Nootropics

With the pace of life seemingly ever-increasing, interest in nootropics is at an all-time high.

Nootropics - that are sometimes also called ‘brain supplements’ or ‘cognitive supplements’ - are compounds that can potentially enhance cognitive performance.

As one study summarises this class of compounds, ‘Nootropics, also known as ‘smart drugs’ are a diverse group of medicinal substances whose action improves human thinking, learning, and memory, especially in cases where functions are impaired’.

Purported potential benefits of nootropic substances include improved concentration, reduced anxiety, and increased feelings of calm. Note; these purported benefits are not necessarily ‘universal’ with certain nootropic compounds being linked to certain potential benefits. 

It’s worth noting that some nootropic substances have been linked to potential benefits other than cognitive function. For example, certain adaptogenic nootropics such as Ashwagandha have been linked to anti-inflammatory benefits.  

What types of nootropics are there? 

Nootropic compounds can be derived from a number of sources including plants, fungal fruiting bodies, amino-acids, and choline. 

Examples of plant-based nootropics include: 

• Ashwagandha. 
• Brahmi.
• Ginseng.
• Siberian Ginseng.
• Ginkgo.
• Holy Basil.
• Rhodiola.

Examples of amino-acid derived nootropics include: 

• L-Theanine.
• Carnitine.
• Cysteine.

Examples of choline-based nootropics include: 

• Alpha-GPC.

Examples of fungi-based nootropics include: 

• Lion’s Mane.
• Cordyceps.

In isolation each of these can act as sources of nootropic compounds. However, many people choose to ‘stack’ nootropics, combining one, two or more nootropic compounds together. 

This can ensure an efficacious mix of potential benefits.

Here at Supplement Needs, we’ve done exactly that, creating a series of different nootropic stacks that are designed to help you accomplish different tasks. 

What are the best nootropic supplements? 

As we mentioned above, the best way to enjoy the potential benefits of nootropics is to buy a well-formulated ‘stack’, that is, a supplement that has been carefully researched and designed to combine the perfect blend of certain nootropic compounds. 

Here at Supplement Needs, we have created a series of nootropic supplements that are designed to help you maintain cognitive wellbeing throughout the day. 

These nootropic supplements include: 

• Supplement Needs AM Priming - as the name suggests, this is a nootropic stack that’s been designed to be taken upon waking and contains a variety of plant-based nootropics including Holy Basil, Vegan Ashwagandha KSM-66, Rhodiola, Bacopa Monneri, and Siberian Ginseng. Supplement Needs AM Priming is designed to prime the mind against stress and lower mental fatigue.
  
  
• Supplement Needs PM Priming - designed to be a counterpart to AM Priming, Supplement Needs PM Priming is our nootropic stack that’s designed to promote evening relaxation and cortisol management. Nootropic ingredients include L-Theanine and Alpha GPC.
  
  
• Supplement Needs Pre Focus+ - one of the few truly nootropic pre-workout products on the market, Supplement Needs Pre Focus+ contains a variety of nootropic compounds including the increasingly sought after Lion’s Mane. Other nootropic ingredients include Alpha GPC, L-Carnitine, and CDP Choline (amongst others).
  
  
• Supplement Needs Alpha GPC - a phenomenal source of Choline (which has been linked to a number of potential cognitive benefits), Supplement Needs Alpha GPC has been designed to include 50% yielding Alpha GPC to provide 300 mg active Alpha GPC per 2 capsule 600 mg serving.

Explore the rest of this page to learn more about Supplement Needs’ complete range of nootropic supplements. 

How to buy the best nootropic supplements

Given that there isn’t a universally-agreed upon definition as to what a nootropic supplement is, you’ve got to pay close attention when purchasing nootropics. 

Here’s how to ensure you buy the very best nootropics: 

• Check the ingredient list - We’ve written a handy guide which sets out the most popular nootropics and their respective evidence bases. Remember, some adaptogens can be nootropics, but not all nootropics are necessarily adaptogens!
  
  
• Credentials - who has developed the supplement that you’re looking at? Stacking nootropics isn’t easy and requires a detailed knowledge of organic chemistry, pharmacology and more. Here at Supplement Needs all of our nootropic products have been formulated by Dr. Dean St Mart PhD who holds a double first class honours degree in chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry and a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and fluorescence spectroscopy.
  
  
• Safe and quality manufacture - check that your chosen nootropic supplement has been manufactured to the highest standards. All Supplement Needs’ products are manufactured in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO 22000:2018.
  
  
• Price - if a nootropic supplement seems too cheap to be true, then it almost certainly is! In the world of supplements you really do get what you pay for.