Yet comparing the two based purely on the label is difficult, because both include “proprietary blends” that don’t reveal the exact dosage of everything included. (Read more about proprietary blends and what they really mean a few sections below.)

Overall, our testers liked Neurofuse, and it’s currently one of our top-rated nootropics. We found its effects to be consistent, and the main criticism is that the ideal dosage will vary from person to person, so we recommend starting with just one capsule to assess tolerance. Most of our testers feel increased energy when using Neurofuse, in addition to better productivity and focus, along with a higher tolerance of stress. The amount of caffeine is unlisted, but we found it to feel comparable to a cup or two of regular coffee.

Read our full Neurofuse review here.

Addium, on the other hand, had our testers feeling all sorts of jitters, even with the minimum dosage of one capsule. Instead of prolonged focus and productivity, the days we tested Addium tended to result in energy crashes. We’re not sure of the exact ingredient doses in this stack, but whatever they are, they simply didn’t work that well for us, especially compared to other broad spectrum stacks. If you’re very sensitive to caffeine, this might be one to avoid.

Read our full Addium review here.

Want Something Without a Proprietary Blend?

Many nootropic and brain supplement manufacturers use proprietary blends to protect their exact formulas, meaning the specific dosages of some ingredients aren’t listed on the label. Some of our favorite nootropics, and some of the world’s most popular, do this, including Neurofuse and Alpha BRAIN. While we like both, we understand some people prefer a more transparent option or want to know exactly how much of each ingredient they’re taking.

Nootrobox, which just raised $2 million in venture capital funding, is a company that insists upon listing full ingredient amounts on each label. Currently, the company produces the daily nootropic stack RISE, the caffeine-containing SPRINT, a sleep supplement called YAWN, and “chewable” coffee called GOCUBES. Learn more about Nootrobox and the ethos behind their company and supplements in our interview with Nootrobox co-founder Geoffrey Woo. Nootrobox’s RISE supplement (full RISE review here) is one of our top-rated nootropic stacks that doesn’t contain stimulants like caffeine.

The post Neurofuse Versus Addium: Which Stack Wins? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Get the Exclusive BrainWiz Coupon!

Use promo code brainwiz10 (click for offer) at checkout to get 10% off your complete order from Nootrobox’s website. This coupon code doesn’t have a time cutoff, so it’ll remain valid for as long as we have it listed on this page.

Save Even More with a Subscription

Like Nootrobox’s products, or want to try them for the long-haul? The company offers an additional 10% off if you order their supplements on a monthly subscription basis. Just select that option at checkout. Note: Nootrobox has generally been very responsive when we’ve ordered from them in the past, including cancelling subscriptions if need be.

Learn More About Nootrobox

Trying to figure out if Nootrobox’s nootropics are right for you? Check out our reviews of their supplements below, where we had four testers give their honest opinions on each:

• Nootrobox’s daily stack, RISE
• Nootrobox’s caffeine-based stack, SPRINT
• RISE and SPRINT stacked together
• Look out soon for our review of Nootrobox’s chewable coffee, GO CUBES

Looking for even takes on the most popular brain enhancers? Check out our full guide and comparison for all our nootropic supplement reviews.

The post Nootrobox Coupons appeared first on Brain Wiz.

We sat down with Geoffrey, Nootrobox’s CEO, to talk about the supplement industry, quantifying brain enhancement, and what’s next for the California company.

What was your first exposure to nootropics?

One way I look at the space is the home brew tinkerers and computing clubs of the 70s and a bunch of hobbyist hackers tinkering with hardware. Two or three years ago, I started seeing an analog of that with human hardware, the quantified self movement adjusting inputs and outputs of the human body, essentially treating it as hardware. From that point, it was a super interesting trend.

The reason we started building Nootrobox was because if you look at a lot of the existing vendors, people were either playing with grey market stuff, bulk powders imported from abroad, things that weren’t well studied with randomized control trials in humans. That’s an important distinction to make, randomized control trials with young, healthy, adult volunteers. It’s easy to see effects in therapeutic cases like Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s another standard to see effects in healthy human adults. That transparency and that rigorous approach toward science was something I saw lacking in the space. As a computer engineer, my background was to be skeptical.

And after looking into that, I saw strong bodies of evidence toward certain nootropics. And sometimes you don’t know exactly what’s in proprietary blends. That’s something [BrainWiz] has identified as well, and a stance we’ve taken, you should actually know you’re getting the right potency of active ingredients.

So out of that, we saw an opportunity to do it right and to lead in terms of running our own trials and also building software around it.

You’ve teased in some announcements about Nootrobox software to track performance. Tell us more about that, when will we hear more?

We have an alpha group of people, and hopefully we can unlock some invite codes to your readership soon on this. If you’re not measuring quantitatively, you can’t tell how much of an effect you’re feeling. There’s a broad notion of mood tracking and cognitive states. You can think of it as an analogy to MyFitnessPal, which is used in diet and exercise. Why doesn’t that exist for mental states and mental health? There should be a MyFitnessPal for cognition.

What’s your personal daily stack?

I take RISE daily, and I’ll either switch between SPRINT or GO CUBES as well. GO CUBES are our new chewable coffee product, they’re just coming off the production line and we’re launching them soon. It’s an interesting effect, because you get some sublingual absorption of the actives as soon as you chew them.

So you’re getting an impact on them twice, when you chew and when you digest?

Yep, it’s a different feel than a straight capsule or softgel.

What gaps still exist in the market, and how are you going to address those?

People are getting more and more sophisticated. The supplement industry has been more marketing driven, and that’s one approach to market. Our approach is very much actually producing and running randomized clinical trials and publishing papers. That’s going to be the best way to market moving forward.

We’re running a clinical trial with Maastricht University, and we’re piloting and working on a second clinical trial with an Australian lab. So we’re excited to actually show clinical effects.

In terms of products, we’re very excited about something we’re R&Ding around omega-3 oils and DHA especially. If you think about omega-3 oils, just EPA which is typically associated with heart health, and DHA is more associated with cognitive function and health. So we’re prototyping an omega-3 based product. In terms of other form factors, we’re doing some R&D around sublingual spray products, because it’s a different feel effect than oral digestion, taking something in a capsule. Digestive acid basically makes inert a bunch of potentially interesting compounds. So that’s why we’re playing with sublingual products.

You got a lot of press for raising a large round of funding from big name investors, including Andreessen Horowitz. What’s the main focus of that round?

Research and development, that’s where some of the proceeds are going to running proper clinical trials and product development. Again, the difference is quantifying it. Andreessen Horowitz is a tech venture capital firm, they invest in technology companies. And technology is in our pipeline.

Learn More About Nootrobox

Interested in Nootrobox’s nootropics? Read our reviews of their RISE and SPRINT supplements. And see how we felt after trying Geoffrey’s daily stack of RISE and SPRINT.

The post What’s the Future of Nootropics? A Conversation with Geoffrey Woo of Nootrobox appeared first on Brain Wiz.

EBOOST is a company founded in the mid 2000s around a few different products: fizzy energy powders, coconut water-based energy shots (basically like 5 Hour Energy + coconut water and some extras), a pre-workout called POW!, and a caffeinated greens powder called SPRUCE. Today, we’re reviewing EBOOST’s flagship Energy Powders, which include some familiar nootropics in addition to the electrolytes and vitamins you might expect from such a product.

Read below to see what we thought of EBOOST’s Energy Powder, including our favorite flavors and the best (and worst) time to take them.

Ingredients

We tested several different flavors of EBOOST Energy Powder, including Orange, Acai Pomegranate, and Pink Lemonade. The packets came in several different serving sizes; we’ve based our review and this section off the ingredient list from the 7.1 g packet.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), 1000 mg
• Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol), 1,000 IU
• Niacin, 15 mg
• Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCL), 2 mg
• Folate (as folic acid), 400 mcg
• Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin), 2,500 mcg
• Zinc (as zinc citrate), 15 mg
• Selenium (as sodium selenite), 100 mcg
• Copper (as copper citrate), 2 mg
• Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate), 120 mcg
• Sodium, 45 mg
• Potassium, 570 mg

EBOOST Blend, 540 mg

Glucuronolactone

There’s not a ton of research on glucuronolactone, but we see it quite a bit in energy drinks (including some versions of Red Bull). There’s some basic research suggesting it could be synergistic with resveratrol, another ingredient in EBOOST’s Energy Powder.

Green tea leaf extract (standardized to 110 mg caffeine), Green coffee standardized extract (seed)

Combined, these extracts contain quantities of polyphenols, caffeine, and l-theanine (which are all also present in green tea). L-Theanine is an amino acid that’s common in nootropic and brain health supplements, and it promotes relaxation without being a sedative. Research suggests it also helps the brain deal with stress and can fight stimulant-caused jitters (another reason why it’s commonly paired with caffeine). Often paired with caffeine, l-theanine effects appear complementary as far as enhanced energy, concentration, and focused; it may also increase brain activity and memory.

We often see the caffeine + l-theanine pairing headlining very simple, beginner-friendly stacks like Nootrobox’s SPRINT.

5-HTP

The precursor to neurotransmitter serotonin that may increase brain serotonin in users who ingest it (worth keeping in mind that this isn’t always a positive or negative thing on its own).

Quercetin Dihydrate

This compound is a bioflavonoid that may increase the body’s ability to absorb catechins from green tea and resveratrol; it looks to be synergistic with several other compounds in EBOOST’s Energy Powder.

Resveratrol

A compound (commonly found in wine) that received significant hype in recent years as a “youth compound” that could extend lifespan. That’s a dubious claim, but the compound may still have heart-healthy and significant antioxidant properties for humans.

Huperzia Serrata< Whole Plant Extract (1% Huperzine A)

Huperzine A is an herb-derived chemical that has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may improve cognitive function and memory.

Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract

One of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s fundamental and most well-studied herbs, Astragalus has been shown to benefit the kidneys and is also linked to anti-inflammatory properties. It may be adaptogenic in its effects, protecting against the effects of stress and neural decline.

The majority of human research, though, focuses on astragalus’ properties as they relate to the kidneys, though there’s some promising research suggesting it could improve exercise endurance. It generally has poor oral bioavailability (better via injections) and may interfere with some pharmaceuticals because it inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4. It’s an ingredient we’ve seen before in Onnit’s Shroom TECH Sport blend of adaptogenic and energy-boosting mushrooms.

EBoost Energy Plus Vitamins nutrition label and ingredients

Grape Seed Extract

An extract that contains tannins and procyanidins, which may enhance blood flow. It may act similarly to green tea catechins, which are often touted as “fat burners.”

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, and it’s known to increase cerebral blood flow.

Other ingredients: Stevia leaf extract (150 mg), maltodextrin, malic acid, potassium bicarbonate, citric acid, natural flavors, potassium carbonate, beet color, sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, silica.

Usage Guidelines

• Add 1 packet to 12 fl. oz. of water and allow to effervesce.
• Drink 1 to 2 packets daily.
• Do not exceed recommended intake.
• Recommended for 15 years and older.

What Our Testers Say

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“Full disclosure, I can be sensitive to caffeine. But if I took this without any other caffeine on the day, I really liked EBOOST Energy Powder (depending on the flavor). I didn’t feel jittery, but I think any more caffeine would have gotten me that way. I’m not sure exactly how effective their proprietary blend is as far as nootropics, because they don’t list exact amounts for many. However, I felt sharp and pretty on my game when I took this with lunch a few days last week. I also don’t drink enough water at work, I often just forget, so my guess is the electrolytes and liquid kept me a bit more hydrated and feeling better than normal.”

“The powder effervesces pretty hard at first, so I normally let it sit for a few minutes before drinking. It was a bigger boost than a cup of coffee, for sure (but I wouldn’t take it close to when I take coffee). I didn’t experience a niacin flush from this, but I wonder if some people might. I wouldn’t mind adding this to some cold water in the future at the office or maybe even before a workout.”

“I liked it, pleasant tasting, a good buzz, but I was still able to focus and didn’t have any jitters (note: my caffeine tolerance is pretty high).”

“I tried this in a less-than-very-cold glass of water, and I did not like it. But it tastes pretty good when the water is cold, or in a water bottle with some ice. It’s a good buzz, and I appreciate something that’ll help keep my better hydrated than coffee throughout the day.”

Which Flavor of EBOOST Energy Powder Is Best?

Overall, our least favorite flavor of EBOOST Energy Powder was Pink Lemonade, which just seemed too light and a bit artificial tasting. Orange was pleasant, not unlike Tang or even a milder Hi-C. It was overall refreshing.

Across the board, our testers preferred their Acai Pomegranate flavor to the others. It seemed better balanced, a good mix of sweet and tart, with a minimal aftertaste.

BrainWiz Tips

• We found the manufacturer’s water recommendation, 12 ounces, to be just about right as far as flavor and fizz.
• The colder the water, the better the experience when drinking this supplement.
• While EBOOST Energy Powders contain a manageable amount of caffeine for our testers (110mg), tolerance will vary. With the included synergistic ingredients, the impact of the caffeine may be greater than the amount implies. It’s worth starting with half a dose in 6 ounces of water to assess tolerance.
• We got the best results when pairing with food, especially lunch. Taken alone first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, the product was almost too fizzy.
• If you’re very sensitive to caffeine, stimulants, or certain neurotransmitter boosters like 5-HTP, it’s probably best to talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking this supplement

Supplement Summary

EBOOST Energy Powder was better than expected for all of our testers. It may be light on nootropics as far as amounts, but everything comes in a convenient package that tastes pretty good and gives more than a quick-flash buzz.

Our favorite flavor was Acai Pomegranate, and we also had success only taking a half serving of the 7.1 gram packets for a slightly milder boost or later in the day.

The post The Fizzy Brain Boost? Reviewing EBOOST Energy Powder appeared first on Brain Wiz.

1. I want something with caffeine (Alpha BRAIN is caffeine free, and while this is also something a lot of people cite as a benefit, preferences of course differ)
2. I want a simpler formula
3. I want a more transparent formula (Alpha BRAIN doesn’t publicly release the exact makeup of their proprietary blends, but they have generally been revealed in one research source)
4. Alpha BRAIN is too expensive
5. I just want to try something different

To make it easier to find some of the best Alpha BRAIN alternatives, we’ve highlighted these reasons and some of our favorite solutions below.

Have another Alpha BRAIN alternative you love? Let us know in the comments!

You Want Something Simpler

Alpha BRAIN is a broad-spectrum nootropic, meaning it contains a high number of ingredients that, while potentially synergistic, have numerous different effects on the brain and body. It has 12 active ingredients, many of which might not carry a potent effect for everyone.

Learn what our testers think about Alpha BRAIN in our review.

One of our current favorite Alpha BRAIN alternatives with a very straightforward formulation is RISE by Nootrobox. It has just three active ingredients: rhodiola rosea, bacopa monnieri, and Alpha-GPC. And unlike Onnit, Nootrobox is very upfront with how much of which ingredients are in its supplements.

Learn more about RISE in our full review.

Like Alpha BRAIN, RISE is caffeine-free and is designed for daily use. Both supplements contain notable adaptogens, though only RISE contains rhodiola, which our testers have anecdotally found to give a mental as well as physical boost. Both supplements contain Alpha-GPC, the highest-quality form of choline you’ll find in nootropics (and the form most able to cross the blood-brain barrier). Learn more about Alpha-GPC here.

It’s worth noting that Bacopa and Alpha-GPC are both found in Alpha BRAIN, though in significantly smaller quantities than RISE; Alpha BRAIN contains 240 mg of their Focus Blend, which includes both ingredients, while RISE contains 300 mg of each.

You Want Something More Powerful With Caffeine

Alpha BRAIN’s caffeine-free formula is famous and pairs well with coffee. However, some people want a powerful, fast-acting nootropic formula that gives them a more perceptible energy boost. In that case, our testers prefer Lumonol.

Lumonol is another broad-spectrum nootropic stack that includes a choline source, but it’s paired with guarana (a potent caffeine source) and noopept, a fast-metabolizing compound that can provide a cognitive boost shortly after ingestion (similar to, but potentially more potent than, piracetam).

Lumonol is one of our highest-rated nootropics and one of the fastest-acting, highest-energy blends we’ve tried. Find out more about Lumonol and who it may be best for in our review.

truBrain is another fast-acting nootropic our testers generally had good experiences with, and it’s one with a transparent list of ingredients plus the backing of an impressive team of neuroscientists. We found their liquid shots, which come in caffeinated and non-caffeinated forms, tasty and convenient.

You Want Something Cheaper

Onnit isn’t known for bargain-basement prices, though they occasionally release coupons and discounts. (Find out how to get the cheapest Alpha BRAIN at our coupons portal.)

If you’re looking for a broad-spectrum nootropic at a cheaper price, especially one that’s accessible to beginners, our testers recommend looking at Cognitex. It has a pretty different ingredient profile than Alpha BRAIN, but we overall enjoyed it, and it paired very well with coffee and other sources of caffeine like Smart Caffeine. If you take into account the price per serving, Cognitex is about half the price of Alpha BRAIN (assuming a 2-capsule serving of Alpha BRAIN).

Read our full Cognitex review here. 

Another cheaper option per serving is Choline Force by Bulletproof (also known as Upgraded Self). Find out about our experience with Choline Force in our review.

You Want Something More Transparent

Again, Onnit isn’t always the most forthcoming with their exact formulations. Of the options listed above, RISE, Cognitex, and Choline Force are all very transparent in their formulations, in fact, transparent ingredient amounts is one of the founding principles of a company like Nootrobox. As far as a stimulant-free stack with a quality, no-gimmicks formula our testers enjoyed, RISE is currently our preferred alternative to Alpha BRAIN.

Still looking for that perfect stack? Check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide for rankings of the best nootropics.

Quick note: Some in the biohacking community enjoy creating their own blends and mixing raw ingredients. We primarily review consumer-ready supplements and don’t put out recommendations for at-home or self-packed supplements made from raw ingredients meant for research purposes, which can carry its own set of risks. When starting any new supplement regimen, please use common sense and don’t be afraid to consult with your healthcare provider.

The post What’s the Best Alpha BRAIN Alternative? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

The company manufacturers a line of science-backed nootropics that include the adaptogen and choline-rich RISE, caffeine-containing SPRINT, and sleep-boosting YAWN.

Our testers have generally liked these supplements, which are among the most consistent we’ve reviewed. (Read our reviews for RISE and SPRINT, and find out what our testers thought about each supplement.)

Who Founded Nootrobox?

Nootrobox was founded by Geoffrey Woo and Michael Brandt, both Stanford graduates with degrees in Computer Science. Woo serves as CEO, while Brandt serves as COO. Read our interview with Geoffrey Woo here.

The company’s two “Medicine & Science” staff members are Sumeet Sharma and Robert Chen, both MD/PhD candidates. It’s important to note that while these employees have impressive pedigrees, it doesn’t seem like Nootrobox has and full PhDs or medical doctors on staff at this time. We anticipate that may change in the near future as the company grows its research branch.

Investors in Nootrobox include Andreessen Horowitz, Marissa Mayer, Mark Pincus, Dr. Connie Chen, and Keven Chou.

What Makes Nootrobox Different?

And Nootrobox seems to have a heavy focus on quality; the company states they’re focus is squarely on “safe, long-term cognitive enhancement.” Nootrobox is also very transparent when it comes to ingredient labeling and dosage; none of their supplements contain “proprietary” blends or mystery ingredients, and they list the amounts in each serving. That’s a welcome feature in a space where many brands protect their exact formulations at the expense of the consumer.

We’ve reviewed dozens of the most popular nootropic supplements on the market, and Nootrobox’s supps predominantly contain ingredients that have given our testers few, if any, side effects with generally consistent benefits. While their stacks aren’t the most “innovative” on the market, yet, you know what you’re getting, and they’re generally among the first supplements we recommend to beginners looking to test the waters of nootropics and brain enhancement.

Where Is Nootrobox Made?

Currently, it doesn’t seem like the company owns its own manufacturing facilities, though their site’s FAQ claims their supplements are made in FDA-registered and independently audited GMP labs in the United States.

What’s in Nootrobox’s Future?

We expect Nootrobox will be using an influx of investment capital to research and scale production for new supplements in their line. A chewable coffee product from the company, GO CUBES, is currently in pre-release after a successful crowd funding campaign.

The post Who Is Nootrobox, the Company Behind RISE, SPRINT, YAWN, and More? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Read our review of Nootrobox’s RISE nootropic here and SPRINT nootropic here.

The company’s two main nootropics are RISE, a combo of well-researched adaptogenic and cholinergic compounds, and SPRINT, which features the potent caffeine + l-theanine combo for sustained energy and no crash. We’ve reviewed each independently, but we’ve also been trying the two in tandem.

The company generally suggests taking RISE as the baseline, everyday brain booster, with SPRINT added in when you need an extra, well, boost. Read below to see what we thought of the pairing.

What Our Testers Say

“I really liked RISE but wasn’t the biggest fan of SPRINT on its own. However, when I took them together (RISE in the morning, SPRINT after lunch when I generally lag in energy), I liked what I felt. I’ve found out I really like the combo of rhodiola + Alpha-GPC + caffeine + theanine before, and stacking these two puts those compounds in a much more convenient package (as opposed to reaching for them individually and adding in coffee).”

“RISE keeps me calm and level-headed in the face of work stress, and it’s gradually becoming one of my go-to’s for regular use. I haven’t felt like I’m building a tolerance to it, and generally I think the effects are cumulative for me; I felt better the second week of taking it than the first, and so on. Adding SPRINT in is a nice touch, but I’m a coffee person, so generally I’ve got enough caffeine on hand to keep me going. I can see how it’s convenient, though.”

“I’m still a little skeptical that SPRINT lasts 6 hours for me, but it’s definitely at least as potent as coffee, and I like the addition of theanine, among other things. I took both these supplements on my last trip, when it would be tough for me to keep on my regular schedule or get coffee I liked, and they kept me productive and focused. A good combo for convenience and impact. Not compounds you can’t get elsewhere, but if you don’t like mystery ingredients or amounts, this is probably a good way to get started in nootropics.”

“I got the most benefit out of taking both RISE and SPRINT together with breakfast. One really hard days I needed coffee or another serving of SPRINT after lunch, but I’ve found this combo a solid way to start my mornings.”

Supplement Summary

Overall, our testers found the RISE + SPRINT combo convenient and reliable, though not overly innovative. That’s almost a relief, as the nootropic supplements space is filled with “proprietary” formulas we’ve tried and hated. We’re excited to see what Nootrobox releases next in their product line, and we hope they maintain the same level of transparency moving forward.

If you’re looking for another potent stack that includes Nootrobox’s RISE supplement, consider combining it with MagTech for an all-day boost in productivity.

Interested in RISE or SPRINT? Save 10% off all Nootrobox products with the exclusive BrainWiz Nootrobox coupon.

The post Stacking Nootrobox’s RISE and SPRINT: Is It the Ultimate Combo? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

There are no newcomers to the list of ingredients in Addium, at least nothing we haven’t seen many times before, and as with many supplements containing a “proprietary blend,” Precision Labs does not list the quantity or concentration of most of the active ingredients. Read on to find out if Addium boosted our testers’ brain performance, or if this is just another supplement with unrealistic claims.

Addium Nutrition Label

The Ingredients

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 30mg

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.

Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – 5mg

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

Proprietary Blend – 545mg

Caffeine

The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine reduces drowsiness and sedation by inhibiting adenosine (a nervous system depressant) from reaching receptors in the brain. There are extensive studies on the effects of caffeine on cognition, alertness, and athletic performance.

GABA

This amino acid acts in the central nervous system calming nervous brain activity. It is a neuropsychotropic compound that functions as both a nootropic and as a tranquilizer by stimulating dopamine production. In certain situations, GABA has been shown to both decrease anxiety and promote relaxation, though it may have difficulty crossing the blood/brain barrier through oral supplementation.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as a revitalizer, cognitive booster, and stress reliever. Scientific tests show the positive effects the herb can have on memory and free recall, though it may occasionally cause restlessness or feelings of apathy in some users (like most adaptogens, experience varies from person to person).

Alpha GPC

L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is a phospholipid (a main component of cell membranes) that has been positively linked with increased memory and learning capacity. It is one of the most effective compounds at increasing systemic and brain concentrations of choline.

L-Theanine

An amino acid exclusive to tea in dietary forms, L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves, inducing relaxation without any drowsiness.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is another phospholipid vital to the maintenance of healthy nerve cell membranes. It has a direct effect on the release of both dopamine and noradrenaline, and it positively affects memory.

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.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is an herb-derived chemical that has been used to treat cerebrovascular disorders in Hungary. It is both a neuroprotective and a vasodilator, possibly increasing blood flow to the brain.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an herb-derived chemical that has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may improve cognitive function and memory.

Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable), Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Red #3,

Allergens: Soybeans

Usage Guidelines

• As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily.
• CAUTION: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

What Our Testers Say

“Took this in the morning with my pre-workout, and there was a definite rush of energy. Couldn’t tell whether the flush was from working out or from the niacin/B3, but I felt warmer and redder than I usually do post-workout. The effects (both the flush and the energy) didn’t last long, though, and I found myself reaching for some coffee by early afternoon.”

“I don’t know how much caffeine is in this, but it was too much for me, or at least, one pill of the stack had me jittery. This gave me tons of nervous energy, even with the included L-Theanine in a mystery amount, and I crashed hard.”

“I think this did help me focus a bit, but it works a lot more like an energy pill than a nootropic. I had it with my morning coffee, and it just edged on being too much caffeine.”

“I took this for a couple of weeks, and I could tell my focus and memory were a little better, but not as well-rounded as other popular nootropic stacks. I could see how the caffeine in this, combined with some of the other ingredients in the “proprietary blend”, could be too much for people with a stimulant-sensitivity. I tried taking it both in the morning and to combat the afternoon slump, with some luck. This felt like more of a stimulant pill than anything else.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Take Addium with food to ease absorption, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants.
• Be careful when taking other stimulants or caffeine-containing beverages with Addium.
• All of our testers experienced an increase in energy while on Addium, though a couple experienced a crash once the supplement wore off.

<li”>As with any other supplements, consult a doctor or medical professional before starting a new regimen if you are on medication or have a preexisting condition.

Supplement Summary

Although all of our testers felt something on Addium, it was far from the advertised unlocking of 100% of the brain’s potential; overall, it felt much more like a quick stimulant rush with a resulting crash. The amount of caffeine in Addium is not listed, and most testers felt like it was the equivalent to about 2 shots of espresso.  If you are a coffee drinker, you may want to try Addium in the afternoon, instead of that second cup of coffee. This may not be the best supplement for those sensitive to niacin or stimulants in general.

The post True Cerebral Enhancement? Reviewing Addium by Precision Labs appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Serotonin Brain Food (click for best price) also claims to help regulate appetite and digestion, and may improve sleep quality. Read on to find out if this supplement had enough of an effect in serotonin production for these effects to be observed.

Seratonin Brain Food Nutrition Label Ingredients

The Ingredients

• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) – 500 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 Niacinamide supplements.
• Magnesium (Magnesium glycate) – 50 mg
  • Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 metabolic reactions in the human body. Magnesium has shown to induce a sense of calm, and it can be a powerful sleep aid.
• Zinc (Zinc glycinate) – 20 mg
  • Zinc is a trace mineral in diets and element linked to sleep quality and the sense of smell and taste.
• L-Tryptophan – 900 mg
  • L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid and a precursor to 5-HTP, serotonin, and melatonin. Studies have linked L-Tryptophan deficiency to some depressive mood disorders.
• Rhodiola Rosea (root) extract (standardized to 3% total rosavins min. 1% salidrosides) – 400 mg
  • Rhodiola has been used in Eastern medicine to treat depression, stimulate the nervous system, improve work performance, and eliminate fatigue. Rhodiola is categorized as an adaptogen, a substance shown to reduce the negative effects of stress while promoting physical and mental endurance.
• Other Ingredients: Vegetable capsules, cellulose, vegetable stearate, silica.

Usage Guidelines

• Take a serving of 2-3 capsules to support a positive mood, during situations of stress or irritability, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
• Avoid use in the evening.
• Do not exceed 2 servings per day.

What Our Testers Say

“I have had some of the best night’s sleep on this supplement. I’m not sure it really had much brain-boosting effects on my beyond what taking Rhodiola on its own could accomplish (which is still noticeable for me). My activity tracker showed a higher percentage of deep sleep than I usually get, and I did feel like I recovered from workouts better while taking these. I will keep these around for sure.”

“I had these with me on a recent trip, and they were fantastic to help me fight jet-lag.  I also took them 20 minutes before boarding my transatlantic flight, and it really helped me deal with my usual flight anxiety. These will definitely travel with me anywhere I go. Not the most potent brain-booster I’ve tried recently, but very handy for maintaining a sense of calm when faced with stress.”

“I took 2 of  these in the morning, with my cup of coffee, and felt a mild wave of calm and clear-headedness. I was able to stay in control during high-stress situations, and I ended up having some great sleep to boot. This supplement did not increase my energy levels or focus, though.”

“I took 2 capsules of Serotonin Brain Food in the morning with my coffee. I really enjoyed the way it made me feel (calm, focused, and sociable) and it may have actually helped curb my snack cravings.”

BrainWiz Tips

• This supplement pairs well with caffeine when taken in the morning. The coffee-Rhodiola Rosea stack gave those who took the supplement in the morning a smooth and sustained boost in focus. Adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea have been known to boost the effect of stimulants like caffeine.
• This supplement contains 400 mg of Rhodiola (almost four times as much as in Rhodiola by Solaray), and we suggest refraining from taking more than the recommended dosage. Rhodiola consumption over this amount may actually reduce its effectiveness.
• For optimized sleep, try to take this supplement with calcium or calcium-rich foods to take full advantage of the magnesium in this supplement.
• Our testers achieved their best results when occasionally cycling off this supplement or when not using it for everyday use, only more stressful situations or days.
• As with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use if you’re taking medication or suspect you have a medical issue.

Supplement Summary

All of our testers felt calming effects from Serotonin Brain Food; those who took it with coffee noticed a smoother energy boost and a greater ability to fight stress, likely due to the rhodiola-caffeine combination we’ve seen with other supplements. While Serotonin Brain Food did little on its own to boost energy levels or focus, most of our testers reported improved sleep quality when taking this supplement.

The post A Lasting Sense of Calm? Reviewing Serotonin Brain Food by Natural Stacks appeared first on Brain Wiz.

This is the second multivitamin/brain supplement combo to come in the past couple of months, and we tested it to see if  Focus Fast is effective in improving working memory, and enhancing focus and attention, as advertised.

Focus Fast Nutrition Label and Ingredients

The Ingredients

• Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) – 5 mg
• Thiamin (as thiamin mononitrate) – 33.3 mg
• Riboflavin – 10 mg
• Niacin (as niacinamide and niacin) – 25 mg
• Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) – 33.3 mg
• Folate (as folic acid) – 270 mcg
• Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) – 1 mcg
• Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate) – 100 mg
• Chromium (as chromium dinicotinate glycinate) – 200 mcg
• Neuro Focusing Agent® Blend – 1293 mg
• Acute Attention Complex
• Gotu Kola (whole plant)
• American ginseng root extract (Cereboost)
• Inositol
• Rosemary (leaf)
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vinpocetine
• Acetyl L-carnitine (as Acetyl L-carnitine HCl)
• Bacopa monnieri extract (whole plant) (50% bacosides A & B)
• Advanced Neuro Complex
• Lemon balm (leaf)
• Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholinehydrate) complex (90% glycerophosphocholine)
• Huperzia serrata (whole plant) (5% huperzine-A)
• Choline (as choline dihydrogen citrate and choline bitartrate)
• L-Phenylalanine
• Mucuna pruriens seed extract (20% total catecholamines)
• Soy lecithin
• Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)
• L-Tyrosine
• Deep Memory Complex
• Ginkgo biloba leaf 50:1 extract (24% ginkgo flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones)
• Ashwagandha root
• Phosphatidylserine
• Pyroglutamic acid
• Chlorella (whole plant)
• Royal jelly 3.5X concentrate
• Maximum Focus Complex
• Panax ginseng root extract (4% ginsenosides)
• 5-HTP (from Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract)
• Rhodiola rosea root extract (1% rosavins)
• St. John’s Wort extract (0.3% hypericin) (flowering tops)
• Green tea leaf extract, decaffeinated
• L-Theanine
• Other ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silica, pharmaceutical glaze and soy.

Usage Guidelines

As a dietary supplement, take 1 serving (2 tablets) with an 8 oz. glass of water approximately 30 minutes before breakfast or your first meal. Do not exceed 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. Please read the entire label before use and follow the directions. In addition: For maximum support, take 1 additional serving (2 tablets) with an 8 oz. glass of water approximately 30 minutes before lunch or mental activity, with a minimum of 4 hours apart from your first serving.

What Our Testers Say

“As with any other caffeine-free supplement, I was excited to try Focus Fast. I liked it that it had Rhodiola, St. John’s Wort, and 5-HTP in it, but I don’t think there was enough of it in the supplement to help me deal with my stress-induced anxiety. I did feel like it was a little bit easier to concentrate, but after a week on the supplement, that small edge I felt dissipated.”

“Following the suggestion on the bottle, I took 2 tablets in the morning before breakfast, and 2 before lunch. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like this supplement really helped me focus. I stopped taking multivitamins while testing this product, mainly because I saw a lot of overlap in the ingredients, but I prefer other nootropics and a cup of coffee when it comes to focusing for work.”

“I didn’t feel much while on this supplement. I liked that I could still have my coffee in the morning and afternoon, but there were no other observed benefits when I tried this. Maybe this is a good bet for someone looking to get their multivitamins, and get an introduction to nootropics all in one product, but it was certainly not strong enough for me.”

“I’m really not a fan of supplements that don’t list their quantities and concentrations. I understand that these formulas are proprietary, but not knowing how much of an ingredient I’m consuming is a tad frustrating. No real cognitive or focusing benefits observed, even on a full 4-tablet dosage.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Our testers all experienced mild or no effects.
• The testers who felt mild cognitive effects on Focus Fast felt it diminish after a week or so of taking the supplement continuously. After taking a couple of days off of the supplement, the mild effects of Focus Fast were observed once again.
• As with any supplement or nutritional regimen, it is a good idea to check with your doctor or medical professional before use. Because of the inclusion of 5-HTP in this supplement, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you also take anti-depressants.

Supplement Summary

Focus Fast is yet another supplement that over promises and under delivers by throwing a ton of ingredients together. While this may be a decent supplement for those just starting to explore the world of nootropics, our testers found it to be too mild, and the mild effects observed diminished over time. For the price there are a number of more effective supplements available.

The post Multi-Boost or Vitamin Dud? Reviewing Focus Fast by Enyotics appeared first on Brain Wiz.