Acetyl L-Carnitine – Brain Wiz https://brainwiz.org Level-up your mind! Sat, 02 Sep 2017 23:00:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 A Mild Nootropic to Fight Anxiety? Reviewing Neuro Clarity by Nutrition Essentials https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/neuro-clarity-nutrition-essentials/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/neuro-clarity-nutrition-essentials/#respond Sat, 19 Dec 2015 00:09:35 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=719 Neuro Clarity (click for best price) by Nutrition Essentials is a bestseller on Amazon when it comes to St. John’s Wort Herbal Supplements, an ingredient we’ve really only seen highlighted in one other nootropic stack, and in very small quantities. Read on to find out how a stack with this herbal primary ingredient fares as a […]

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Neuro Clarity (click for best price) by Nutrition Essentials is a bestseller on Amazon when it comes to St. John’s Wort Herbal Supplements, an ingredient we’ve really only seen highlighted in one other nootropic stack, and in very small quantities. Read on to find out how a stack with this herbal primary ingredient fares as a nootropic.

Neuro Clarity Nutrition Label and Ingredients

Neuro Clarity Nutrition Label and Ingredients

The Ingredients

  • St. John’s Wort (as 3% extract) – 250 mg
    • St. John’s Wort has been used to treat depression and other mood disorders, and as a neuroprotective agent.
  • Glutamine (as L-glutamine hydrochloride) – 150 mg
    • This is one of the body’s most abundant amino acids, and we normally see glutamine supplementation for bodybuilders and athletes. It’s been linked to increased muscular endurance, especially in vegetarians or people with low-protein diets.
  • Phosphatidylserine Complex – 125 mg
    • Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid required to maintain healthy nerve cell membranes. It supports cognitive function and the ability to learn and recall new information.
  • Bacopa Monnieri (20% bacosides) – 100 mg
    • Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, those taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects, and reduced stress and cortisol levels. This is a relatively low concentration and low dosage, compared to other supplements we have tested.
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine – 50 mg
    • This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since this supplement does not contain any choline, we suggest that you increase your intake of choline-containing foods, such as eggs, in case the body is deficient in either compound.
  • DMAE Bitartrate – 50 mg
    • DMAE Bitrate, or Deanol,  is a chemical used to treat ADHD, improve memory and boost cognitive function. Deanol is essential to the production of choline, one of the building blocks of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for a number of nervous system activities, including signaling the heart to keep beating.
  • Ginkgo Biloba (as 24% extract) – 50 mg
    • Ginkgo has been used for thousands of years to promote memory in Chinese medicine. More recently, clinical studies and research reviews have pointed to its efficacy in fighting dementia and neural decline.
  • Vinpocetine – 2 mg
    • Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, and known to increase cerebral blood flow. Doctors in Hungary have been prescribing this compound to treat cerebrovascular disorders for decades.
  • Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, and Dicalcium Phosphate.

Usage Guidelines

Serving Size: 1 capsule

Neuro Clarity Review

What Our Testers Say

“I took this during a high-stress week at my job. Since there were no real directions on the bottle, I just took it in the mornings, along with my coffee. I felt like it evened me out a bit, as far as anxiety and stress and anxiety go, but I’m not sure it had any effect on my cognition.”

“While I didn’t really feel any sharper or more focused while on Neuro Clarity, I did feel like it helped me deal with day-to-day anxiety. I will keep this around to help me deal with craziness at work.”

“I tried this out for a couple of weeks, usually taking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I still had my usual trouble with a little brain fog in the morning, but I did notice that situations that usually stressed me out at work, were a little easier to handle while on Neuro Clarity.”

“This is one of those supplements that are a tad too mild for me, but I can see it maybe being good for folks who are sensitive to caffeine, or prone to anxiety.”

Neuro Clarity
3.4 / 5 Score
Pros
  • Stimulant free
  • Straightforward stack
  • Cons
  • No choline source
  • Summary
    Neuro Clarity is an entry-level, straightforward stack, but we wish it included a high-quality choline source.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Our testers all experienced mild effects with no jitters. This could be a good start if you’re new to the world of nootropics and want to explore brain enhancers gradually.
    • This supplement seems to pair well with coffee and other food/drink sources of caffeine (our testers didn’t try it with other caffeine-containing nootropics, which could potentially cause jitteriness).
    • Take with choline-containing foods, like eggs and meat, to take advantage of the choline-friendly ingredients in this stack.
    • St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a number of medications and, as with any supplement, it is a good idea to check with your doctor or medical practitioner before use.

    Supplement Summary

    While not the strongest supplement out there, Neuro Clarity may be a solid option for those looking for a caffeine-free, entry level stack. Our testers all experienced a sense of well-being while taking the supplement, but little observational cognitive boost.

    Neuro Clarity was mildly effective for some of our testers dealing with high-stress and high-anxiety situations.

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    The Ideal Stimulant-Free Stack? Reviewing CogniYouth https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/cogniyouth/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/cogniyouth/#respond Mon, 23 Nov 2015 02:46:22 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=521 The majority of the nootropics we review have some overlap in ingredients, and the differences often lie in synergistic (or for the ones that don’t seem to work, seemingly random) combinations, precise dosages, and delivery mechanisms. When we first heard about CogniYouth, we tried to guess some of the ingredients before looking at the label, […]

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    The majority of the nootropics we review have some overlap in ingredients, and the differences often lie in synergistic (or for the ones that don’t seem to work, seemingly random) combinations, precise dosages, and delivery mechanisms. When we first heard about CogniYouth, we tried to guess some of the ingredients before looking at the label, based solely off the manufacturer’s claims.

    Suffice it to say, we were surprised. What surprised us most about CogniYouth is what it opted to leave out, namely stimulatory ingredients such as caffeine and guarana. What it does have is a list of ten of the most trusted natural nootropic ingredients in dosages around where we like to see each fall.

    Another thing that stood out? The doctor-approved certificate right on their site, along with the name and opinion of an actual M.D. (click on the button in the bottom right). CogniYouth calls itself the “ultimate brain vitamin,” and with seemingly quality ingredients prioritized over the quick buzz of stimulants and “proprietary blends,” we were excited to see if it worked. Read below to see our take.

    CogniYouth Label

    CogniYouth Label

    The Ingredients

    Vitamin B6, 5 mg and Vitamin B12, 20 mcg

    Two important B vitamin complexes linked to reduced fatigue and mental performance. Some of the most common nootropic ingredients we see that work synergistically in brain boosting blends.

    Bacopa monnieri extract, 300 mg

    Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, subjects taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects and reduced both stress and cortisol levels.

    Choline Bitartrate, 200 mg

    Choline-Bitartrate is a vitamin-like chemical thought to help enhance levels of acetylcholine. Choline is an essential nutrient vital for brain function.

    Rhodiola rosea (standardized to 3% Rosavins), 200 mg

    While there’s some evidence that Rhodiola Rosea can combat the effects of physical stress, it’s best known and well-researched to fight fatigue from mental challenges and tasks. Basically, evidence suggests this herb helps us better manage stress, and it also combats fatigue we might feel from mentally (and potentially physically) grueling tasks. Some early research also indicates Rhodiola could improve overall longevity and brain help in mammals.

    Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL, 200 mg

    This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Having both in the same supplement is a good hedge in case the body is deficient in either compound.

    Ginkgo Biloba, 120 mg

    Ginkgo has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote memory. More recently, clinical studies and research reviews have pointed to its efficacy in fighting dementia and neural decline.

    Soybean extract (phosphatidylserine), 100 mg

    Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid required to maintain healthy nerve cell membranes. It supports cognitive function and the ability to learn and recall new information.

    DMAE Bitartrate, 50 mg

    Also known as Deanol, DMAE is a chemical used to improve memory and boost brain function.  It’s especially important in the production of choline (see Choline-Bitartrate, below), one of the building blocks of acetylcholine, vital for nervous system function.

    Huperzine A, 50 mcg

    Huperzine A is a compound usually derived from Chinese club moss that has been used to improve cognitive performance in patients with declining mental health.

    Other ingredients: Gelatin, rice flour, silica, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.

    Usage Guidelines

    We recommend taking 2 capsules in the morning with food, daily. CogniYouth was carefully designed as a daily “Brain Vitamin” with the intention of aiding in overall brain health, memory, concentration, energy and well-being while battling the effects of age-related cognitive decline.

    CogniYouth will be effective and safe to take continuously provided you stick to recommended dosages. If you are on prescribed medication, consult with your doctor or prescribing health care practitioner about taking CogniYouth while on medication.

    CogniYouth
    3.7 / 5 Score
    Pros
  • Stimulant free
  • Adaptogenic blend
  • Beginner friendly
  • Broad stack
  • Cons
  • Not quick energy
  • Summary
    For our reviewers, CogniYouth is a beginner-friendly stack filled with stress-fighting adaptogens, though it lacks stimulants, caffeine, or ingredients that gave us a "quick" energy boost. For some folks, that's preferable.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    What Our Testers Say

    “I’m a fan of Rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen [fights the physical effects of stress], and I was glad to see it paired with ingredients that compliment its properties. CogniYouth doesn’t have caffeine or stimulants, though I did experience a bit of an energy boost from the B vitamins, and the adaptogens on the ingredient list were helpful in fighting off mid-day fatigue (I fall victim to the 2pm lull pretty easily). This isn’t a turbo-charged nootropic stack, and it won’t turn you into the guy from Limitless, but for something touted as a ”˜brain vitamin,’ I could definitely see myself taking it most mornings.”

    “CogniYouth wasn’t super fast acting, and the manufacturer suggests its impact builds over time. I didn’t feel a crazy boost, but it was at least on par with what I normally feel taking Rhodiola or bacopa on their own or in combo. If I’m approaching a tight deadline and need to supercharge my mind, it wouldn’t be what I reached for. But that’s not really the point, and it may be a solid entry point for people looking to try out a nootropic.”

    “I really appreciated that this didn’t have caffeine in it, as I’ve been trying to carefully watch my intake of stimulants, I think a lot of people ignore how powerful even caffeine can be. So I was pleased to see some of my favorite ingredients in a caffeine-free stack, which is something we’ve been hoping for from some other companies for awhile.”

    “The focus I felt from CogniYouth was mild. But I don’t think it’s right to treat this like some of the other nootropic stacks we’ve tested, it’s meant more for brain health and effects that build over time, not the fast-metabolizing energy I like from some other stacks.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Take with food in the morning to optimize supplement digestion and minimize the risk of an upset stomach.
    • CogniYouth is caffeine free, though several of our testers enjoyed taking it with coffee in the morning.

    Supplement Summary

    CogniYouth didn’t blow us away with a rapid burst of energy or a proprietary ingredient stack. But its effects were consistent, and it may just be the stimulant-free stack a few of our testers have been looking for.

    If you’re new to nootropics or want to reduce your use of caffeine, this is one of our current top choices with ingredients we come back to time and time again.

    The post The Ideal Stimulant-Free Stack? Reviewing CogniYouth appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    CILTEP Review — This Natural Stacks Product Works https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/ciltep-natural-stacks/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/ciltep-natural-stacks/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:51:20 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=273 We’ll get straight to the point: CILTEP is one of the most talked-about and hyped nootropic stacks in recent memory. Author Tim Ferriss, Bulletproof founder Dave Asprey, and other influential productivity gurus and writers have talked about the stack at length. Developed by biohacker Abelard Lindsay, CILTEP stands for “Chemically Induced Long-Term Potentiation” and was a […]

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    We’ll get straight to the point: CILTEP is one of the most talked-about and hyped nootropic stacks in recent memory. Author Tim Ferriss, Bulletproof founder Dave Asprey, and other influential productivity gurus and writers have talked about the stack at length. Developed by biohacker Abelard Lindsay, CILTEP stands for “Chemically Induced Long-Term Potentiation” and was a pet project and personal stack of Lindsay’s before being produced as an all-in-one pill by Natural Stacks.

    View Best CILTEP Price

    Somewhat unique among nootropics, CILTEP operates by increasing long-term potentiation (LTP) within the brain; LTP is a consistent strengthening of synapses within the brain. It’s thought that memory formation and synaptic strength are heavily connected, and by inducing long-term potentiation, the makers of CILTEP claim its ingredients can boost memory, focus, and cognition.

    But how exactly do these ingredients work differently than other nootropic stacks, and (more importantly), does the theory translate into real-life effectiveness? Read below to see how our experience with CILTEP by Natural Stacks really went.

    CILTEP by Natural Stacks Label

    CILTEP by Natural Stacks Label & Ingredients

    The Ingredients

    • Artichoke Extract (cynara scolymus)(leaf)(5% total caffeoylquinic acids) – 900 mg
      • While artichoke extract has been tentatively linked to numerous health benefits, mostly in the realm of digestion and blood lipid content, Natural Stacks uses the compound as a natural source of PDE4 inhibitor Luteolin. (It’s worth noting that other PDE4 inhibitors tend to have significant lists of side effects, while artichoke extract is linked to far fewer.) These inhibitors increase the levels of cAMP in the brain, which has been linked to improved cognition, long-term memory, and wakefulness. More research is needed to really determine if these compounds as derived from artichoke leaves are as effective as the manufacturer claims in inhibiting PDE4. However, some critics have pointed out that orally ingested luteolin may be broken down into its components before it can actually be absorbed and used by the brain as a PDE4 inhibitor.
    • Coleus Forskohlii (root) extract (standardized for 20% forskolin – 4 mg) – 20 mg
      • An herbal supplement with a long history of use in Aryuvedic medicine, forskhohlii is the natural compound most closely tied with increased cAMP levels within cells. This is the second mechanism through which CILTEP claims to induce long-term potentiation.
    • Vitamin B6 – 5 mg
      • Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble essential vitamin, involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Studies show that when taken in conjunction with Magnesium, B6 improved school attention in children diagnosed with ADHD. Along with phenylalanine (below), vitamin B6 is included in this stack because increase cAMP levels also increase dopamine synthesis. B6 and phenylalanine give the body a greater supply of dopamine’s building blocks to help compensate for the compound’s increased synthesis.
    • L-Phenylalanine – 500 mg
      • L-Phenylanine is an amino acid that promotes general brain function and reduces the effects of age-related memory decline. This is the highest concentration of the compound we’ve seen in a supplement to date. Some potential side effects of L-phenylalanine supplementation include headaches and jitters. Those with Parkinson’s and schizophrenia can develop other negative symptoms when taking phenylalanine.
    • Acetyl-L-Carnitine – 750 mg
    • Other Ingredients: Vegetable capsule, cellulose, vegetable stearate, silica.

    Usage Guidelines

    • For optimal mental performance, take a serving of 2-3 capsules immediately upon waking on an empty stomach. Do not take more than 3 capsules per day.
    • Do not consume nicotine or prescription stimulants with CILTEP. Do not use if pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18. Consult with a healthcare professional before taking this or any nutritional supplement if you have or suspect a medical condition, are taking an medications, or other non-Natural Stacks dietary supplements.
    • Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine.

    What Our Testers Say

    “Recently, we’ve tried a good number of supplements that gave me a pronounced energy boost (often in addition to better focus and mental clarity). CILTEP didn’t give me an energy boost in the slightest, but it did stop my morning brain fog in its tracks. That’s something I’ve been struggling with lately, and CILTEP stopped that lethargic, heavy-headed sensation better than anything else I’ve tried thus far.”

    “Natural Stacks mentions that CILTEP can boost motivation, but I didn’t feel any new sensation or drive when taking the supplement. If anything, it gave me a mild focus boost, but nothing major.”

    “I’m not sure if I really felt much from CILTEP. We’ve tried a good number of other supplements with more pronounced effects. I’ll probably stick to those.”

    “CILTEP gave me mental focus and clarity, not the most I’ve ever felt from a supplement, but certainly something. And it lasted throughout the workday and into the evening even when I took it first thing in the morning, which makes it one of the longer-lasting nootropics I’ve ever tried.”

    My Personal CILTEP Experience

    While we like to get a diverse set of opinions on nootropics by sharing them with the Brain Wiz testers, I also like to spend at least a week testing each nootropic. In the case of this CILTEP review, I spent two weeks reviewing it. Why? This little smart drug has gotten a lot of people talking.

    Ever since hearing rave reviews from Tim Ferriss about how CILTEP rivals Modafinil in its brain boosting power, I knew it had potential. However, I didn’t realize how strong of a nootropic it truly is until the end of the 14 days…

    Day One

    As with all nootropics, I like to ease my way into them. I usually never take the whole recommended dose because of bad experiences from shady “brain pills” that were really just loaded with a proprietary blend of tons of caffeine.

    I started the first day of my CILTEP experience with half a dose in the morning. As expected, I didn’t really feel much. In fact, it was a bit of a let down. As the afternoon rolled around, I started to wonder if I had done something wrong. I thought it could have been possible that my body didn’t absorb it correctly because I had a very early morning (but small) breakfast about 30 minutes prior to taking the half dose.

    Nonetheless, I decided to continue the review the next day.

    Day Two

    This is when things started to get interesting. In the morning, I decided to skip breakfast and take a full dose of CILTEP upon waking with a full glass of water.

    About 30 minutes later it started to kick in. To give the best analogy I can, it was as if someone dialed in my brain so that the noise and distractions were almost completely gone. With a lot of other nootropics, I usually find myself in a focused state but my focus can sometimes bounce around. That’s not to say I get distracted but I tend to go back and forth from project to project (as I usually like to work, even without nootropics). On CILTEP there was no bouncing around. I was fully engrossed in what I was doing, 100% of the time.

    Day Five

    Working in a field that is both creative and technical at the same time, I need to be able to switch my “left brain” to my “right brain” at a moments notice (e.g. from writing to coding). This can sometimes cause stagnation during the workday in the form of writers block or procrastination. However, near the end of week one while taking CILTEP I started to learn that it seemed to open the roads between my left and right brain a bit more. This allowed me to go from a creative project to a more technical one in seconds. I also felt much more creative while taking it. This isn’t to say that it made me more creative but I think it helped my brain form creative connections a lot easier. One idea would lead to another, which would help me form fully thought out plans at a much quicker pace.

    Skipping Ahead: Day Eight

    There are no free lunches. This is a popular phrase I often hear in the world of nootropics. It refers to the fact that you can’t benefit from a supplement without giving something back in return. In many nootropics this is usually in the form of a crash near the end of the day, feeling tired or mentally exhausted after the supplement wears off.

    With CILTEP, the only negative effect I felt was waking up feeling fatigued. It would be as if my brain performed a hard workout the day before and was still recovering. I felt normal after breakfast, drinking a lot of water, and getting a run in.

    The Final Week

    Surprisingly I didn’t build up much of a tolerance over the two weeks of taking CILTEP. I only started to see minor negative effects after taking it for over a seven days in a row.

    I would say that the positive effects of CILTEP vastly outweigh any negatives that I felt. Because of this, I am starting to keep this bottle on my office desk for those occasions when I really need it.

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Our testers felt the positive effects of CILTEP with a dosage of 2 pills; increasing consumption the 3 did not increase its perceived effects. There’s a good chance 2 will be plenty, though individual tolerances and reactions will vary.
    • Our testers didn’t experience any excess fatigue when taking CILTEP, though its mechanism for long-term potentiation can increase the brain’s use of dopamine. Additional ingredients in the Natural Stacks formulation are designed to help offset this increased rate of synthesis, but there’s still a chance fatigue could occur with use.
    • As always, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider when starting a new supplement regimen. Ingredients in CILTEP may exacerbate certain medical conditions or affect the potency of some prescription medications. Do not take if you have a condition that could be affected by phenylalanine consumption.
    • CILTEP can increase the potency of stimulants (including caffeine), so use caution when stacking. The manufacturer, Natural Stacks, recommends using with Smart Caffeine (carefully) for an additional boost. We’ll try both together and report back on our experience.

    Supplement Summary

    The science behind CILTEP is based on complex chemical interactions and ingredients that still have a long way to go as far as research-backed effectiveness; it’s possible CILTEP’s long-term potentiation mechanism isn’t actually occurring at a significant level. That’s not to say it doesn’t have any nootropic effect, but our testers were very much divided on whether or not worked for them. Of all the nootropics stacks we’ve tried to date, CILTEP varied the most from individual to individual.

    Chad was enthusiastic that CILTEP reduced his morning brain fog, but other users online have occasionally reported fatigue when taking the recommended dosage. In our eyes, CILTEP remains a somewhat controversial stack and is probably not suited well to beginners in the world of nootropics but could be a game changer for those who want the power of a Modafinil-type nootropic without getting a prescription.

    The post CILTEP Review — This Natural Stacks Product Works appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    Bulletproof Coffee’s Effect In A Pill? Reviewing Brain Awake By Irwin Naturals https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/brain-awake-irwin-naturals/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/brain-awake-irwin-naturals/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2015 03:33:42 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=249 Next up for review is another brain-boosting supplement from Irwin Naturals, in this case their Brain Awake supplement (click for best price). It has a significantly different ingredient profile than Ginkgo Smart, another Irwin Naturals product we reviewed recently. Most interesting is the addition of MCT oil in place of fish oil. MCT/medium chain triglyceride oil […]

    The post Bulletproof Coffee’s Effect In A Pill? Reviewing Brain Awake By Irwin Naturals appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    Next up for review is another brain-boosting supplement from Irwin Naturals, in this case their Brain Awake supplement (click for best price). It has a significantly different ingredient profile than Ginkgo Smart, another Irwin Naturals product we reviewed recently. Most interesting is the addition of MCT oil in place of fish oil.

    MCT/medium chain triglyceride oil has come to prominence in recent years largely because of the exploding popularity of Bulletproof Coffee, and the sustained energy many users claims it gives them. Brain Awake also contains caffeine, and we wondered if the ingredient list would give a Bulletproof Coffee-like experience. We had our testers try Brain Awake to see if it gave a similar boost. Read below to see what we found out.

    Brain Awake By Irwin Naturals Label

    Brain Awake By Irwin Naturals Label & Ingredients

    The Ingredients

    • Vitamin B6 – 10 mg
      • Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble essential vitamin, involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Studies show that when taken in conjunction with Magnesium, B6 improved school attention in children diagnosed with ADHD.
    • Vitamin B12 – 500 mcg
      • An essential vitamin B nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development.
    • Folate (as Quatrefolic) – 200 mcg
      • Another B vitamin linked to brain health and function.
    • MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil – 1000 mg
      • Medium chain triglycerides, normally in the form of refined coconut oils, have become very popular in recent years for numerous health benefits. They’re a primary ingredient in Bulletproof Coffee, and Bulletproof/Upgraded self claims they provide sustained energy to the brain without the crash of stimulants. Research indicates MCT oil creates more ketone bodies when metabolized than most other fats, and these ketone bodies can be quickly utilized by the brain for energy. Their consumption in place of other calories sources has also been linked to increase fat loss.
    • Acetyl-L-Carnitine – 500 mg
      • This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Having both in the same supplement is a good hedge in case the body is deficient in either compound.
    • Bacopa extract (50% bacosides)(whole plant) – 300 mg
      • Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, subjects taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects and reduced both stress and cortisol levels. This is actually the highest concentration of bacosides in the extract we’ve seen in a nootropic product.
    • Holy Basil extract (2% ursolic acid) (leaf) – 200 mg
      • A noted adaptogen, Holy Basil extract helps reduce the negative effects of stress. Ursolic acid is one of several active compounds in Holy Basil, with others including ocimarin and the ocimumosides, two substances linked to adaptogenic effects. Note: In high dosages, research indicated ursolic acid may actually be an anti-fertility agent and could reduce reproductive capability in the short term. We’ve had good experience with adaptogens before, but wonder if it would have been a good idea to leave this one out given its potential side effects. We didn’t formulate this supplement, but generally our testers prefer adaptogens like Rhodiola rosea.
    • AlphaWave L-Theanine – 100 mg
    • InnovaTea Natural tea Extract (standardized to 95% caffeine) – 52 mg
    • Lemon Balm Extract – 30 mg
      • Also referred to as Melissa officinalis, lemon balm extract is linked to inducing calmness and boosting cognition, especially in stressful situations.
    • Rosemary extract (3% rosmarinic acid) – 6 mg
      • The active compound in rosemary is Rosmarinic acid, a noted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
    • Bioperine Complex – 6 mg
      • BioPerine is a common ingredient in Irwin Naturals products, as well as products from other general supplement manufacturers. Research suggests BioPerine/black pepper extract in the form of piperine helps the body more efficiently absorb a variety of nutrients through the digestive tract. If effective, it’s a good compliment to this supplement’s stack of nootropic ingredients.
    • Other Ingredients: Flaxseed oil, gelatin, purified water, glycerin, beeswax, soy lecithin, St. John’s bread, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide.
    Brain Awake
    2 / 5 Score
    Pros
  • MCT oil in easy form
  • Cons
  • Potential nausea
  • Potential side effects
  • Not good over time
  • Summary
    Brain Awake is one of those supplements several of our testers enjoyed at first, but now a lot less after some time. It's caused nausea in more than one of our testers, and several pills have exploded in the container after a few weeks, creating a bad-smelling mess. For us, this supplement is less and less appealing over time.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    Usage Guidelines

    Take three liquid soft-gels daily with a meal and a full glass of water. If caffeine keeps you up at night, do not take this product in the evening since it contains natural caffeine. Do not use if you may become pregnant, are pregnant or nursing. State of California Prop 65: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

    What Our Testers Say

    “I think the MCT oil gave me a physical boost as well as a mental boost, maybe even more of a physical kick. I felt the energy, but I think it was a shade less than I’ve had when drinking coffee with grassfed butter and MCT oil in the morning.”

    “I cycle off and on Bulletproof Coffee, and I was hoping this would give me a similar kick. It did, but in a milder form. Also, one of the capsules must have popped during shipping, because when I opened my bottle everything was covered in a slimy brown film, and it made it difficult to swallow the pills. I’ll probably stick to Bulletproof Coffee if I want sustained energy for a long day or need to go longer than normal between meals.”

    “This one caused some nausea for me (I usually take my supplements in the morning on an empty stomach and eat once I get to work). I wasn’t expecting this; I normally have an iron stomach. It gave me more energy throughout the day, but it’s a serving I’d have to time better in the future and plan my morning around.”

    “I enjoyed the energy from this supplement, paired with a light breakfast, I felt like I could go until the late afternoon without needing a significant food break. I felt clear headed throughout that time, though I don’t think I was tons more productive than normal.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Take with a full glass of water and/or meal to avoid any stomach cramps; this is often true of MCT or fish oil-containing supplements.
    • People have varying sensitivity to MCT oil; if you’ve never tried it before, it might be best to start with a smaller dosage to gauge your digestive system’s response.
    • As with any supplement regime, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes. This supplement contains an ingredient that’s been associated with reduced sperm fertility in males.

    Supplement Summary

    Brain Awake did have a similar effect to Bulletproof Coffee, but it wasn’t quite as pronounced, and the focus our testers felt wasn’t nearly as sharp as other supplements in recent memory. We’d suggest gauging your tolerance for MCT oil carefully from the start to avoid digestive issues. The inclusion of Holy Basil extract as the adaptogen of choice also has us scratching our heads a little bit, as there are similarly effective choices in existence without the same potential side effects.

    If you like the effects of Bulletproof Coffee but aren’t a coffee drinker, Brain Awake is a zero-prep-required substitute. Overall, our testers reached for other supplements after their trial of Brain Awake was over.

    The post Bulletproof Coffee’s Effect In A Pill? Reviewing Brain Awake By Irwin Naturals appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    Lumonol Review: The Remarkable Power of Noopept By Avanse Nutraceuticals https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/noopept-lumonol-avanse-nutraceuticals/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/noopept-lumonol-avanse-nutraceuticals/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2015 10:30:02 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=125 In the world of nootropics, it’s easy to find products with big marketing and a lack of information available to back it up. What’s in the supplement, and how will it affect my performance, focus, and memory? These are all areas we work hard to get to the bottom of when we test out a […]

    The post Lumonol Review: The Remarkable Power of Noopept By Avanse Nutraceuticals appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    In the world of nootropics, it’s easy to find products with big marketing and a lack of information available to back it up. What’s in the supplement, and how will it affect my performance, focus, and memory? These are all areas we work hard to get to the bottom of when we test out a new supplement. When we set out to review Lumonol, we didn’t have any trouble finding information from the company behind it.

    View Best Lumonol Price

    Developed and manufactured in the United States by Avanse Nutraceuticals, Lumonol’s site provides a great deal of content on its ingredients and effectiveness, along with a 90 day money back guarantee. We set out to find out if the information and transparency on their site matched up with a quality product. Read below for our full Lumonol review.

    Lumonol Ingredients

    The Ingredients

    Lumonol’s ingredients are grouped into blends focusing on three main goals: Focus, Energy, and Memory.

    • Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) – 250mcg
      • An essential vitamin B nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development. The particular form of B12 contained in Lumonol is a form most often used to reduce brain fog and promote mental energy due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
    • Memory Blend – 170mg
      • There are no listed amounts for each individual component of the proprietary blend, but the ingredients are below.
    • Alpha GPC
      • Choline is a vital compound in neurotransmission, and research suggests many Americans don’t get enough from their regular diets (in fact, choline-based nootropics are increasingly common, and some of our testers have experienced enhanced memory and focus simply from supplementing choline). It’s a common ingredient in many nootropic stacks, and we’re not surprised Avanse included it in Lumonol. Alpha GPC is one of the most bioavailable forms of choline and among the best compounds at increasing brain concentration of choline after ingestion, we generally think of it as the highest quality form of choline in nootropic supplements.
    • Ginkgo Biloba
      • Ginkgo has been used for thousands of years to promote memory in Chinese medicine. More recently, clinical studies and research reviews have pointed to its efficacy in fighting dementia and neural decline.
    • Focus Blend – 515mg
      • There are no listed amounts for each individual component of the proprietary blend, but the ingredients are below.
    • Noopept
      • This is perhaps Lumonol’s signature ingredient, and it contains 15mg of Noopept. Originally studied for its use in fighting cognitive decline, Noopept is now linked to powerful nootropic effects. Its effect is similar to Piracetam, a long-time preferred ingredient for nootropic/brain supplement pioneers. However, a much lower dosage of Noopept is needed to achieve the same cognitive boost, up to 1000 times less, in fact. Both Noopept and Piracetam have been shown to be well-tolerated by users with a generally low risk of side effects. *As always, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement regime. Noopept metabolizes very quickly, within 25 minutes or less after oral ingestion, and it has a potentially cumulative effect, meaning it gets more effective after repeated use. Our testers felt its effects very quickly after taking Lumonol. Noopept also provides a neuroprotective when supplemented, potentially protecting against oxidative damage/stress and some physical traumas. This class of compounds interacts with choline receptors, and we’re glad to see Lumonol include citicoline in the supplement as well; taking Piracetam or similar compounds without enough choline can in some cases result in a dull headache, though none of our testers experienced this at any point with Lumonol.
    • Acetyl L-Carnitine
      • This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Having both in the same supplement is a good hedge in case the body is deficient in either compound. We’re pleased Lumonol includes both compounds in order to promote acetylcholine levels.
    • L-Tyrosine
      • Avanse claims L-Tyrosine pairs well with many other ingredients in Lumonol’s nootropic stack. There’s good evidence to support that claim, as 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.
    • Phosphatidylserine
      • This is a widely-used nootropic compound that, until the 1990s, was very difficult to synthesize. Clinical testing and trials have linked it to improved cognition, and the compound has also been shown to reduce cortisol (a well-known stress hormone) levels.
    • Energy Blend – 430mg
      • There are no listed amounts for each individual component of the proprietary blend, but the ingredients are below.
    • Guarana
      • Guarana is a climbing Amazonian plant containing almost four times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans. Even in low doses, it can provide more stimulation than caffeine alone due to its concentration of phytonutrients. Guarana pairs especially well with many of the nootropic compounds found in Lumonol, increasing their effectiveness and pronounced effects across the board.
    • Panax Ginseng
      • Like its counterpart ginkgo, ginseng has been used for millennia to improve memory. Ginseng is especially well-tied to memory response time, decreasing the amount of time it takes to recall facts.
    • Hordenine
      • This is a compound we haven’t seen in too many product before, but due to Lumonol’s inclusion of other dopamine-enhancing ingredients (see L-Tyrosine, above), we’re not surprised. Hordenine increases dopamine availability by inhibiting its breakdown (or oxidation) in our bodies. It’s a good complement to L-Tyrosine in this particular supplement, another one of Lumonol’s synergistic interactions.
    • Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

    Lumonol Review

    Usage Guidelines

    From the Avanse packaging and website:

    For mental performance, focus and energy: Start with 2 capsules per day. Lumonol’s effects are cumulative, building over time. With that said, Lumonol does provide an intense boost to motivation within 20 minutes of ingestion. We recommend that if you are new to nootropics that upon receiving your Lumonol order you run a sensitivity test by consuming a single capsule per day for the first few days.

    Serving Size: Upon successful completion of a 1 capsule “tolerance test day”, take 2 capsules per day. You may take Lumonol before eating, or after, and may consume after lunchtime if a productive afternoon is required. Taking Lumonol too close to bedtime may result in a restless night. Lumonol should be supplemented in 90 day cycles, with 15 – 30 days break in between. Lumonol’s effects build with time.

    We had BrainWiz testers take between 1 and 2 capsules per day.

    Brain Wiz Tester Reviews

    “I really like this supplement. I felt sharp and alert during my Lumonol trial. I was a little cautious taking this supplement, since there was no listed amount for the guarana in the Energy Blend portion of the product. I’m quite sensitive to caffeine, and had heard that guarana had over twice the amount of caffeine as coffee. I started with 1 capsule, and there was a definite surge in energy, but it felt controlled and even, lasting about 6 hours.”

    “I loved the clean energy I got from this supplement. I took it an hour before my workout, and I felt like I was able to push as far as I needed to at the gym. There was a definite mental clarity and quickness. I’m interested to see how the cumulative effects of this supplement work. I took two capsules 30 minutes before my workout.”

    “I took this supplement for the first time on a workday filled with back-to-back meetings. I had no trouble remembering information for a number of questions that came up, and felt focused, hours after taking it. I took 2 capsules, along with my morning coffee.”

    “I really like the way this supplement made me feel both physically and mentally. I’m willing to try it for the full 90 days, to see if I get the purported heightened senses and memory boost that comes along with the cumulative effects of Noopept.”

    Lumonol
    4.6 / 5 Score
    Pros
  • Fast acting
  • Potent Energy Boost
  • Extreme focus
  • Memory recall
  • Cons
  • May cause jitters
  • Summary
    Lumonol remains one of the fastest-acting and most potent consumer nootropics we've tested. We experienced quick, sustained energy, clear focus, and sharp memory recall throughout the day when taking it.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    My Personal Lumonol Experience

    Often times it can seem like many of the nootropics on the market today are just the same blends of ingredients under different labels. I started to feel that way until stumbling upon Lumonol.

    When reading the ingredients list for Lumonol, I was surprised. It didn’t have a similar ingredients list to some of the other popular nootropics on the market. Most notably, it contained noopept. I was unfamiliar with using noopept at the time of receiving my first bottle of Lumonol and had only read a few different articles on its effects. While I was intrigued, I was also wary. Many of the stories I heard made noopept seem too good to be true.

    Although I was wary, I kept an open mind and started the first day of my review with half a dose to see how my body reacted. Within the first 15 minutes I felt the effects. My morning brain fog was washed away and replaced with a calm and focused energy. This very well could be the quickest I’ve ever felt a nootropic begin to work.

    Throughout using Lumonol, I noticed a much stronger focus during the day. My energy levels were also kicked up a notch. I believe this was because of the blend of caffeine and noopept which allowed me to focus with an increase in energy.

    The only downside to taking Lumonol was that I accidentally mixed it with 2 cups of coffee a few times. This led to a big increase in energy and a crash later in the day.

    Lumonol proved itself to be one of the best nootropics I’ve ever taken and it has become a regular nootropic I take, when needed.

    What Are Lumonol Side Effects?

    As with any nootropic stack, individual tolerance and experience may vary. Our testers didn’t experience significant side effects from Lumonol beyond enhanced focus and energy, though a few suggested that taking more than the recommended dose may cause jitters if they were to do so (these testers, like Chad, tend to me more sensitive to caffeine).

    Some studies suggest the ingredient Noopept may have a significantly lower instance of side effects than compounds like Piracetam, which we see in many other nootropic stacks. Noopept may also have some neuroprotective effects, helping prevent damage to certain groups of cells in the brain.

    If you’re sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, it may be a good idea to start with less than the recommended dose or only try one capsule of Lumonol within 24 hours to start. It may also be a good idea to avoid taking with other caffeine sources, like coffee, the first couple times you try Lumonol. Discontinue if you feel any negative side effects or impairment.

    Brain Wiz Tips

    • There are certainly some potent ingredients in Lumonol. While our four testers all had positive experiences, a few of our friends who tried it felt some jitteriness shortly after ingestion, even when only taking one capsule. It may be a good idea to try taking it with a meal in order to ease some of the absorption, especially given how quickly Noopept can metabolize.
    • Lumonol contains a robust combination of nootropic ingredients, and thus we wouldn’t recommend stacking it with any additional brain enhancers/nootropics. The ingredients contained therein seem to interact well with each other, but adding in more while on Lumonol could cause some unpredictability in results.
    • As with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use.

    Supplement Summary

    Lumonol surprised us with the both the quality of cognitive enhancement and the speed with which it acts. Noopept leads a high-quality combination of nootropic ingredients with a great deal of synergistic interactions. While the focus and energy boosts were pronounced, in our review of Lumonol, the nootropic stack’s effect on memory recall was what really impressed us. Apart from a few instances of jitteriness, we felt no negative side effects. However, due to the diverse and potent ingredients in the supplement, user experience is likely to vary significantly with Lumonol; start slow, and discontinue use if you feel any negative side effects or impairment.

    The company has also released Lumonol Nova (which contains caffeine and other ingredients) to stack with original Lumonol for a more potent nootropic effect. Lumonol will definitely remain in our nootropic repertoire for the time being.

    The post Lumonol Review: The Remarkable Power of Noopept By Avanse Nutraceuticals appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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