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

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.

Usage 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.

The post Solid Science or More Research Needed? Reviewing Glutathione Force by Bulletproof appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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

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.

The post Better Sleep, Calm Focus, And A Brain Boost? Reviewing GABAwave By Bulletproof 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.

These include Choline Force, Glutathione Force, and CILTEP® (which is actually a Natural Stacks product). Their best-known nootropic, however, is Unfair Advantage, a blend of two powerful brain and energy-promoting compounds. Today, we’re reviewing Unfair Advantage. Read below for our full Unfair Advantage review.

Get the best price on Unfair Advantage by buying directly from Upgraded Self (Bulletproof).

Unfair Advantage By Upgraded Self

The Ingredients

Unfair Advantage comes in 4 mL single-use ampules. There are 30 ampules/servings per container.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (ActivePQQ) – 10 mg

PQQ is a vitamin-like (or pseudo-vitamin) compound that is thought to have several benefits in the human body. Research suggests it can reduce oxidative stress, thereby acting as a potentially powerful antioxidant and protecting the body’s cells from damage. There’s also evidence (largely in animal trials, though with some limited success in human-based research) that PQQ boosts mitochondrial activity and reduces factors thought to inhibit mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the sites within cells that produce energy, and by increasing their efficiency, PQQ is thought to have benefits for overall energy production and metabolic systems.

The PQQ in Unfair Advantage is a proprietary form called ActivePQQ, which is comprised of small particles of the ingredient suspended in solution. The manufacturer claims this increases bioavailability of the product (your body’s ability to use and absorb it) while decreasing the likelihood of the PQQ breaking down in your digestive tract before absorption. While no other company is using this particular form of PQQ, the dosage (10 mg per serving) is in line with what you’ll see in PQQ supplements throughout the industry.

CoQ10 (as ubiquinol) – 20 mg

CoQ10 (also known as ubiquinol, technically a reduced form of CoQ10) is another compound that’s tied to mitochondrial production. It’s also been shown to increase blood flow in humans while potentially fighting the buildup and damage caused by low-density lipoproteins (LDL, or LDL cholesterol). The form of CoQ10 in Unfair Advantage isn’t proprietary, but Upgraded Self uses very small particles in order to increase bioavailability and absorption. When paired, ActivePQQand CoQ10 make for a potent combo of mitochondrial and blood flow-boosting compounds.

The amount of CoQ10 in each serving of Unfair Advantage is actually a bit low by industry standards (some supplements offer up to 100mg), but the company claims you don’t need as much when it’s so highly bioavailable. There are also a few other supplements that offer the combo of PQQ and CoQ10, but Unfair Advantage is definitely one of the most popular and the most well-known version suspended in a bioavailable solution. We’ll be reporting on some of those other brands and supplements in the coming weeks.

Other Ingredients: Purified water, xylitol, glycerin, vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol acid succinate), natural flavor, gum acacia and stevia.

Usage Guidelines

From the packaging: For mental performance: Take 1-2 ampules per day For sports performance: Take 2-4 ampules per day We had several BrainWiz testers take between 1 and 5 ampules per day. The ampules are easier to take as quick “shots” and have a strongly sweet (there’s a lot of stevia, it seems) taste.

What Our Testers Say

“Unfair Advantage gave me a clean ”˜wave’ of energy. That’s how I’d describe it, a wave. It’s not really a rush, because it sort of flows through you, it doesn’t hit you hard or make you feel like you have to get used to it. It’s very different than the feeling of caffeine, which often gives me jitters even in low dosage. There wasn’t a crash, though the more days in a row I took it, the less pronounced the wave was.”

“I liked this supplement. I actually felt it more physically and had a really great series of workouts. It didn’t hurt mental performance or make me feel cloudy, but what I really liked was how it made me feel heading into workouts. I really liked taking it an hour before I left for the gym. I took three servings before each workout.”

“Some people don’t like the taste of Unfair Advantage, but I didn’t mind it at all. I’ve been taking this first thing when I wake up, and I like that I can take it with another supplement that has caffeine or with coffee. It gave me a slight edge in mental clarity before lunch during the workday.”

“Felt great the first few times I took it, then I stopped feeling the effects. Stayed off it for a few days and tried again, and the boost returned.”

BrainWiz Tips

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

• Unfair Advantage contains no caffeine, so it pairs well when you’re already taking in caffeine, like with your morning coffee. The quick energy “wave” 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.
• 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 Unfair Advantage. After a few days off from the supplement, taking one or more ampules of Unfair Advantage once again produced a good rush of energy. We recommend trying it in a “1 week on, 3 days off” pattern in order to keep feeling the quick, clean energy boost.
• If you’re using the supplement for a physical performance boost, start with one or two ampules per day and work your way up to four.

Unfair Advantage Summary

Unfair Advantage is a great caffeine-free nootropic stack featuring two powerful, popular ingredients in a unique delivery system. In addition to a mental boost, some users feel increased physical energy and stamina during our Unfair Advantage trial.

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.

The post Unfair Advantage Review: Can Upgraded Self Supercharge Your Brainpower? appeared first on Brain Wiz.