-changer for cognitive health
Ergothioneine (or “ergo” for short) is an amino acid with powerful antioxidant properties, found in mushrooms, beans, oats, and garlic. It was first discovered in 1909 in the ergot fungus, giving the molecule its name, further research revealed its health-promoting properties.
Dr May-Zhang explained: “What makes Ergothioneine fascinating is that the human body has evolved a specific transporter to absorb it – OCTN1 – which is present in over 100 cell types, including those in the brain, kidneys, and red blood cells. This transporter highlights how crucial Ergothioneine is to our physiology.”
Ergothioneine combats oxidative stress, a major factor in aging and neurodegeneration. Dr May-Zhang added: “It’s an antioxidant, but its unique ability to enter cells and stay there – thanks to its long half-life – makes it particularly effective for supporting brain health over time.”
Clinical evidence supporting ergothioneine’s benefits
Blue California has invested heavily in research to validate Ergothioneine’s cognitive benefits. “We conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 150 older adults,” Dr May-Zhang said.
“After four months of supplementation, participants experienced significant improvements in memory, cognitive function, and sleep quality. These findings were recently presented at the American Society of Nutrition Conference.”
She also highlighted a groundbreaking study from Singapore. “In this pilot study, individuals with mild cognitive impairment were given Ergothioneine. The results showed improvements in memory and stabilization of neurofilament light chain (NFL), a biomarker for cognitive decline.”
These studies underline Ergothioneine’s potential as a powerful tool for cognitive resilience.
The perfect ingredient stack: Synergistic benefits
FLT Cognition from Longevity.Technology isn’t just about Ergothioneine. The supplement features a carefully curated stack of ingredients to complement one another. Dr May-Zhang provided an overview:
- Ginkgo biloba: One of the most researched botanicals for memory and cognition.
- Taxifolin: A potent antioxidant with promising cognitive benefits. “It’s found in apples and tree bark and is significantly more effective than vitamin C in combating oxidative stress,” she noted.
- Lutein: Known for eye health but also supports brain function.
- Green coffee bean extract and L-theanine: A natural caffeine source paired with a calming amino acid to provide balanced energy and improved focus. “The caffeine content is mild, equivalent to a cup of tea, ensuring a jitter-free experience,” Dr May-Zhang emphasized.
“This blend addresses both sustained brain health and the short-term need for mental clarity,” she added.
Misconceptions about brain supplements
Dr May-Zhang addressed common misconceptions about cognitive supplements:
1. Quick fix vs. long-term health
“Many people expect brain supplements to make them smarter or provide instant results,” she said. “But there are two categories of supplements: those for immediate performance boosts and those for long-term support. Both serve different purposes.”
2. Feeling vs. function
Not all brain supplements are meant to make you feel something,” she added. “Long-term supplements often work behind the scenes to support cognitive health without any immediate sensations.”
3. Lifestyle dependency
“Supplements are not a replacement for healthy habits,” Dr May-Zhang warned. “Good nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management are foundational. Supplements enhance, but they don’t replace these basics.”
Personal insights: Dr. May-Zhang’s brain health routine
Dr May-Zhang shared her personal approach to brain health, shaped by years of scientific research.
“I’ve learned the hard way,” she admitted. “In my 20s, I relied on stimulants and pulled all-nighters. Now, in my 40s, I prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise.”
Her routine includes:
- Diet: “I focus on fish, healthy oils, protein, and fibre,” she said.
- Supplements: She takes multivitamins, fish oil, vitamin D, and Ergothioneine.
- Exercise: “I recently started strength training and am running a half marathon next week,” she shared.
The future of cognitive health
Looking ahead, Dr May-Zhang is optimistic about the evolving science of brain supplements. “We’re awaiting large-scale trials to provide definitive evidence of nutritional compounds’ impact on cognitive decline,” she said. “But I believe the future lies in multifactorial solutions – no single ingredient can do it all.”
She’s also excited about expanding the applications of L-theanine and Ergothioneine. “Imagine functional drinks and food products that support brain health. The possibilities are endless,” she said.
In closing
The launch of FLT COGNITION represents a milestone in cognitive health. With ingredients backed by cutting-edge science and rigorous clinical trials, the supplement offers a comprehensive approach to brain health.
As Dr. May-Zhang concluded, “This collaboration has been incredible. Together, we’re advancing the science of cognitive longevity and creating products that make a real difference.”
For a closer look at the research behind FLT COGNITION and its impact on brain health, visit the Studies page.
