Neuro Clarity Nutrition Label and Ingredients

The Ingredients

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

Usage Guidelines

Serving Size: 1 capsule

What Our Testers Say

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

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

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

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

BrainWiz Tips

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

Supplement Summary

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

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

The post A Mild Nootropic to Fight Anxiety? Reviewing Neuro Clarity by Nutrition Essentials appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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

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

CogniYouth Label

The Ingredients

Vitamin B6, 5 mg and Vitamin B12, 20 mcg

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

Bacopa monnieri extract, 300 mg

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

Choline Bitartrate, 200 mg

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

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

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

Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL, 200 mg

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

Ginkgo Biloba, 120 mg

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

Soybean extract (phosphatidylserine), 100 mg

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

DMAE Bitartrate, 50 mg

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

Huperzine A, 50 mcg

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

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

Usage Guidelines

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

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

What Our Testers Say

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

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

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

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

BrainWiz Tips

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

Supplement Summary

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

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

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

We wanted to find out if they packed any punch, or if their nootropics were just souped-up vitamin duds. The first up for review is Ginkgo Smart by Irwin Naturals (click for best price). Let’s take a look inside.

Ginkgo Smart Label & Ingredients

The Ingredients

• Fish Oil (30% Omega-3 Fatty Acids) – 878 mg
  • Omega-3 fatty acids play crucial roles in many bodily functions, and while they’re often recommended for heart health, it’s important not to overlook their benefit to the brain. These fatty acids are heavily concentrated in the brain and are important to its development and function. Many Americans (and generally people in Western countries) don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. This isn’t a particularly high concentration of omega-3s, and we’ve seen supplements with up to 80% purity instead of the 30% here. Of course, it’s just one ingredient in this supplement, but more and more companies are creating fatty acid blends targeted for brain health, be on the lookout for our reviews of those soon.
• Ginkgo powder (leaf) – 400mg/Ginkgo extract (24% flavone glycodises, 6% terpene lactones) (leaf) – 120 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.
• Acetyl L-Caritine – 50 mg
  • This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Having both in the same supplement is a good hedge in case the body is deficient in either compound. We’re pleased Lumonol includes both compounds in order to promote acetylcholine levels.
• Choline (as Choline-Bitartrate) – 50 mg
  • 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. Many Americans are choline deficient, and this dosage is a bit more than 100% of the recommended daily value.
• DMAE Bitartrate – 50 mg
  • DMAE Bitrate, or Deanol, is a chemical used to treat ADHD, improve memory and boost cognitive function. Deanol is essential to the production of choline, one of the building blocks of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for a number of nervous system activities, including signaling the heart to keep beating.
• Trimethylglycine – 50 mg
  • Also known as betaine, may act similarly to choline when ingested, though its most documented benefits are actually in the realm of physical performance (reduced fatigue, increased muscular endurance). This is a compound we don’t see too much of in the world of nootropics, mostly because so much of the research evidence surrounding it has to do with muscular endurance rather than brain enhancement.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid 20 mg
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical that has been used to treat memory loss and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Velvet Bean extract (10% L-dopa) 10 mg
  • Velvet bean extract is a solid, concentrated source of L-DOPA, a drug commonly used to treat Parkinsons Disease. It is a dopamine precursor.
• Vinpocetine (from Lesser Periwinkle extract) (whole plant) – 2 mg
  • 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.
• Toothed Clubmoss extract (1% huperzine A) (plant) – 1 mg
  • Clubmoss is the most common source for Huperzine A, a compound that has been used to improve cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer’s.
• BioPerine Complex (BioPerine Black Pepper extract 95% piperine and ginger extract 5% ginerols) – 6 mg
  • BioPerine is a common ingredient in Irwin Naturals products, as well as products from other general supplement manufacturers. Research suggests BioPerine/black pepper extract in the form of piperine helps the body more efficiently absorb a variety of nutrients through the digestive tract. If effective, it’s a good compliment to this supplement’s stack of nootropic ingredients.
• Other Ingredients: Gelatin, soy lecithin, purified water, glycerin, beeswax, lurmeric, titanium dioxide and sodium copper chlorophyllin. Contains: Soy, Fish (anchovy, sardine)

Usage Guidelines

Take two liquid soft gels daily with a full glass of water. Do not use if you may become pregnant, are pregnant or nursing. State of California Prop 65: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. We had our BrainWiz testers take 2 capsules per day.

What Our Testers Say

“I was not expecting to like this supplement; it didn’t contain anything on the label that struck me as particularly effective or innovative. But I have to admit I felt clear-headed every morning I took this (usually with caffeine, but once without; still clear). I’m wondering if the BioPerine helps speed or facilitate absorption, because the effect, though not the most powerful I’ve felt by a long shot, came on pretty quickly.”

“I made the mistake of taking this on a completely empty stomach the first day, no water, no food, and it caused some very mild nausea. This didn’t happen when I actually followed the instructions and drank it with a big glass of water. If anything, I felt slightly increased focus, but it wasn’t particularly powerful.”

“I’m actually still taking this supplement. I think I respond well to something a bit milder occasionally, though the entire time I’ve been taking this has been pretty quiet at work. When a bit stressful project comes up, I’ll probably reach for something more powerful. I might swap out with another Irwin Naturals stack for regular use to try it out.”

“This is probably the mildest supplement I’ve tried that increased focus and energy (I’ve tried others that did nothing, but I’m not counting those). I’d like it if they released a version without the fish oil since I already take a more concentrated fish oil I really like. It’d also be nice if they used non-soy capsules, but that’s a pretty minor concern for me.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Our testers all experienced mild effects with no jitters. This is a good start if you’re new to the world of nootropics and want to explore brain enhancers gradually.
• Take with a full glass of water and/or meal to avoid any stomach cramps; this is often true of fish oil-containing supplements.
• This supplement seems to pair well with coffee and other food/drink sources of caffeine (our testers didn’t try it with other caffeine-containing nootropics, which could potentially cause jitteriness).
• If you shouldn’t be taking fish oil for any health reason, it’s a good idea to steer clear of Ginkgo Smart. As with any supplement regime, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes.

Supplement Summary 

Ginkgo Smart is a mild brain enhancer good for people who aren’t sure whether nootropics are right for them. It effects are noticeable and very quick, but they won’t bring on Limitless-like focus and new realms of mental clarity. It also doubles as a fish oil supplement, and we appreciate the inclusion of BioPerine as a compound that could potentially enhance absorption of its other ingredients. If you want a mild cognitive boost to pair with breakfast, this is a very solid choice.

The post Do You Want A Mild Brain Boost? Reviewing Ginkgo Smart By Irwin Naturals appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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 & 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
  • 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 performance on memory tests.
• 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.

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.