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RiboDIET® and RiboMIX SC: nucleotide-based solutions for cognitive health in ageing populations

17 Mar 2026

As global populations age, cognitive health is becoming one of the most pressing challenges for healthcare systems and the nutraceutical industry alike. With millions of people affected by cognitive decline and dementia worldwide, there is a growing demand for scientifically backed nutritional strategies that can support brain function early—before severe impairment occurs.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia, characterised by declines in memory, attention, and executive function while daily autonomy is still preserved. Importantly, MCI is increasingly recognised as a window of opportunity for intervention, where targeted nutritional support can help improve cognitive performance and quality of life.

Why nucleotides matter for brain health

Nucleotides are natural and essential molecules involved in several key physiological processes. Beyond their well-known role as building blocks of DNA and RNA, they actively support:

• Neuronal metabolism
• Phospholipid and membrane synthesis
• Cellular repair and regeneration
• Modulation of neuroinflammation

Preclinical evidence has already highlighted their potential in improving memory, learning, and cognitive resilience, providing a strong scientific rationale for clinical investigation.

RiboDIET® and RiboMIX SC: High-quality nucleotide-rich yeast extracts

Developed by Prosol, RiboDIET® and RiboMIX SC are advanced yeast extracts standardised in free nucleotides, designed for nutraceutical applications targeting cognitive health:

• RiboDIET® (from Kluyveromyces fragilis) contains >40% free nucleotides
• RiboMIX SC (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) contains >30% free nucleotides

Both ingredients are naturally rich in amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals, ensuring high bioavailability and a broad nutritional profile. These formulations are positioned as versatile solutions for cognitive support, mental clarity, and healthy ageing.

Clinical evidence: Improving cognitive function in MCI

The efficacy of these ingredients has been investigated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involving 72 subjects aged between 60 and 85 years, all diagnosed with MCI. Over a period of 24 weeks, participants received daily supplementation with either RiboDIET® (250 mg), RiboMIX SC (350 mg), or placebo. Cognitive function was assessed using validated neuropsychological tools, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), alongside quality-of-life evaluation through the SF-12 questionnaire.

The results demonstrated a clear and progressive improvement in cognitive performance in both supplemented groups. MoCA scores increased significantly over time, reaching values above the threshold for normal cognitive function after six months. Similarly, MMSE scores showed a consistent upward trend, exceeding the clinical cut-off associated with normal cognition. Notably, these improvements were not observed in the placebo group, reinforcing the specificity of the effect.

In parallel, participants receiving nucleotide supplementation reported improvements in perceived mental well-being. While physical health parameters remained stable, the mental component of the SF-12 questionnaire showed significant enhancement, suggesting a broader impact on quality of life that aligns with the observed cognitive benefits.

Interestingly, despite differences in composition and dosage, RiboDIET® and RiboMIX SC exhibited comparable efficacy across all measured outcomes. This finding highlights the robustness of the nucleotide-based approach and provides flexibility for formulators in selecting the most suitable ingredient depending on specific application requirements.

A new frontier for cognitive nutrition

With strong clinical backing and a natural origin, RiboDIET® and RiboMIX SC represent a new generation of nucleotide-based ingredients for cognitive health. Their ability to support memory, attention, and mental clarity positions them at the intersection of key market trends, including healthy ageing, brain health, and preventive nutrition.

As the demand for effective, science-driven nutraceutical solutions continues to grow, nucleotide-rich yeast extracts offer a promising and innovative approach to supporting cognitive function across the lifespan.