Bulletproof – Brain Wiz https://brainwiz.org Level-up your mind! Thu, 09 Feb 2017 22:21:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Reviewing InstaMix: Bulletproof Coffee on the Go? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/bulletproof-instamix/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/bulletproof-instamix/#respond Wed, 18 May 2016 01:25:52 +0000 https://brainwiz.org/?p=1564 There’s no denying the influence Bulletproof Coffee has had on bringing nootropics to the mainstream. Bulletproof Coffee consumption here at BrainWiz is nearly unanimous, and we are always looking at ways to make the regimen more portable.  The blend of “mold free” coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglycerides is (for many of us, but not […]

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There’s no denying the influence Bulletproof Coffee has had on bringing nootropics to the mainstream. Bulletproof Coffee consumption here at BrainWiz is nearly unanimous, and we are always looking at ways to make the regimen more portable.  The blend of “mold free” coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglycerides is (for many of us, but not all) an effective brain energy booster on its own.

Bulletproof recently released their popular Brain Octane Oil in a softgel form, and while some of our testers liked the product, most felt like it did not deliver enough caprylic acid triglyceride bang, for the buck.

Bulletproof InstaMix

Still looking for an easier way to take Bulletproof Coffee on the road, our testers were excited about the company’s new product: InstaMix, a powdered blend of MCT and grass-fed butter, which  is meant to be mixed in with fresh-brewed coffee. Read on to see if  this powder ended up being better than the softgels, and whether or not this is the answer to taking Bulletproof Coffee on the road.

The Ingredients

Per packet: Caprylic Acid Triglycerides (Brain Octane Oil), Grass-fed Butter, Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin, Oleic Fatty Acid (from Olive Oil)

Caprylic Acid Triglycerides (Brain Octane Oil)

Medium-chain triglycerides, normally in the form of refined coconut oils, have become popular in recent years, largely thanks to the work of Bulletproof founder Dave Asprey.

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 may be quickly utilized by the brain for energy. Their consumption in place of other calories sources has also been linked to increased fat loss.

Regular coconut oil contains only about 8% caprylic acid, so Bulletproof’s Brain Octane Oil is a highly refined derivative of coconut oil targeted toward brain function. Of course, that’s not to say the other lipid compounds in coconut oil don’t have their own potential benefits. Brain Octane Oil may not be as readily stored as fat within the human body, meaning it’s either metabolized for relatively quick energy or expelled as waste.

Bulletproof also claims slowing the digestion of their Brain Octane Oil carries benefits for gut biome health and microbial balance. However, research on that potential benefit is so far pretty sparse, and we’ve chosen to assess the product’s effects as they pertain to mental performance.

A normal tablespoon of liquid-form Brain Octane Oil contains 15 grams of caprylic acid. One packet of Brain Octane contains about 10 grams, so significantly more than the softgels, but still less than a serving of the original oil.

Bulletproof InstaMix Ingredients

Grass-Fed Butter

Grass-fed butter is rich in vitamin K2, a vitamin essential for bone health. It is also loaded with butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that can help ameliorate inflammation in the digestive tract.

Other Ingredients: Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin, Sorbitol, Vitamin E TPGS.

Nutritional Value

Amount per serving: Calories 135, Fat Cal. 117, Total Fat 13g (20% DV), Sat. Fat 10g (48% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 15mg (5% DV), Sodium 0g (0% DV), Total carb. 5g (2% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 0g, Vitamin A (4% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (0% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Usage Guidelines

Tear open a packet of InstaMix and pour into 8 oz freshly brewed Upgraded Coffee. For best results, shake InstaMix and Upgraded Coffee in a sealed Bulletproof Travel Mug. Alternatively, stir until well mixed. Enjoy, and feel the power.

What Our Testers Say

Bulletproof InstaMix
4.2 / 5 Score
Pros
  • Convenient
  • Travel friendly
  • Neutral taste
  • Cons
  • Requires hot coffee
  • May take adjustment
  • Summary
    Bulletproof's InstaMix is the most convenient, travel-friendly method we've seen so far when it comes to fat-infused coffee on the road. It needs to be added to freshly-brewed, hot coffee in order to mix well, so it's not a take-whenever "nootropic" supplement, but it does keep us feeling full with a boost in mental energy.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    “These are a huge improvement over the softgels. I like that they have a mixture of the MCT, high-quality grass-fed butter, because let’s face it, carrying around a stick of butter is just as impractical as carrying around a bottle of oil. I had great energy with this, and even used it in the afternoon, with great success. ”

    “I liked the softgels, and have reached for them a couple of times when I needed a caffeine-free boost during my day. These are not as practical as the pills, but they are more potent. I liked it  mixed with my caffeine-free tea, and will continue using it. The flavor was nutty, and pretty comforting.”

    “This mix is pretty solid when it comes to helping stave off hunger pangs, and give me a boost of energy. I tried mixing it with my cold brew, and had a disastrously clumpy result. I will stick to mixing it in warm coffee going forward. I have had some stomach issues with the full tablespoon of MCT oil before, but this didn’t bother me at all. ”

    “This is a pretty great alternative for when I don’t have the time to make my Bulletproof coffee at home. I still prefer the “real” stuff, but this  is easy to mix, and it stacks well with my regular nootropic regimen. I will keep a couple of these in my briefcase, and at the office, for emergencies. ”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • When it comes to MCT oil, the manufacturer suggests starting with 1 teaspoon of oil to coffee, and gradually increasing until you reach 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of coffee. Some people experience an upset stomach when first trying MCT oil, and InstaMix is no different. BrainWiz testers have been drinking Bulletproof coffee and/or tea for years, so take your time working up to the full packet, if this is your first experience with MCT oil.
    • Most of our testers relied on their “regular” Bulletproof coffee in the morning, consumed an InstaMix beverage with lunch, which helped them fight afternoon hunger pangs, and slump.

    Summary

    While not as portable as the Brain Octane Softgels, InstaMix is a (surprisingly great) alternative for those looking for the BulletProof Coffee experience on the go. These packets are TSA-approved, and easy to take along in a carry-on, making it the perfect addition to a road-warrior’s nootropic chest.

    The fact that these packets are also caffeine and stimulant-free makes them even more universally appealing.

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    MCT Energy to Go? Reviewing Brain Octane Softgels by Bulletproof https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/brain-octane-softgels-bulletproof/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/brain-octane-softgels-bulletproof/#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2015 19:07:12 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=767 Bulletproof (sometimes called Upgraded Self) has had a bigger impact on bringing nootropic ingredients mainstream than almost any other company. Any while not every product of theirs is a home run, we’ve seen some decent, good, and really good results from products like Unfair Advantage and Choline Force. A few of our testers are also […]

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    Bulletproof (sometimes called Upgraded Self) has had a bigger impact on bringing nootropic ingredients mainstream than almost any other company. Any while not every product of theirs is a home run, we’ve seen some decent, good, and really good results from products like Unfair Advantage and Choline Force. A few of our testers are also fans of Bulletproof Coffee, the blend of grass-fed butter, medium chain triglycerides, and coffee that launched Bulletproof and founder Dave Asprey to stardom.

    Until recently, Bulletproof’s popular Brain Octane Oil, a refined version of coconut oil that is primarily composed of caprylic acid and designed for use in Bulletproof Coffee, was only available in liquid form, which made traveling with it nearly impossible (not ideal for a product many people like to take during the workday or while on the road). However, the company has just released a version of Brain Octane Oil encapsulated in softgels (click for best price), making it a TSA and office-friendly version of their bestselling oil. Read on to see if the new capsules stack up to the old standby, and whether the ingredient dosage is enough to make these softgels worth it.

    Brain Octane Softgels Nutrition Label

    Brain Octane Softgels Nutrition Label

    The Ingredients

    *Per 2 softgels

    Caprylic Acid Triglycerides (Brain Octane Oil) – 1600 mg

    Medium chain triglycerides, normally in the form of refined coconut oils, have become very popular in recent years, largely thanks to the work of Bulletproof founder Dave Asprey. 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 may be quickly utilized by the brain for energy. Their consumption in place of other calories sources has also been linked to increased fat loss.

    Regular coconut oil contains about 8% caprylic acid, so Bulletproof’s Brain Octane Oil is a highly refined derivative of coconut oil targeted toward brain function. Of course, that’s not to say the other lipid compounds in coconut oil don’t have their own potential benefits. There’s some evidence that Brain Octane Oil is not readily stored as fat within the human body, meaning it’s either metabolized for relatively quick energy or expelled as waste.

    Bulletproof also claims slowing the digestion of their Brain Octane Oil carries benefits gut biome health and microbial balance. However, research on that potential benefit is so far pretty sparse, and we’ve chosen to assess the products effects as they pertain to mental performance.

    A normal tablespoon of liquid-form Brain Octane Oil contains 15 grams of caprylic acid. Two softgels of Brain Octane contain only about 1.6 grams, so there’s significantly less in a serving of the capsule than in a tablespoon serving of the liquid oil.

    Other Ingredients: Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Oleic Acid (Derived from Olive Oil), Vitamin E TPGS, Purified Water, Natural Flavor.

    Bulletproof Brain Octane Softgels Review

    Usage Guidelines

    Take 1-2 capsules with food for gut health. Take 1-2 more capsules as desired for energy.

    What Our Testers Say

    “I’m a fan of Bulletproof Coffee, though I realize not everyone is, so I was looking forward to this version of their Brain Octane Oil. I tried it in a few different ways: With my coffee in place of the oil, on its own, and with food. There’s not as much MCT oil in these as you’d get with a standard serving of the liquid Brain Octane Oil, so it’s not going to be as noticeable an energy boost. HOWEVER, I felt no stomach upset when taking these, which sometimes happen when I take too much MCT oil without food. I felt solidly sustained energy throughout the day, and the portability was excellent. The effect isn’t as good as the liquid oil, but in a pinch, these will do.”

    “I’ve been looking for a good capsulized MCT product for awhile, and this is the first one I’d consider purchasing again. They have a pleasant smell and go down smoothly, which is definitely not the case for most MCT products I’ve tried. I’m going to keep a bottle of these in my desk for times when I need an energy boost from digesting fats, not caffeine or other stimulants.”

    “I can’t really speak to the gut health aspect of these pills, but I’ve experienced digestive stress from MCT oil before, and I didn’t feel that here. I’d consider taking these with lunch to help avoid a post-lunch crash. So far I’ve only tried them for about a week, and they’ve helped me do just that.”

    “Stacking these with other nootropics worked out really well for me. I especially liked adding them to a morning stack of coffee and rhodiola, and I also had good results taking with Alpha BRAIN.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • While our testers experienced less of a “gut bomb” from Brain Octane Softgels as compared to straight MCT oil, we had success following the manufacturer recommendation of taking with food; some people experience upset stomach the first time they ingest MCT products.
    • Our best results came from taking with lunch to provide long-lasting energy into the afternoon.
    • Though it contains dietary fats, this supplement is not a replacement for food.
    • It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before making any significant change to your diet or supplement routine.
    Brain Octane Softgels
    4 / 5 Score
    Pros
  • Travel friendly
  • Easy to take
  • Convenient energy
  • Cons
  • Low amount of ingredient
  • May upset stomach
  • Summary
    Bulletproof/Upgraded Self's newest Brain Octane product takes their popular MCT oil and puts it in its most portable form. There's not a ton of MCT oil in a serving of these capsules, but they may provide an additional slight energy boost with a meal or coffee on the go.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    Supplement Summary

    Brain Octane Softgels are an ultra-portable version of Bulletproof’s popular Brain Octane Oil. While the amount of fatty acids in a serving (or two) of softgels is significantly lower than in a tablespoon of the liquid oil, our testers found the capsules to be a handy option suited for the workplace or travel. These could be a welcome stimulant-free addition to a existing nootropic stacks.

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    Solid Science or More Research Needed? Reviewing Glutathione Force by Bulletproof https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/glutathione-force-bulletproof/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/glutathione-force-bulletproof/#respond Fri, 04 Dec 2015 01:09:35 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=576 Bulletproof (sometimes referred to as Upgraded Self) has its fair share of innovations over the past few years, chief among them Bulletproof Coffee. (Spoiler alert: We’re fairly big fans of fats + coffee for sustained mental energy.) We’ve reviewed a few of their nootropic and brain-boosting formulas, including Unfair Advantage and Choline Force, and have generally […]

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    Bulletproof (sometimes referred to as Upgraded Self) has its fair share of innovations over the past few years, chief among them Bulletproof Coffee. (Spoiler alert: We’re fairly big fans of fats + coffee for sustained mental energy.) We’ve reviewed a few of their nootropic and brain-boosting formulas, including Unfair Advantage and Choline Force, and have generally been pleased with the quality and often unique delivery systems of their formula (with a few exceptions; read our reviews to learn more).

    Recently, Bulletproof reformulated their Glutathione Force supplement in order to improve delivery and taste. We put the new formula to the test; read below to see what we found.

    Glutathione Force nutrition label

    Glutathione Force nutrition label

    The Ingredients

    • Glutathione, 100 mg, See below
    • Riboflavin, 1 mcg, Vitamin B2, a precursor to glutathione recycling.
    • Molybdenum, 35 mcg, A trace mineral involved in glutathione pathways
    • Inactive Ingredients: Glycerin, lactoferrin, oleic acid (from olive oil), phosphatidylcholine, polysorbate 80, Bulletproof XCT Oil (sourced from coconut and/or palm oil), Stevia, and Natural Flavors (essential oil of orange, cinnamon, clove).

    Glutathione is an incredibly important molecule for human bodies, and an entire “glutathione system” based around its role as one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Glutathione acts through a complex system of enzymes and processes, and the theory behind glutathione supplementation is to provide cells with more of the molecules necessary for this entire system to run well.

    However, glutathione is generally fairly abundant in food, and there’s some debate over whether or not supplemented glutathione can actually make it to the body’s cells intact. Bulletproof/Upgraded self claims Glutathione Force uses patented technology to deliver a form of glutathione bound a peptide called lactoferrin, which helps the molecule survive digestion and actually be absorbed in the intestines. However, the effectiveness of this method is still controversial, as many of the body’s tissues must break down glutathione into L-cystine before it can be absorbed into cells (in which case, it could be more cost-effective to use n-acetyl-cysteine to supplement glutathione with higher reliability and probably cheaper cost).

    Bulletproof claims supplementation with Glutathione Force can detoxify the body, improve heart health, protect the gut, fight infections, and, perhaps most importantly, optimize the central nervous system and brain function. However, the research surrounding glutathione supplementation in humans is so far inconclusive when it comes to A) whether the body can benefit from it in a direct manner and B) exactly what systems, tissues, and functions it could improve. More controlled, randomized studies are needed.

    Glutathione Force review Bulletproof productUsage Guidelines

    Each oral dispenser contains 10 servings. Using the ml markings on the side of the tube, gently dispense 1 ml of Glutathione Force onto a spoon and swallow. Best taken on an empty stomach or 20 minutes before a meal.

    What Our Testers Say

    “After what I’d heard about the old formulation, I was expecting an acrid, sulfur-heavy taste, but I didn’t experience that; in fact, I liked the orange-and-cinnamon flavor of Glutathione Force (this version, at least). However, I didn’t feel much (if anything) from this supplement, even after taking it for 10 or more days.”

    Glutathione Force comes in these neat plastic vials to keep the ingredients from getting exposed to air and oxidizing (it’s main ingredient is an antioxidant, hence why they don’t want it to react with oxygen before you consume it). I liked the flavor, and it gets good bonus points for the delivery system. But I didn’t feel much, if I forgot to take this supplement one morning or at a particular time I didn’t notice because I didn’t feel any different on it or off it.”

    “I’m a big fan of Unfair Advantage, another signature product from this brand. And I wanted to like Glutathione Force, because I was thinking I’d take it as a compliment to my other nootropic regime. But it just didn’t do much for me. I’ll stick to Unfair Advantage, which gives me a physical kick, especially in the gym.”

    “I don’t think this supplement did anything for me. I took it for nearly a month and felt nothing special or different.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Take on an empty stomach in the morning as the manufacturer suggests.
    • Glutathione Force contains ingredients from milk, though the manufacturer claims it does not contain lactose; something to be aware of for people sensitive to dairy products.
    • Buy direct from the manufacturer to ensure the new (and palatable) formulation is what you get.
    • It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a medical professional before starting a new supplement regimen.

    Supplement Summary

    Glutathione Force is an interesting idea in theory, but in practice there’s not a ton of evidence the body is able to utilize it as the manufacturer claims. Our testers much preferred the same brand’s Unfair Advantage formula, a combination of ActivePQQ™ and CoQ10 (as ubiquinol) that gave them an energetic feeling mental (and in at least one instance, physical) boost along with their normal diets and variable supplement routines. In our opinion, Glutathione Force may be worth trying in one cycle to see if individual experience varies.

    We look forward to seeing what new research comes out on glutathione supplementation. For now, it looks like supplementing N-Acetylcysteine may be more effective to promote the antioxidant benefits of the glutathione system.

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    Better Sleep, Calm Focus, And A Brain Boost? Reviewing GABAwave By Bulletproof https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/gabawave-bulletproof/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/gabawave-bulletproof/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2015 21:59:26 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=188 Upgraded Self (also known as Bulletproof) is known for their high-quality, well-sourced products to boost human performance. Not only are they responsible for Bulletproof Coffee trend (a mix of coffee, medium chain triglyceride oil, and grass-fed butter, which in conjunction can serve as their own nootropic), but Upgraded Self also produces a number of nootropics, […]

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    Upgraded Self (also known as Bulletproof) is known for their high-quality, well-sourced products to boost human performance. Not only are they responsible for Bulletproof Coffee trend (a mix of coffee, medium chain triglyceride oil, and grass-fed butter, which in conjunction can serve as their own nootropic), but Upgraded Self also produces a number of nootropics, including Unfair Advantage (check out our review here), Choline Force (check out our review here), and Glutathione Force. Today, we are reviewing one of their nootropics that also doubles as a sleep aid, GABAwave.

    UPDATE: Currently, GABAwave is unavailable from the Bulletproof/Upgraded Self. Recently, we’ve seen many phenibut-containing supplements taken off the market. If you’re looking for a supplement to boost brainpower and focus, check out our other supplement reviews here.

    GABAwave Label

    GABAwave Label

    The Ingredients

    GABAWave comes in 4 mL single-use ampules. There are 15 ampules/servings per container.

    Active Ingredients:

    Phenyl-GABA (phenibut) – 600 mg This is GABAwave’s only active ingredient, and Bulletproof makes a special form which makes the phenibut molecules smaller and more easily absorbable (this is accomplished through the phospholipid listed under “Other Ingredients”). Phenibut is a chemical that emulates the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a neuropsychotropic drug that functions as both a nootropic and as a tranquilizer by stimulating dopamine production. Dopamine plays a part in controlling flow of information in the brain while alleviating stress and anxiety.

    Other Ingredients: Purified water, Oleic Acid (from olive oil), Glycerin, Phosphatidylcholine (Natural Phospholipid as an emulsifier), Inulin, Natural Flavors, Natural Caramel Color, Gum Acacia and Stevia.

    Usage Guidelines

    For Clear Focus all day and enhanced sleep all night: Take 1 serving in the first half of your day (can take before noon) on an empty stomach. Allow up to 36 hours between servings. Do not exceed 3 servings in a one week period. The way phenibut is processed by the body can result in no or opposite effects, so use caution when beginning use. GABAwave™ can increase the effects of tranquilizers, narcotics, and neuroleptics. We had several BrainWiz testers take 1 ampule every 48 hours for 6 days (not exceeding the 3/week recommendation of the manufacturer).

    What Our Testers Say

    “I’m generally a nervous flyer, so I decided to try GABAwave during my last transatlantic flight. It was one of the best travel days I’ve had in recent memory. Even when things were not going as expected, I was able to keep calm, and still sharp enough to make quick decisions working on the plane. It also helped me fall asleep quickly, mitigating jetlag. I will continue to take this, especially when I have to travel. The calm feeling was pretty great.”

    “This helped me sleep well, something I don’t see with a lot of nootropics, as some give me jitters and keep me awake, and recover from a couple of back-to-back tough workouts. I also felt clear-headed and “ready” for anything when taking GABAwave.”

    “I don’t mind the flavor of Bulletproof’s Unfair Advantage, but GABAwave took me by surprise. It is salty, bitter, and vicious; but it’s also so worth it. There was a simultaneous rush of calm and clarity, and it lasted two full days. I will be reaching for this supplement whenever I have a high-stress day or two coming on.”

    “Despite tasting atrocious, GABAwave works! I felt calm even under a tremendous amount of stress, and I had some of the best nights’ sleep I can remember. I did have a[n alcoholic] drink while on GABAwave, and it hit me hard. I would suggest staying away from booze when on GABAwave.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    After comparing experiences and effectiveness, here are our best tips for getting the most out of GABAWave:

    • GABAWave contains no caffeine, and it pairs well with your morning coffee (especially because it helps take the taste of GABAwave away).
    • Our testers experienced no negative side effects from this supplement, though one did experience some dizziness when drinking alcohol the same day as taking GABAwave. But as with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use. It is also important NOT to take more than three servings during a week.
    • GABAWave should be taken before noon.
    • We recommend trying it on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for sustained nootropic and sleep support through the week.
    • If you’re using the supplement for the first time, start with less than a full ampule, and work your way up to a full ampule.
    • Phenibut enhances the tranquilizing effects of alcohol and other drugs. We advise that you stay away from other tranquilizers when taking GABAWave.
    • A good supplement to fight travel stress.

    Supplement Summary 

    GABAwave is a great caffeine-free nootropic and tranquilizer in a unique delivery system. In addition to improved cognitive function, users also feel a release in stress and anxiety, as well as improved sleep. It’s somewhat unique in this market, and while phenibut will impact everyone differently, it’s common to experience benefits for up to two days after ingesting. Phenibut is a potent nootropic, and it is important to cycle it as indicated. If you can stomach the taste and stick to cycling this supplement as recommended, there’s a lot to be gained from GABAwave.

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    Insurance For Your Brain? Reviewing Choline Force By Bulletproof https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/choline-force-bulletproof/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/choline-force-bulletproof/#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2015 10:32:13 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=143 Upgraded Self (also known as Bulletproof) is the producer of high-quality, well-sourced products to boost human performance. Known for Bulletproof Coffee (a mix of coffee, medium chain triglyceride oil, and grass-fed butter, which in conjunction can serve as their own nootropic), Bulletproof produces a number of other brain-boosting supplements. Their best-known nootropic is Unfair Advantage (read our review […]

    The post Insurance For Your Brain? Reviewing Choline Force By Bulletproof appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    Upgraded Self (also known as Bulletproof) is the producer of high-quality, well-sourced products to boost human performance. Known for Bulletproof Coffee (a mix of coffee, medium chain triglyceride oil, and grass-fed butter, which in conjunction can serve as their own nootropic), Bulletproof produces a number of other brain-boosting supplements. Their best-known nootropic is Unfair Advantage (read our review of Unfair Advantage here), but they also make Choline Force, GABAwave, and Glutathione Force.

    Today, we’re reviewing Choline Force, a blend of powerful brain and energy-promoting compounds. Many people are deficient in the compounds vital to healthy brain function and do not get enough of them from their regular diets; in addition to a blend of nootropic compounds, Choline Force provides an extra dosage of several compounds necessary for neurotransmitter function. This is especially relevant for vegetarians or vegans, as many common sources of choline and other brain-boosting compounds are eggs, meat, and dairy.

    Choline Force Label

    Choline Force Label & Ingredients

    The Ingredients

    Choline Force comes in capsules, with 120 capsules per bottle. There are 30 four-capsule servings per container.

    Active Ingredients:

    One thing we like about Upgraded Self products is that they normally list the amounts of ingredients in each supplement, while many other nootropic companies don’t reveal the dosages in their proprietary blends. With Choline Force that’s especially important, as this supplement works in part by fixing deficiencies in compounds vital to brain function.

    • Choline  (as choline bitartrate) – 500mg
      • Choline-Bitartrate, a vitamin-like chemical, helps the body produce acetylcholine, one of the main neurotransmitters involved in learning along with other cognitive processes. It’s a fairly common ingredient in nootropic supplements and stacks, and Choline Force provides a pretty high dosage compared to other supplements we’ve tried. Many Americans are choline deficient, and the dosage in Choline Force is a bit more than 100% of the recommended daily value for the average adult.
    • Huperzine-A (Lycopodium serrata whole plant extract) – 52 mcg
      • Huperzine A is a compound derived from Chinese club moss that has been used to improve cognitive performance in patients with declining mental health.
    • Vinpocetine – 20mg
      • Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, known to increase cerebral blood flow. Doctors in Hungary have been prescribing this compound to treat cerebrovascular disorders for decades.
    • DMAE (dimethylamineoethanol bitartrate) – 252mg
      • DMAE Bitrate or Deanol,  is a chemical used to treat ADHD, improve memory, and boost cognitive function. Deanol is essential to the production and of choline, one of the building blocks of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It’s a chemical precursor to choline and boosts alertness.
    • Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) – 100mcg
    • Pantothenic Acid (calcium pantothenate) – 124mg
      • Also known as vitamin B5, this is a water-soluble essential vitamin needed for healthy nervous system function.
    • Pyroglutamic Acid – 252mg
      • Pyroglutamic Acid is an amino acid and a known cognition-enhancing agent that works in conjunction with acetylcholine, GABA, and glycine. We’re happy to see this in a choline-based supplement, as it can enhance its effects. Compared to other supplements with choline, this ingredient gives Choline Force a big advantage, and a few of our testers noticed the difference.
    • L-Phenylalanine – 252 mg
      • L-Phenylanine is an amino acid that promotes general brain function and reduces the effects of age-related memory decline. 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.
    • Ginkgo leaf extract (24% ginkgoflavonglycosides) – 60 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.
    • Other Ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (vegetarian capsule), microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate.
    Choline Force
    3.9 / 5 Score
    Pros
  • Broad spectrum
  • Transparent formulation
  • Not just choline
  • Stimulant free/li>
  • Cons
  • May be best for vegetarians
  • Four capsule serving
  • Summary
    Choline Force is Bulletproof/Upgraded Self's broad-spectrum nootropic. It's got a range of ingredients centered around choline optimization, but it might not be the best stack for those already eating a diet rich in choline.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    Usage Guidelines

    • Take 4 capsules up to two times per day with food or as directed by your healthcare professional. Choline Force promotes healthy levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain, boosting clear thinking and sharp memory. Choline Force also contains vinpocetine and ginkgo to support health cerebral blood flow, and B-vitamins to support cognitive energy.
    • People have varying amounts of acetylcholine in their brains, thus requiring varying doses. Having too little acetylcholine can decrease brain function, while too much of it (being “choline dominant”) can cause excessive jaw or muscle tension. If you experience these symptoms, reduce your dose of Bulletproof® Choline Force™.
    • If you are taking other substances that increase your body’s demand for acetylcholine, you will especially benefit from this supplement. We had several BrainWiz testers take between 4 and 8 capsules per day.

    What Our Testers Say

    “Choline Force gave me a light ”˜wave’ of energy. That’s how I’d describe it, a wave. It was really mild, but decidedly noticeable. I appreciate that it is a different energy than that of caffeine, which often gives me jitters even in low dosage. There wasn’t a crash, but there were diminished results the more days in a row I took it.”

    “I didn’t really feel much on this supplement. It could have something to do with the fact that I eat about four eggs every day, which are loaded with choline, does not make me the best candidate for this supplement.”

    “I’ve been taking four capsules in the mornings with my coffee. I did feel slightly more focused, but the feeling is gone by midday, when I take four more capsules to help me get through the afternoon slump.”

    “These definitely help me keep my concentration and focus on the task at hand. The effects were more pronounced in the first couple of days, and then the effects diminished. I tried cycling off for a couple of days, and was able to achieve the same focus effect when I started taking it again.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Choline Force contains no caffeine, so it pairs well when you’re already taking in caffeine, like with your morning coffee. The light “wave” of energy our testers felt was also most desirable in the morning.
    • 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. If you do have excess choline, it can cause jaw or muscle tension, which is why the manufacturer suggests a range of potential sizes. This product also contains phenylalanine, which can cause side effects in some people with preexisting conditions.
    • Take just before eating to take advantage of an active digestive system and promote absorption.
    • Our testers felt diminishing effects after roughly a week of taking Choline Force. After a few days off from the supplement, taking one or more servings (4 pills each) of Choline Force once again produced a desired cognitive boost. We recommend pairing it with caffeine or guarana, and to use it in a “1 week on, 3 days off” pattern in order to keep feeling the effects of the supplement.

    Supplement Summary

    Choline Force is a great caffeine-free nootropic stack, especially for those suffering from a choline deficiency. In addition to a cognitive boost and improved focus, some users feel increased physical energy. Though its perceived effects seem to diminish over time, taking a break from the supplement for a few days seems to be enough time for its effectiveness to return.

    Like other Bulletproof/Upgraded Self products, Choline Force is a very clean, transparent supplement with ingredient dosages clearly listed. Our testers had a generally positive experience with no side-effects. They knew exactly what they were taking, in what dosages, and to what effect. This is definitely NOT a mystery pill.

    The post Insurance For Your Brain? Reviewing Choline Force By Bulletproof appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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