Neurofuse vs OptiMind: What’s Similar About These Stacks

Both of these supplements contain a pretty broad array of nootropic ingredients, including adaptogens (they both share bacopa as an ingredient), B and D vitamin complexes (though in different forms), Phosphatidylserine, vinpocetine, and huperzine A. These are broad-spectrum stacks, meaning they can potentially boost cognition, focus, and energy through a variety of compounds and processes in the brain and body. Both nootropic stacks contain proprietary blends, meaning the manufacturer doesn’t release exact dosages of some ingredients , often in order to protect their formula from competitors.

What’s Different Between These Nootropic Supplements

While they share the above ingredients, Neurofuse and OptiMind have some significant differences in their formulas. One major difference is that Neurofuse contains the amino acid l-theanine, which can pair well with caffeine to reduce jitters and increase alertness and focus. OptiMind contains caffeine but does not appear to contain l-theanine. This may account for why our testers experienced some significant jitters when taking OptiMind, even at the recommended dosage.

Neurofuse also contains rhodiola rosea, and additional adaptogen with few (if any) clinical side effects. Rhodiola can have anti-fatigue properties in both mental and physical capacities.

OptiMind also lacks a choline-containing compound, even though several of its ingredients are involved in choline metabolism within the brain. Neurofuse contains choline in the form of choline-bitartrate.

Learn More About Neurofuse and OptiMind

For more information about Neurofuse, check out our full review here. Get the best price on Neurofuse by checking our Neurofuse coupons page.

Learn more about OptiMind in our full review.

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

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.

Best Price for Neurofuse

If you’re looking for the best price, this section of Neurofuse’s website usually features the cheapest option and includes any seasonal or promotional discounts. Like we said, it’s rare for them to issue coupons or discounts, but their official site, as opposed to a reseller or box retailer, will normally get you the best price.

Other Nootropic Picks

New to nootropics and brain enhancers? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Nootropic Supplements to see where we’ve rated every brain enhancer we’ve ever tested. We constantly update the page with our rankings and preferences.

The post Neurofuse Coupons appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Onnit Alpha BRAIN and Neurofuse brain supplements compared and contrasted.

While our testers like both, we generally like these two stacks for different purposes. A main differentiator is the inclusion of caffeine in Neurofuse, making it a standalone energy stack that our testers often like taking by itself or for some reliable energy after lunch/in midday.

Alpha BRAIN, on the other hand, doesn’t contain the major stimulants that are often part of nootropic stacks, and our testers often pair it with their morning coffee for a complimentary boost. (We generally don’t recommend pairing Neurofuse with coffee depending on your caffeine tolerance, as that can be a lot of caffeine at once.) Each supplement contains compounds linked to long-term brain health, and both stacks also contain the stress-fighting adaptogen bacopa monnieri.

We like Neurofuse’s inclusion of Rhodiola, one of our favorite adaptogens and a potent nootropic/fatigue fighter on its own, along with bacopa.

While Alpha BRAIN contains no rhodiola, it’s no slouch in fighting fatigue and boosting mood. It’s got some less common ingredients not generally found in other nootropics, including multi-functional ac-11 and one of the more robust groupings of choline-based ingredients we’ve ever seen. In fact, Alpha BRAIN’s manufacturer has paid for two double-blind, randomized studies to test the supplement’s effects, and both indicated a positive association between Alpha BRAIN usage and improved cognition.

While it’s always good to take manufacturer-funded studies with a grain of salt, these studies appear to have been conducted under sound conditions, and it’s something few nootropic makers outside of Onnit can claim.

Overall, our testers often turn to Neurofuse for quick-acting, sustained energy for a long workday or tough deadline. They’ve seen good results from daily usage, but most prefer to cycle on and off, as the effects seem to diminish slightly with time. (Read more about this supplement in our Neurofuse Review.)

Our testers tend to like Alpha BRAIN for longer-term, daily use and gradual boosts in memory recall and focus. (Though most of our testers still like cycling off nootropic supplements every few weeks to allow the body to reestablish a baseline).  Learn more about Alpha BRAIN in our full Onnit Alpha BRAIN review.

The post Alpha BRAIN vs Neurofuse: Which Stack Wins? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

When we’re awake, adenosine accumulates in our brains, which causes drowsiness. When we sleep, the brain works to clear itself of adenosine. But coffee competes with this compound and reduces adenosine accumulation (so it doesn’t so much boost energy as it fights drowsiness).

Understanding this timing has led some biohackers to the increasingly famous “coffee nap.” Caffeine’s effects hit their highest point about 30 minutes after consumption. If you consume caffeine, say, in the form of coffee, and then nap for 15 or 20 minutes, you’ll wake up with a brain clear of adenosine and about to be charged with caffeine. This leads to extra alertness and an energetic feeling that stands above caffeine on its own.

Caffeine is often underestimated, so if you’re especially sensitive to stimulants, it’s worth testing the waters in a non-coffee nap situation.

We’ve played around with other caffeine-containing supplements and the “coffee nap” phenomenon. So far, we’ve found it especially effective with 1 or 2 capsules of Neurofuse at the end of a light meal followed immediately by a nap; we awoke after 15 minutes feeling refreshed, energetic, and very, very focused.

We’ve also tried this with Lumonol, but our testers found it difficult to nap; this could be because of Lumonol’s noopept and guarana, which start metabolizing very quickly (Lumonol remains one of the fastest-acting nootropics we’ve ever tried).

The post Take A Coffee Nap For A Caffeinated Productivity Boost appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Rhodiola is actually a Scandinavian herb used in that region and in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Rhodiola Rosea is sold by several large supplement manufacturers as an extract. Today we’re testing Rhodiola by Solaray (click for best price).

Rhodiola by Solaray Label & Ingredients

The Ingredients

Rhodiola (rhodiola rosea) (root extract) – 100 mg (Guaranteed 1 mg [1%] each Rosavins and Salidrosides)

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. Adaptogens have also been loosely linked to boosting the effects of stimulants (see below for what our reviewers had to say about pairing Rhodiola Rosea with the world’s most popular stimulant!).

Other Ingredients: Cellulose, vegetable cellulose capsule and magnesium stearate.

Usage Guidelines

Take one vegetarian capsule daily with a meal or glass of water. Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Russia for many years.

What Our Testers Say

“I’ve taken Rhodiola Rosea before, but back in college before all-nighters (and before nootropics were really popular, I guess). I liked it then, and I like it now, though I forgot what brand I used to take. My nerves often get the best of me, but Rhodiola helps keep me calm. I still feel stress, but it’s something I can work with when taking the herb, not something that’s overpowering and crushing.”

“I didn’t notice any difference in physical endurance when taking this, but I did feel like I had better mental endurance at work. Not an energy boost, just felt more sustained throughout the day. I started taking this with a big iced coffee in the mornings, and I really liked how smooth it made my caffeine kick feel. I felt confident.”

“Rhodiola had a calming effect for me, and unlike a lot of what we’ve been trying recently, I didn’t feel like it gave me razor sharp focus, but this was almost better, as it allowed me to work longer without feeling distracted or getting nervous when looking at my growing to-do lists. It feels light, calming, and I’m still taking it every morning with breakfast or coffee.”

“The first thing that struck me about this supplement was how good it smelled. I felt good and had good work days whenever I took Rhodiola Rosea. It’s the kind of thing I’d recommend to my mother.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Most of our testers liked pairing this supplement with caffeine in some form, usually coffee. The coffee-Rhodiola Rosea stack gave a smooth feeling of sustained energy and mental endurance that lasted throughout the day. Adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea and Panax Ginseng may actually boost the effects of common stimulants.
• We mention this more in our summary below, but very high doses of Rhodiola might not be as effective as standard doses, so it’s probably not worth loading up on more than the recommended serving.
• Rhodiola Rosea is natural and herbal, but as with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use.

Supplement Summary

Rhodiola Rosea is a well-documented adaptogen that we’ve seen used well in supplements like Neurofuse (which smartly pairs it with caffeine for sustained mental energy). All our testers felt the effects while taking Solaray’s Rhodiola, though some other brands actually contain higher concentrations of the active ingredients, rosavins and salidorisides (though a few of our testers have a lot of experience with Solaray products and are generally happy with their quality guarantee and reputation).

Solaray does have a Super Rhodiola version of this supplement, which has the highest concentration and dosage of the active ingredients we’ve seen for sale of any brand. However, it’s unlikely that very high doses of Rhodiola Rosea are more effective at reducing fatigue and improving cognition over lower doses, and after a certain point (think north of 600 mg), high amounts might actually be ineffective.

The Super Rhodiola version could be a good option for people who like Rhodiola and want a higher concentration while staying within the generally recognized effective dose range. This supplement pairs especially well with coffee for those who drink caffeine regularly. When not paired with a stimulant, it’s one of the few brain boosters we’ve found you can take in the evening without preventing sleep.

The post The Mental Endurance Herb? Reviewing Rhodiola Extract By Solaray appeared first on Brain Wiz.

We put Neurofuse to the test. Read below to see what each of our four testers thought about this broad-spectrium nootropic stack in our full Neurofuse review.

Neurofuse Ingredients

The Ingredients

Neurofuse comes in capsule form. There are 30 two-capsule servings per bottle.

• Vitamin D3, 667iu
  • Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin many Westerners, especially adults, do not get enough of, making it one of our most common vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and impaired cognition. This isn’t a massive amount of vitamin D by any means, but it’s a fairly common inclusion in many nootropic stacks and may aid the absorption of other ingredients in Neurofuse.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), 3.3mg
  • 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 B6 may also increase the vividness of dreams and our ability to recall them.
• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), 33.3mcg
  • Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble essential vitamin directly related to brain health, including memory and actual brain mass. A number of studies have noted positive associations between vitamin B12 intake and memory tests.
• Neurofuse Blend – 903mg
  • There are no listed amounts for each individual component of the proprietary blend, but the ingredients are below.
• Rhodiola Rosea (3% Rosavins, 2% Salidrosides)
  • Rhodiola Rosea is a herb long used in holistic medicine as an anti-fatigue agent. It’s also linked to an increase in the brain’s ability to handle and process stress. This is a fairly common ingredient in many nootropics, and several of our testers find it effective for them. It’s also been linked to very few, if any, negative side effects in clinical and research studies.
• Caffeine Anhydrous
  • Caffeine is a stimulant acting on the central nervous system. One of the better-researched mental and physical performance enhancers, caffeine is proven to have acute effects on cognitive function and mood when used in conjunction with L-Theanine. This is a combo naturally present in green tea, which could account for that beverage’s calming effects.
• L-Theanine
  • L-Theanine is an amino acid known to support a calm mood without inducing sleepiness. When used in conjunction with caffeine, it has been observed to reduce error rates while performing tasks.
• Bacopa Monnieri P.E. 20%
  • Bacopa Monnieri is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, users taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced reduced stress and lowered cortisol (a stress hormone) levels.
• DMAE Bitartrate
  • DMAE Bitrate, or Deanol,  is a chemical that’s been 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.
• Phosphatidylserine 20%
  • Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid required to maintain healthy nerve cell membranes. It supports cognitive function and the ability to learn and recall new information.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical that has been used to treat memory loss and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Choline-Bitartrate
  • Choline-Bitartrate, a vitamin-like chemical, is thought to help enhance the levels of acetylcholine in the brain and body, one of the neurotransmitters involved in learning, and other cognitive processes. Some broad spectrum nootropic stacks include compounds involved in choline production without actually pairing them with a choline source; Neurofuse seems to have avoided that mistake.
• Vinpocetine
  • Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, possibly linked to increased cerebral blood flow.
• Huperzine A
  • Huperzine A is a compound derived from Chinese club moss that has been used to improve cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer’s.
• Other Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Gelatin

Usage Guidelines

For mental performance: Start with 1-2 capsules per day with food. Work up to 3-4 capsules depending on desired effect and tolerance.

Note: We had BrainWiz testers take between 1 and 4 capsules per day to test a broad range of dosages.

What Our Testers Say

“This supplement was great for me. I took this an hour before heading into the gym  in lieu of my caffeine-containing pre-workout drink, and it was very effective. I had great workouts, and both the energy and sharpened focused lasted well after my workout was over. I started with two capsules and worked my way up to four. That may be a pretty high dosage for simply being productive at work, but I noticed an effect on my workouts, definitely.”

“Neurofuse gave me a jolt of energy. I started with one pill, and although I felt focused and sharp, I also experienced some slight, very slight, jitteriness. The next time I took it, I didn’t experience the jitters, though I stayed at a pretty low dosage (never more than two capsules, most often just one was enough). I would love to see this product offered without the caffeine, since I did feel like it increased my ability to focus and get through an enormous opposition brief under a tight deadline. I will take Neurofuse again, but like I said, probably one capsule at a time.”

“I started out taking 1 capsule (I also drink coffee in the morning). It gave me a definite sharpness well into the afternoon during the workday. I worked up to three capsules. I didn’t experience the big energy wave like some of the other BrainWiz testers, but I felt sharp and like I was able to handle stress just a little bit better than normal. This was one of the first nootropic stacks I ever tested, and I keep coming back to it at least once a month.”

“I started with two capsules and worked my way up to four. I felt focused and energized, for the first four days, but they the effects seemed to diminish a little bit over time. I took 1 day off, and then went back to three then four pills with great results.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Neurofuse contains caffeine, and although the amount is not listed, it is enough to cause jitteriness in people with caffeine sensitivity, if taken alongside your morning coffee. Do as the manufacturer says and start slowly.
• In our review of Neurofuse, our testers preferred taking the nootropic stack in the morning or just after lunch to help fight the afternoon crash.
• Except for the occasional jitteriness, our testers experienced no negative side effects from this supplement. But as with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use.
• Take just before eating to take advantage of an active digestive system and promote absorption.

Neurofuse Summary

Neurofuse is a broad-spectrium nootropic stack featuring a number of powerful, popular ingredients, including caffeine, in a convenient delivery system. It turned out to be a favorite among our testers, who all felt a cognitive boost.

In addition to a mental boost, some of our testers feel increased physical energy and stamina; at least one of our testers found it most effective to take pre-workout. Though its perceived effects seemed to diminish very slightly over time, taking a break from the supplement for a day or two seems to be enough time for Neurofuse’s effectiveness to return.

The post Neurofuse Review: Can You Optimize Your Neurons? appeared first on Brain Wiz.