This is an incredibly important question to answer when considering using any supplement, not just a nootropic. Everybody is different and reacts differently to specific supplements. It is important to speak with a medical professional before trying any new supplement. Today we will be looking at each individual ingredient that makes up Alpha Brain and whether or not they cause side effects (based on research).

• AC-11: Also more commonly known as “Cat’s Claw”, AC-11 can possibly cause headaches, vomiting, and dizziness in some people. I have found that I only feel these side effects if I take a supplement or vitamin without eating. This is because it has a negative effect with my stomach lining. There are other very special cases where people with an auto-immune disease (such as multiple sclerosis) caused the disease to become more active.
• Alpha GPC: This ingredient has been rated as safe when used appropriately. Some side effects could include heartburn, headache, insomnia, dizziness, rashes on the skin, and confusion.
• Bacopa Monnieri: One study on animals found that there were no adverse side effects when using this nootropic.
• Huperzine A: This ingredient can sometimes cause nausea, diarrhea, sweating, blurred vision, restlessness, loss of appetite, some muscle cramping/twitching, and other mild side effects. It can also possibly slow the heart rate and cause some gastrointestinal tract blockage.
• L-Leucine: The most common side effects recorded are fatigue and loss of coordination.
• L-Theanine: There have been very few adverse reactions recorded in people using L-Theanine. The most common are headache, dizziness, and GI symptoms. L-theanine is drank regularly by green tea lovers.
• L-Tyrosine: This ingredient has been rated as “likely safe” when taken orally. Some side effects recorded are nausea, headache, fatigue, heartburn, and joint pain.
• Oat Straw: There are no recorded side effects of oat straw. However, if you are allergic to oat flour, you may want to avoid oat straw.
• Phosphatidylserine: The most common side effects of this ingredient are only seen in high doses (300mg and up). They include insomnia and stomach upset.
• Pterostilbene: In a study, researchers found that there were no real side effects when compared to the placebo.
• Vinpocetine: Many of the side effects that have been recorded using this ingredient are similar to the above — stomach pain, nausea, sleep disturbances, headache, nervousness, and flushing of the face.

While there are some rare side effects listed above, I can honestly say I have only experienced a handful of them (headache and upset stomach). This is because, in my personal opinion, I took the nootropics on an empty stomach and they had an adverse reaction with my stomach lining. I also never took more than the recommended dose of Alpha Brain. In doing so, you greatly risk seeing some of the adverse side effects listed above.

Again, I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one. If you have any questions about Alpha Brain, definitely reach out to a medical professional for answers.

To end on a funny/positive note, here is a video of comedians’ Joey Diaz side effects stories…

The post Alpha Brain Side Effects: An Honest Breakdown Of Each Ingredient appeared first on Brain Wiz.

In supplement form, rhodiola extract usually contains between 1 and 3% rosavins and 1 and 2% salidrosides, the active compounds as far as the potential benefits listed above. Few side effects have been associated with rhodiola supplementation (up to 400 mg of extract per day), and those that have been noted (below) tend to be rare and relatively mild. It appears the majority of studies have identified few to no negative side effects, though their subject populations are usually small.

More research is needed to determine the frequency of rhodiola’s side effects, if any. Any side effects identified in scientific literature and research tend to be mild and of the type associated with other oral supplements or stimulants: possibly some jitteriness, flushness, trouble sleeping (when taken right before bed), and overstimulation when combined with too much caffeine or taken at too high a dose. Rhodiola may also bind to certain estrogen receptors, and women with a family history of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer may want to consult a physician before use. However, there isn’t much research available on this, and no strong correlation or cause has been linked.

A few simple steps can help ensure users get the most out of rhodiola supplementation while minimizing the chance for side effects:

1. Stick to recommended dosages, normally between ~100 and ~600 mg of extract per day (though some research suggests it’s effective in doses as low as 50 mg). Some research suggests more than that may actually negate the nootropic and anti-stress effects of rhodiola.
2. Take rhodiola or rhodiola-containing supplements in the morning or early afternoon to avoid overstimulation before bedtime (which could lead to difficulty sleeping).
3. When starting rhodiola supplementation, begin small with a partial dosage in order to assess your body’s tolerance.

Rhodiola rosea is one of the most common, effective ingredients in nootropic stacks, and many of our testers enjoy it on its own for its anti-stress and mental endurance benefits.

However, if you experience any adverse side effects from rhodiola or have a condition that makes you especially sensitive to stimulants, impacts brain function, or causes adverse reactions to medications or supplements, it’s best to seek the advice of a medical professional before beginning any new supplement regime.

Image: By Hedwig Storch (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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