By Beth Baldwin-Lien, ND
Nootropics have attracted a lot of attention among healthy individuals seeking to improve their cognitive abilities and strengthen their work, academic or athletic performance. The term ‘nootropics’ is relatively recent, first appearing in the 1970’s and derived from Greek roots meaning, ‘to change the mind in a specific way.’ While there is no universally accepted set of criteria for what qualifies as a nootropic, they are generally considered to be substances which may safely enhance memory and learning ability, protect the brain and help it to function optimally under stressful conditions. Because of concerns about the long-term safety of nootropic pharmacological agents (or “smart drugs”), many people wonder about the effectiveness of natural nootropics. In this post we will go over some of the best nootropics supplements.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is one of the most well-researched ingredients for cognitive support, and may also promote other functions such as a healthy stress response, helping to maintain a positive mood, and supporting healthy athletic endurance.* PS is an essential building block of brain and nerve cell membranes, which supports attention, memory, learning and mental flexibility.* It is a naturally occurring nutrient that helps support the brain’s metabolic activity and cognitive functions, as well as cell signaling and neurotransmitter production.*
Clinically researched Citicoline Cognizin® is a patented form of Citicoline, a naturally occurring nutrient found in every living cell, which helps support the brain’s metabolic activity and has a variety of cognitive enhancing, neuroprotective, and neuroregenerative properties.* It helps support brain cell signaling and neurotransmitter production, promoting focus, attention and memory,* as well as overall cognitive function, neuroplasticity and healthy brain aging.*
Acetyl L-Carnitine may help support brain health and cognitive function by helping to increase levels of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter.* It crosses the blood-brain barrier and may help improve absentmindedness and mild memory problems associated with aging.*
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid present almost exclusively in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis).* L-Theanine helps maintain a sense of well-being and increase alpha brain wave activity, a sign of induced relaxation.* It may help ease occasional nervous tension and irritability, without drowsiness.* In addition to its relaxation benefits, L-Theanine may also help support cognitive performance in healthy adults, promoting alertness, attention and task switching.*
Rhodiola Rosea is an arctic plant utilized for its powerful adaptogenic properties.* Supportive to the adrenal glands, Rhodiola encourages mental and physical performance, stamina, and energy production.* Rhodiola may help promote positive mood and resistance to physical and environmental stress.* It supports memory and learning, and may help alleviate mild memory problems associated with aging.*
It’s important to remember that nootropics cannot replace a balanced diet, regular exercise or adequate sleep when it comes to supporting mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. But when used as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle, nootropics supplements may provide benefits in terms of enhanced cognition, motivation and concentration.*
Vital Nutrients offers each of the above natural nootropics as a single ingredient, as well as Vital Brain Powder, our most comprehensive cognitive support formula combining Sharp-PS® GREEN soy-free phosphatidylserine with Acetyl-L-Carnitine and GlyceroPhosphoCholine to promote mental performance, brain vitality and help restore normal brain function.* This unique combination promotes memory and learning and helps alleviate cognitive difficulties associated with aging.*
