Nootropics to Improve Brain Function.

A high-potency precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential for learning and memory

Crosses the blood-brain barrier, meaning it can be directly used by neurons

Shown to protect against the negative effects of stress and fatigue on cognitive function²

Derived from a perennial flowering plant and used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Standardized to 5% rosavins and 2% salidrosides, the potency shown to be effective in studies

In the form of Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a highly bioavailable form of Vitamin K2, crucial for neuron function and bone health

Associated with a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, and may be under-supplemented in modern diets, because coronary artery calcification may be reduced by Vitamin K2^9,10,11

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for long-term health and neuronal functioning¹²

Protects neurons against toxic injury¹³

A naturally occurring carotenoid compound that is commonly found in crustaceans

Shown to regulate the synthesis of neurotrophins and a number of neurotransmitters^14,15,16

It is estimated that 75% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, particularly those who spend long hours indoors and during the winter months when sunlight is limited¹⁷

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of depressed mood and of neurodegenerative disease in old age^{18,19,20,21,22}

Shown to improve attention, executive function, and memory^23,24

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial components of the cell membrane

It's best to take Vitamin D and Vitamin K with fat, so Omega-3's are an ideal substrate

The main subtypes of omega-3 fatty acids are EPA, DHA and ALA

DHA makes up 30% of the fat composition of neuronal membranes and promotes fluidity at synaptic junctions, where memories are formed in neural networks²⁵

Kado-3 contains a high 2:1 ratio of DHA:EPA for cognitive health

An amino acid found in tea³⁴

Shown to reduce stress and anxiety^35,36,37,38

Shown to reverse the blood pressure and cerebral vascular restriction caused by Caffeine intake^39,40

Caffeine + L-Theanine have synergistic effects on cognition – meaning that together they produce cognitive benefits not seen when either is used alone

Caffeine + L-Theanine improve performance on word recognition tests, rapid visual information processing, attention, and mood

The specific ratio of 1:2 of caffeine to L-Theanine in Sprint matches the dosage widely shown in clinical trials to produce optimal performance gains^{39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46}

Strongly associated with significant improvements in long-term memory in older adults^47,48

Associated with improvements of short-term memory in younger adults⁴⁹

The Mayo Clinic specifically recommends 20 mg of B6 for nootropic benefits

In the form of methylcobalamin, a more bioavailable form than cheaper B12 sources like cyanocobalamin

Essential for generating new red blood cells, maintaining neurologic function, and DNA synthesis⁵⁰

Derived from the periwinkle plant

Potential to counteract neural inflammation and improve reaction time, working memory and attention^51,52

Readily bioavailable and crosses the blood brain barrier

Precursor for two important neurotransmitters associated with alertness, mood, and focus

May counteract deficits induced by acute or chronic stress including memory impairment, cognitive fatigue, and attention deficits^53,54

An amino acid found in tea

Shown to reduce stress and anxiety^36,37,38

Improves sleep efficiency (the quality of the sleep you get) and reduces sleep latency (time required to fall asleep)^55,56

Produced in the pineal gland of the brain and promotes sleep and regulates the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle)⁶⁰

When traveling across time zones, melatonin supplementation at or near the time you would sleep at your final destination has been shown to be a powerful method to pre-set your sleep-wake cycle and reduce jet lag⁶¹

Can improve sleep quality and reduce stress

The glycinate form adds bioavailability of magnesium and additional glycine content⁶²

Magnesium deficiency is common in the United States, with an estimated 68% of the population not meeting the FDA recommended daily intake of magnesium^57,63,64