Photo: Rhodiola Rosea by Bjoertvedt via Wikimedia Commons.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are compounds that can help to limit the amount of stress your body experiences if taken in advance of an event that itself causes stress. Adaptogens are a somewhat understudied group of compounds; though many have been in use for centuries, there’s no single accepted definition for them. They’re a very diverse group of substances; they don’t come from one family or have one use. Also, adaptogens don’t all necessarily have the same mechanisms. Some adaptogens aren’t even really nootropics at all, by some estimations. Most people in the nootropic community agree that an adaptogen must be a naturally occurring nontoxic and nonspecific compound that has a normalizing impact on the user’s physiology.

Since there are so many things adaptogens can be, companies use them to make a wide variety of claims ranging from longer lifespan to increased libido to heightened well-being.

What Are Some Examples of Adaptogens?

Since the word adaptogen covers a wider variety of herbs, it’s no surprise that there’s some debate about what is and isn’t part of this group. There are a few common adaptogens that aren’t as controversial, though rhodiola rosea and ashwagandha make the cut and are agreed upon as adaptogens by most people in the nootropics community.

Ashwagandha is widely considered an adaptogen because it can help prevent the mental slowing that comes with aging and stress. For example, ashwagandha can act as an anti-anxiety agent, which helps some users lower the amount of stress their bodies experiences in tough situations. Over time, the stress that comes from anxiety can wear on your nervous system, which may make you less sharp and clear.

Rhodiola rosea is another very popular adaptogen in many nootropic supplements. It has been used for centuries as an anti-fatigue supplement, and there is some research that suggests it can also help the body repair after exercise. Like ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea can also help regulate anxiety in users, which helps keep stress and the damage that follows it at bay.

While the research is not yet conclusive, many users report that taking a supplement that contain adaptogens has helped them achieve the cognitive and physical benefits they’re seeking in their nootropic stack.

Where Can I Get Adaptogens?

Since the word adaptogen covers so many different supplements, there are lots of ways to work them into your stack. Nootrobox RISE contains both rhodiola rosea and bacopa monnieri, another herb some consider adaptogenic. Many users say Nootrobox RISE helps them deal with stress like a well-designed adaptogen compound should. Neurofuse also contains both of these herbs but in different amounts and stacked with other things, so Neurofuse could work well for a user who wants the stress reducing effects of an adaptogen but wants a boost of energy, too.

Have you tried an adaptogen in your stack? What’s your favorite? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

The post What Are Adaptogens? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Read our full FOCUSfactor review here.

What We Thought of FOCUSfactor

Overall, our testers found FOCUSfactor to be pretty mild, and if anything, it’s a beginner-facing nootropic formula that probably won’t change your day-to-day productivity all that much. It pairs okay with coffee if you take it in the morning, but there’s an additional downside: FOCUSfactor has a large serving size at 4+ pills, meaning it can cause upset stomach in some people, especially when you take it without food.

For these and several other reasons, FOCUSfactor is currently rated toward the bottom half of all the nootropics our reviewers have tested in our Ultimate Guide to Nootropic Stacks.

FOCUSfactor Alternatives

If you’re looking for something beginner friendly that our testers found to have a positive effect on mental energy and cognition (that’s also caffeine-free, like FOCUSfactor), consider one of the following. We found each to be very beginner friendly and relatively easy to assess tolerance with. They were also fairly easy to time and take with or without food, though with food normally enhances absorption; this is especially true if the supplement contains a fat-soluble ingredient like bacopa:

• RISE by Nootrobox (caffeine-free, though rhodiola can have a mild stimulatory effect for some)
• Alpha BRAIN by Onnit (one of the world’s most popular nootropic formulas, it now comes in an Instant drink version as well)
• Dopamine Brain Food by Natural Stacks

The post FOCUSfactor vs. Multivitamin: Is There a Difference? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Noots is an Australia-based nootropics company that’s recently hit the American market with FOCUS and FLOW. Their FLOW supplement is an all-natural, caffeine-free nootropic designed to help users “stay in the zone.” While there are no ground-breaking ingredients in this stack, Noots stands behind their “super-safe, well-researched, high-efficacy cognitive-enhancement” stacks. Read on to find out what our testers had say in our full FLOW review.

Want to know what we thought about Noots’ other product? Check out our review of their FOCUS supplement.

Ingredients

• Bacopa monnieri: 200 mg
• Rhodiola rosea: 250 mg
• ALCAR: 250 mg
• Theacrine: 100 mg
• Theanine: 100 mg
• NALT: 100 mg

Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda as a revitalizer, cognitive booster, and stress reliever. Tests show the positive effects the herb can have on memory and free recall.

Rhodiola rosea

An adaptogenic herb with anti-fatigue (both mental and physical) properties, rhodiola is one of the most common “natural” nootropic ingredients in brain enhancing supplements. Read more about why rhodiola rosea is so popular and why it has so few reported side effects here.

ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)

Synthesized from methionine and lysine, ALCAR is designed to easily cross the brain-blood barrier, and it functions as a mitochondrial energy optimizer. Continuous use of ALCAR, can increase certain neurotransmitter levels in in the brain, and may be useful in combating depression.

Theacrine

An alkaloid derived from the Camellia Kucha plant, theacrine has been shown to improve mood while decreasing irritability.

Theanine

A calming amino acid, l-theanine has been shown to enhance the effects of caffeine while reducing the jitters some people experience with caffeine consumption.

NALT (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)

L-Tyrosine is well-linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress, and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.

Other ingredients: No other ingredients are listed, but the stack is labeled as vegetarian, gluten free, and non-gmo.

Usage Guidelines

Consume 1 capsule daily with food. Do not exceed more than 2 capsules within 24 hours

What Our Testers Say

“I’m not sure if it had something to do with the fact that I’ve been exhausted, but I feel like I got some really good night’s sleep while testing FLOW. The daytime effects were nice, but pretty mild. It paired well with my usual coffee consumption, so that’s a big plus. ”

“I took FLOWwith breakfast, after my morning workouts, and I did experience a nice wave of clean energy through the day. I also noticed that I had no problems focusing on the task at hand, and did not experience an afternoon crash, while testing this product. The effects are subtle, but definitely present. I generally prefer it to FOCUS from Noots.”

“FLOW is a mild, but (I thought) high-quality supplement. The supplement was a great addition to my usual coffee, and I felt present without any anxiety. I will definitely keep this around, for ”˜easier’ days. ”

“I really liked this product, and the energy I got from it (no jitters, like the manufacturer claimed – thought not a HUGE or QUICK rush of energy). My caffeine sensitivity sometimes limits the kind of products I can take on a daily basis, but I took this for a whole week, and felt alert, focused, and in control. ”

BrainWiz Tips

• Take it with food for better absorption. It’s caffeine free, but FLOW may have some stimulatory effects, so start slow and work up to a full dose.
• It seems well suited for those with a caffeine sensitivity.
• A potential “everyday” nootropic stack as opposed to energy on demand.
• It pairs well with coffee or other caffeinated drinks.

Supplement Summary

All of our testers experienced increased levels of energy and focus while testing Noots’ FLOW supplement. One tester also experienced more restful sleep, but could not directly link it to the nootropic.

Overall, FLOW is a solid caffeine-free supplement that seems to be produced with quality in mind. We are looking forward to testing out the next two products slated for release by Noots: DOZE, a sleep supplement, and LIFT, a workout enhancer.

The post FLOW by Noots Review: Is it a Smoother State of Mind? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Today, we’ll be reviewing FOCUS, a caffeine-free supplement headlined by piracetam and other common nootropic ingredients; Noots markets it as a supplement designed boost motivation, energy, and engagement. Read below to see what the BrainWiz testers thought of Noots’ FOCUS nootropic.

Ingredients

• Piracetam, 500 mg
• ALCAR, 300 mg
• Theacrine, 50 mg
• Theanine, 100 mg
• NALT, 100 mg
• Total Blend, 1050 mg

Piracetam

A related compound to to GABA, piracetam is in many ways the grandfather of nootropic compounds and the hallmark of the “-racetam” class that includes oxiracetam (found in truBrain, for example) and others. It’s a nootropic compound shown to improve learning, memory, brain metabolism, and capacity. It works by enhancing the fluidity of cellular membranes and optimizing blood flow to the brain and optimizing acetylcholine function. It’s worth noting FOCUS contains no choline source itself, which seems like a bit of an omission on the part of the manufacturer.

ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)

ALCAR is designed to easily cross the brain-blood barrier, and it functions as a mitochondrial energy optimizer. Continuous use of ALCAR may increase certain neurotransmitter levels in the brain, and may be useful in combating depression.

Theacrine

Theacrine is  used in FOCUS for its caffeine-like properties, without the jitteriness (supposedly). Studies show it may also improve mood and decrease irritability.

L-Theanine

A calming amino acid, l-theanine has been shown to enhance the effects of caffeine while reducing the jitters some people experience with caffeine consumption. This caffeine/l-theanine ratio is common in nootropic supplements, and though FOCUS is a caffeine free stack, the user may still benefit from theanine’s calming effects.

NALT  (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)

L-Tyrosine is linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress, and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.

Other ingredients: No other ingredients are listed for Noots’ FLOW stack, but the supplement is labeled as vegetarian, gluten free, and non-gmo.

Usage Guidelines

Simply take a single capsule an hour or so before you want to get in the zone, ideally with a meal or shake, to make sure it absorbs well.

What Our Testers Say

“I tried this both with and without coffee. It’s not a big energy booster, but it did help me, well, focus a bit. I’m a big fan of the theanine and caffeine combination, so one FOCUS pill, along with a cup of coffee, was the best combination for me. I did feel quite focused, but this feels more of a supplement I would reach for when I have big pile of work to push through. I do wish this had a choline source, as I’ve had some friends and other testers who experience headaches when taking racetam-class compounds without sufficient choline.”

“I took this with my pre-workout in the morning, and felt pretty good. I have had good experiences using ALCAR with my pre-workouts, and this was no different. I will have to try it during the day at work, and I will continue using it in conjunction with my pre-workout. I don’t think I felt much from the piracetam, though some compounds in that class don’t always work for me or give me any perceptible benefit.”

“Although this is not the most potent supplement I have tried, I do like it stacked with coffee. I used it a couple of times in addition to adaptogens like rhodiola to help me get through an inordinate pile of work, and will keep it in the rotation for it when work volume gets out of hand. Like Alexandra, I wondered why they didn’t include a choline source in the supplement.”

“Piracetam isn’t very effective for some people, but when I take it with theanine, it seems to be a good combination for me. There was a wave of concentration, and there was no jitteriness or anxiety associated with it, though it wasn’t a particularly ‘powerful’ stack in my opinion.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Take it with food for better absorption.
• Noots could be well suited for those with a caffeine sensitivity, though it does contain compounds that can have stimulatory effects.
• It pairs well with coffee or other caffeinated drinks.
• FOCUS gave us a mild energy wave. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid taking it less than six hours before bed.

Supplement Summary

Out testers generally felt positive effects from the FOCUS nootropic, to varying degrees. If you are an experienced nootropic user, this may not be strong enough for you. We also noticed the lack of a quality choline source in the supplement, which we generally like to see included when paired with racetams and related compounds. If it weren’t for that, it could be a solid entry-level stack, as well as a good addition to an already existing nootropic supplement regimen that contains adaptogens (at least in our experience).

With two stacks currently in the market, and two more slated to be released soon, we are interested to see how more of Noots’ formulas compare to FOCUS.

The post FOCUS by Noots Review: Nootropic Game Changer or Same Old? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

In a head-to-head matchup, Lumonol wins the Lumonol vs. OptiMind matchup because it gave us more sustained energies with fewer (practically no) jitters as compared to OptiMind’s formula.

Check Lumonol Price

Lumonol vs OptiMind by Alternascript: What’s the Same

Both Lumonol and OptiMind are broad-spectrum nootropic stacks, meaning their formulas are designed around brain enhancement through a variety of pathways and synergistic interactions between the compounds. Both contain B vitamins and some compounds that influence choline metabolism in the brain, which is important in neurotransmitter function.

They also both contain caffeine sources (Lumonol’s comes from guarana) and l-tyrosine, a compound linked to mental performance under conditions of stress.

What’s Different About These Two Nootropic Stacks

However, the differences between Lumonol (from Avanse) and OptiMind (from Alternascript) outweigh the similarities. Lumonol contains a bioavailable source of choline – Alpha GPC – to compliment its other choline-involved compounds. It also contains the compound Noopept, a Racetam-related compound that is potent and fast acting at relatively low doses. Lumonol is among the fastest-acting nootropics we’ve tried, though we do recommend starting with maybe a half dose to assess tolerance (and depending on your caffeine intake/tolerance).

OptiMind gave our testers some significant jitters, even when NOT paired with another caffeine source like coffee. It also contains some ingredients that we don’t feel are really living up to their full potential because of what’s missing (for example, a choline source to compliment Sulbutiamine).

Learn More

Individual experiences with these nootropic stacks will, of course, vary from person to person. To see what each of our testers said about them, get our full OptiMind review here and our full Lumonol review here.

We’ve also put together an article on when to take Lumonol for maximum effect, as well as how and when they stack it with a magnesium supplement for a longer-lasting boost in focus and productivity.

Buy Optimind Buy Lumonol

The post Lumonol vs. OptiMind: Which Nootropic Stack Is Better? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Do Nootrobox’s GO CUBES live up to the hype, and will they replace your morning cup of Joe? Read on to get our full review, including whether they gave us a mental boost and how the flavor stacked up against real coffee.

[Get our exclusive discount coupon on Nootrobox products here.]

The Ingredients

Per cube; typical serving size is 2 cubes. Nootrobox is a company that values transparency in its supplements, so they list all ingredients and ingredient amounts.

Caffeine – 50 mg

The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine is one of the more common ingredients in nootropic stacks because of its ability to reduce fatigue and enhance concentration and energy. Two cubes of GO CUBES is equivalent to roughly one cup of coffee (100 mg).

L-Theanine – 100 mg

A calming amino acid, l-theanine has been shown to enhance the effects of caffeine while reducing the jitters some people experience with caffeine consumption. This caffeine/l-theanine ratio is common in nootropic supplements.

Vitamin B6 – 10 mg

Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. When taken with phenylalanine, vitamin B6 can improve cAMP levels, and dopamine synthesis.

GO CUBES Nootrobox Ingredients Label

Vitamin B12 – 30 mcg

An essential nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development.

Folate – 500 mcg

Often referred to as Vitamin B9, folate (a slightly different form than folic acid) is vital to neurological development in infants as well as a process called methylation for all adults.

This is a pretty high amount of folate for a supplement, as the upper dosage recommended is normally around 400 mcg, and there’s some evidence a high amount of folate could mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Go Cubes Nootrobox Pack

Glucuronolactone – 125 mg

Glucuronolactone is a common ingredient in many energy drinks, largely based off claims it can help “detoxify” the body and liver. Current research suggests few benefits to cognition or energy. This compound also found in Nootrobox’s SPRINT supplement (full review here).

Inositol – 125 mg

A compound with some anxiety reducing properties in amounts generally much higher than what’s found here. Also found in Nootrobox’s SPRINT supplement.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – 25 mg

Vitamin B3 acts within the adrenal system to synthesize a number of sex- and stress-related hormones, along with serotonin, a neurotransmitter acting on the central nervous system and the GI tract. Some people experience a harmless “flush” when taking niacin-containing supplements.

Other Ingredients: Corn syrup, sugar, water, pectin, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sodium citrate.

Usage Guidelines

We made coffee you can put in your pocket. GO CUBES are perfect for your purse, backpack, or briefcase. They’re the easiest way to always have coffee on hand with no mess & no stress.

Serving size: 2 pieces

GO CUBES Review on Flavors

GO CUBES come in three flavors: Pure Drip, Mocha, and Latte. There’s a mix of these in each pack (4 cubes), and while they’re slightly different colors, it’s tough to tell exactly which one you’re getting before you bite into them.

Overall, our testers enjoyed each flavor of GO CUBES, citing Mocha as the strongest flavor and very chocolate-y, Latte as relatively mild, and Pure Drip as the straightest coffee flavor of all (tasting a bit like a darker roast, not unlike Starbucks’ normal iced coffee).

What Our Testers Say

“I probably have the lowest caffeine tolerance of any BrainWiz tester, so I really appreciate knowing EXACTLY how much caffeine I’m getting, that’s one reason I don’t drink coffee that often, because it varies so much from cup to cup depending on the beans, roast, etc. I like the taste of coffee, though, and GO CUBES was definitely convenient. When I do drink coffee, I often pair it with 100 or 200 mg of L-Theanine, and I appreciated that they did this for me here. I’ll take GO CUBES with me when I do need a caffeine boost and want more control over exactly what I’m taking.”

“I’m a coffee snob, and GO CUBES will never replace coffee for me. But...they’re interesting. I think you start absorbing some of the caffeine while you’re chewing (probably sublingual), so you feel an almost immediate kick, then another as you digest. The flavors were all good, though I normally take my coffee black, and these were a bit too sweat for me to have every day.”

“I didn’t get as excited as some outlets about these. They’re not going to replace coffee for everyone, if only because they taste more like candy and have sugar in them. But they were convenient and they were pretty tasty, and the flavor profiles seem like they took a lot of work. The boost felt mostly like caffeine and l-theanine, not a ton beyond that, but they fit easily in a backpack, which my iced coffee does not.”

“It’s worth having a pack or two of GO CUBES at your desk. Sometimes coffee won’t be available. Sometimes it won’t be convenient, or you want to know exactly how much caffeine you’re getting. GO CUBES solve that, but they’re never going to replace a morning cup.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Nootrobox’s GO CUBES are sweet, and if you’re watching your sugar intake, save these for after a workout or just go with black coffee, these are definitely not calorie neutral, especially considering you’ll probably have between two and four cubes in a sitting.
• Our testers were impressed with GO CUBES flavor, and they do pair well with breakfast if you’d rather chew your coffee than drink it.
• A full pack is 200 mg of caffeine, more than you’ll find in some energy drinks. Stay aware of your caffeine intake when taking GO CUBES and other nootropics.

Supplement Summary

Just like SPRINT and RISE, Nootrobox’s GO CUBES sets out to bring transparency to a brain boosting industry; in this case, they’re trying to disrupt coffee as opposed to nootropic supplements proper. And they partially succeed: These gave us a good, jitter-free boost with the added nootropic ingredients to compliment caffeine. And with GO CUBES, it’s clear exactly how much caffeine you’re getting in every serving. They also fit in well with Nootrobox’s other supplements, including RISE, which is one of the top research-backed, caffeine-free, and transparent nootropic stacks we’ve ever tried.

We look forward to seeing what Nootrobox comes up with next, and we hope it’s a sugar-free version of GO CUBES. For us, they’re a sweet treat, but they’d be even more useful to more people without the sweetener.

Read our interview with Nootrobox’s co-founder and CEO Geoffrey Woo here.

The post GO CUBES Review: Is Chewable Coffee Better for Your Brain? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

One of the questions we’ve been getting a lot lately is, “What is the best time to take Lumonol? Having tested the product for 90 days, I have taken it at varying times of day, with varying effects.

Read our full Lumonol review here.

The first thing to take into consideration when choosing your timing  is your sensitivity to caffeine. Because Lumonol contains guarana, a berry containing four times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans, those particularly sensitive to caffeine should consider only taking Lumonol in the morning and starting slow.

I have a high tolerance to caffeine, so after experimentation, I started taking Lumonol on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, and following it up with a cup off coffee once I arrived at the office, a couple of hours later. This combination was the best in sustaining the wave of energy and focus well into the afternoon.

On days where I know I need to be alert later on in the afternoon, I split my Lumonol dose. I take one pill first thing in the morning, followed by breakfast, and the second pill before or right after lunch.

I found this to be the best way to prolong Lumonol’s effects to help me stay sharp most of the day. It’s important to note that this may not be the best option if you have difficulty falling asleep, like me. On instances when I did split my dose, I’ve had to take something to help me unwind at night, like Nootrobox’s Yawn.

In short, there are a number of ways to time your Lumonol, and it really all depends on what you are trying to achieve. For me, the best time to take Lumonol is first thing in the morning, right when I wake up, but I suggest you experiment with timing to find what works best for you.

The post What’s the Best Time to Take Lumonol? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Read our full Neuro Elite review here.

Neuro Elite Pills

Neuro Elite Customer Support Number and Email

If you’re having trouble getting in touch with Neuro Elite about an order, there are a few ways to contact them. The first is their customer support email, listed clearly on the back of the bottle: support@iloveneuroelite.com.

The second is their customer support phone number listed under Contact on their website. It’s 1-800-229-6967.

Their product return address is listed on the same page:

Neuro Elite Fulfillment
7565 Commercial Way, Unit E
Henderson, NV 89011
USA

Canceling a Neuro Elite Subscription

At the bottom of Neuro Elite’s website is an “Easy Cancel” button that allows to you enter an email associated with a Neuro Elite account. This is the method we’ve used to cancel a subscription with Neuro Elite before, and it has always worked successfully for us.

If you’re on the fence about ordering Neuro Elite and are looking for other options, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Nootropics, which ranks all the nootropic stacks we’ve reviewed.

Have you had a good (or bad) experience with Neuro Elite? We want to hear about it. Let us know in the comments below!

The post Neuro Elite Customer Service: Responsive or Scam? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

FocusAID is now available, but is it a legit nootropic, or just another carbonated beverage with clever packaging? We were especially curious if the liquid form nootropic sped absorption and the perceived effects of certain ingredients as opposed to a capsule. Read below to see what the BrainWiz testers thought of this nootropic beverage.

Focus AID Ingredients

Ingredients

FocusAID has 45 calories per can with 11 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of which are from sugar.

• Vitamin C, 603 mg
• Vitamin D, 200 IU
• Thiamine, 2 mg
• Riboflavin, 2 mg
• Niacin, 20 mg
• Vitamin B6, 2 mg
• Folate, 300 mcg
• Vitamin B12, 12 mcg
• Biotin, 0.15 mg
• Pantothenic Acid, 10 mg
• Proprietary Blend, 906 mg

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (also referred to as ALCAR) is one of the most studied and research-backed nootropics around. It can increase alertness, energy, and mitochondrial activity, which is why it’s sometimes marketed as a fat burner (though the fat burning effects of the amounts found in nootropics would be minimal at best). ALCAR also has neuroprotective properties and may help prevent damage to the brain that comes from excess alcohol consumption.

Alpha-GPC

One of the most bio-available forms of choline, an important neurotransmitter. We talk more about Alpha-GPC and why it’s becoming increasingly common in nootropic stacks here.

Ginseng Root Extract

Ginseng has long been touted for its cognitive-enhancing abilities. However, current and recent research suggests its most potent effects are related to its anti-fatigue properties, as reported by The New York Times and numerous science journals.

Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract

An adaptogenic herb with anti-fatigue (both mental and physical) properties, rhodiola is one of the most common “natural” nootropic ingredients in brain enhancing supplements. Read more about why rhodiola rosea is so popular and why it has so few reported side effects here.

Yerba Mate Extract

FocusAID’s source of natural caffeine, green tea and yerba mate extracts also contain ingredients like theanine that may enhance the stimulatory effects of caffeine. Research suggests yerba mate may also be a vasodilator and can help improve microcirculation in humans.

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neuropsychotropic drug that functions as both a nootropic and as a tranquilizer by stimulating dopamine production. Dopamine plays a part in controlling flow of information in the brain while alleviating stress and anxiety. GABA itself has difficulty crossing the blood/brain barrier, and oral consumption is typically not very effective at increasing GABA concentrations in the brain.

Other ingredients: Carbonated water, certified raw organic blue agave nectar, natural flavors, citric acid, stevia extract

Note: The manufacturer lists valerian root and bacopa monnieri as highlighted ingredients of FocusAID on their homepage slider, but neither appears on the ingredient list for the supplement itself.

Usage Guidelines

This new LifeAID product is the perfect supplement to help you focus when you need it, keep your mind in flow, & help you recover from an intense day at work or school… Unlike energy drinks that are filled with artificial flavors & sweeteners, taurine, tons of sugar & added caffeine.

What Our Testers Say

“I’m actually a little more familiar with this company than I might want to admit (it has to do with EDM festivals and PartyAID, that’s all I’m saying). I’ve liked their products in the past, but I’ve never thought of them as more than lower-calorie sodas. FocusAID was pleasant tasting (when cold) and gave me a little kick at first sip, I think because I was getting some sublingual absorption of the caffeine. The actual nootropic effect is pretty mild, maybe noticeable just a little bit after lunch.”

“The drink didn’t taste as sweet as I expected, and it was really convenient and a nice break from coffee. I tried it in the morning as my day’s primary nootropic stack, and I didn’t get as much out of it as my other go-tos. However, I enjoyed drinking it with lunch or right after as an alternative to coffee. It might also not be a bad option for later in the evening, when you want a little boost while staying under 100 mg of caffeine.”

“Look, this didn’t give me a crazy boost. It’s not a high-potency nootropic stack. But I liked it better than soda or the Diet Coke I’ll grab from the commissary during the afternoon. It’ll never be my primary nootropic supplement, but when I started to think of it like a drinkable booster shot to extend focus during a long day, I started to like FocusAID a little more.”

“I made the mistake of bringing a can to work and then letting it sit at my desk until it got warm. Let’s just say that first sip was…warm. But cold, it tastes pretty good, like something I’d want to drink after or during a workout. I felt a slight boost in focus and concentration, but overall that was pretty mild. I think I see this as a replacement for soda, not my favorite nootropic supplements.”

But How Does It Taste?

FocusAID’s manufacturer describes the drink as having a “Light Lemon Tea Flavor.” Our testers who have tried their products before, FitAID, PartyAID, etc., felt FocusAID was slightly less sweet and had less of a heavy agave flavor than the other varieties. We didn’t think it tasted much like tea, though there are definitely tones of citrus.

Wesley described his first taste as “sort of like the chewable Flintstones vitamins I had as a kid, but in drinkable form” (note that he didn’t say this in a negative light). We would recommend drinking it very cold, as the drinking experience was not pleasant when having FocusAID at room temperature. If you’re serving it on ice, give the drink a second to sit to evenly chill.

BrainWiz Tips

• FocusAID contains 55 mg of caffeine. However, when combined with some of the other ingredients and 9 grams of sugar in FocusAID, it can feel like significantly more. Drink accordingly.
• Serve COLD for a tasty experience, this beverage did not taste good at room temperature.
• We don’t know the exact breakdown of FocusAID’s “proprietary blend” of nootropics, but at 905 mg spread across seven ingredients, we didn’t feel like there was an overabundance of any one. As such, we had some success stacking this with other nootropics, or drinking FocusAID with or after lunch for an additional afternoon boost.
• Cut with cold water if you have a lower tolerance for sweets or carbonation.

Supplement Summary

Our testers felt FocusAID was a refreshing beverage that could give them a slight focus boost, and that it was best when taken in the afternoon; as a morning nootropic supplement, most felt it was pretty mild. They enjoyed it when served ice cold, and it could be a lower-calorie replacement for sodas with the added benefit of some tried-and-true nootropic ingredients in small amounts.

If you enjoy LiveAID company’s other products, you’ll probably enjoy their take on drinkable nootropics.

The post Focus in a Can? Reviewing FocusAID by LifeAID Beverages appeared first on Brain Wiz.

(Interested in learning more about Driven Performance Labs products? Check out our review of their Max Capacity workout supplement and nootropic here.)

We sat down with DPL President Jason Phillips to talk about where his company is headed, the approach they take, and why fitness professionals need to pay special attention to the world of nootropics.

1. Driven Performance Labs is more than a supplement company. Tell us about what all you guys do and how that influences the products you develop.

DPL is more than a supplement company, it’s truly a lifestyle brand. In addition to supplements, we COACH individuals on their nutrition. I emphasize the word coach, as I truly feel we are the only one’s in the industry that work closely enough with our clients to GUARANTEE results. All of our clients are remote, but have full access to us 24/7 via text and email, its an unprecedented level of access.

As a company we consult with nearly 1000 individuals, and are able to begin recognizing trends in the industry, and gaps in the products available to our clients. This obviously shows us a need, which we subsequently fill with QUALITY formulas. Max Adrenal and Max Capacity are great examples of this.

2. How did you get involved in the nutritional space? How’d you get involved with Driven Performance Labs?

I have been consulting with people for 11 years now.  To make a long story short, I overcame an eating disorder and have done everything in my power to pay it forward and properly educate the world on proper nutrition.

As for DPL its pretty simple, I saw a need, and took action  As mentioned above, I take the results of my clients very seriously, so if that means building my own supplements then I’m ok with that.  It just so happened that A LOT of people really liked them

3. You guy just went through a pretty big rebrand. Why now?

The name Dynamic is one that my business partner has had for a long time. It was originally the name that he used as a parent company for his consulting, and was never meant to be the parent name of a large supplement company.  As we began seeing rapid growth, we knew we needed something that truly represented who we are and what we are about:

DRIVEN – the one word that truly describes who we are as people
PERFORMANCE – what we fuel
LABS – in science, results are created in the lab

4. A lot of companies will release a boatload of supplements in various versions all at once. Your product releases have been more gradual, and your catalog is still pretty narrow. Do you think you approach research and development different than other supplement companies? If so, how?

Plain and simple, I never want to be a “me too” brand. Our products are strategically designed to truly fill a gap, or meet the needs of an individual. Let’s also be honest: As a start up I don’t have the purchasing power to make a HIGH QUALITY protein without charging a fortune. I’ll let the big guys play that game, and I’ll continue to completely change the game.

5. Your target market has so far been CrossFitters and strength athletes. Do you see that changing? Why that focus?

I’m not sure this was ever the intent, but it sure has played out this way. As a savvy person, I would be crazy to say that I ever want to limit myself to one niche, but as a fan of CrossFit and someone that actively CrossFits several times weekly I have to continue to support it. The products that are currently in formulation are a bit more diverse, but will absolutely have an application in both the mixed modal and strength arenas.

6. What can athletes get out of nootropics that others can’t?

I’m not sure they truly get anything more, but they may use it more. Nootropics (or any CNS related product) will always help athletes that need to perform at a high level. CNS [Central Nervous System] recovery is the most overlooked part of nutrition, training, and supplementation, so when used properly, these products are game changing.

7. What’s next for Driven Performance Labs? Any new supplements in the pipeline?

Thats the million dollar question, isn’t it? While I won’t divulge too much information, I will say that our next product will revolutionize both the number of carbs an athlete can take in, and how they utilize them. Carbs are ESSENTIAL to performance and recovery, so this product will be game changing!

Interested in Driven Performance Labs products? Use our exclusive Driven Performance Labs Coupon listed here.

The post The Athlete’s Brain: Interviewing Jason Phillips of Driven Performance Labs appeared first on Brain Wiz.