
7 min read
Nootropics: improve cognitive function, focus, mood, memory, creativity and motivation with your nutrition
Author: Cliff Harvey, Clinical Nutritionist & Researcher (PhD, DipFit, DipNat)
Clinical Nutritionist & Researcher (PhD, DipFit, DipNat)
More by authorNootropics are drugs, supplements, or foods and beverages that might improve cognitive functioning, including focus, mood, memory, creativity and motivation.
Nootropics are also known colloquially as cognitive enhancers or ‘boosters’.
There are several drugs that are purported to improve memory and cognition, but increasing attention is being paid to nutritional supplements, herbs and mushrooms that may improve mental functioning too.
There are many purported nootropic supplements. Some of the most common and most frequently studied include:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
- Caffeine and other compounds from coffee, tea and cocoa
- Lipids (especially DHA from fish oil and medium-chain triglycerides)
- Fungi (especially Hericium erinaceous – lion’s mane)
- Acetylcholine precursors (such as lecithin/phosphatidylcholine and citicoline)
- Astaxanthin
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
- Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)
- Multivitamins and minerals
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
The nootropics listed above are common either as foods, supplements, or traditional medicines with a long history of use.
But do they work? Clinical Nutritionist Cliff Harvey discusses the evidence for five well known nootropics below.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Acetyl-carnitine is a naturally occurring substance formed in cells when an acetyl group is added to carnitine. Carnitine (created from the amino acid lysine) aids the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria to be used for energy.
Acetyl-carnitine is more easily absorbed and can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than L-carnitine. Acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown to reduce fatigue, anxiety and depression and age-related cognitive defects3.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi (water hyssop, bacopa, Indian pennywort) is a perennial creeping herb native to India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
It is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal herb with use as a cognition and memory enhancer5. Several studies have demonstrated the potential for brahmi to improve cognition.
It is thought to do so by antioxidant neuroprotection, increasing choline, reducing β-amyloid, increased cerebral blood flow, and by modulating neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, serotonin and dopamine5.
In a 2008 randomised controlled trial 160 mg brahmi extract (equivalent to 4 g dried herb) given to volunteers for 90 days resulted in significant improvements to memory accuracy6.
A recent (2014) meta-analysis has summarised the findings from nine existing studies (437 participants), showing improved cognition and reaction times7.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a well-known cognitive enhancer. Reviews of the evidence show that caffeine improves attention, vigilance, reaction times and problem-solving (especially in sleep-deprived people)8,9.
Large scale reviews of the evidence show significant benefits from caffeine for positive mood and lower perceived fatigue. Doses of 12.5mg up to 400-600mg (<1 to 4-6 cups per day of coffee) provide a positive effect9,10, however, greater doses do not always provide greater benefits to cognition and mood, and typically, the first cup provides the majority of benefits10.
Interestingly, habitual users appeared to experience greater cognitive or mood effects compared with low/non‐users10.
Tea and coffee both produce similar benefits to mood and cognition10.
Coffee, tea, caffeine and cognitive decline and dementia
In addition to its acute effect on mood and cognition, caffeine-containing beverages may be protective against cognitive decline and dementia11.
Tea constituents other than caffeine (L-theanine and epigallocatechin gallate) might also improve cognition.
A review of the research in this area suggested that caffeine combined with theanine (as found in tea) improved alertness and attention more than caffeine alone12.
Lipids
Omega-3 fatty acids
The omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, play an important role in brain development and healthy functioning of the brain and central nervous system.
DHA, in particular, makes up the majority of the polyunsaturated fat content of the brain, comprising of over 50% of the plasma membrane of neurons. It is also essential to the functioning of the brain and optimising cognition and mood30.
Omega-3 fats are linked to reduced mental fatigue31, improved memory and cognition and reduced cognitive decline32,33, reduced rates of depression and improved structural integrity of the brain34,35.
Additionally, DHA has also been found to improve cognition and behaviour in children36.
See our article ‘Top Tips for Kids Brain Health’ to learn more about ways to improve children’s cognition.
Medium-chain triglycerides
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are naturally occurring fats found in small amounts in dairy products and greater amounts in coconut oil. They are also commonly used as isolated supplement oils.
MCT supplemented diets improve mental performance in those with Alzheimer’s Disease and age-related cognitive decline37,38, and a single dose of 20g MCT has been shown to improve cognition39.
It’s important to note that if you are considering the use of an MCT oil supplement, it is important that you start with a small dosage and scale up your dose slowly.
The reason for this is because having too much MCT oil too quickly can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Fungi
Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) mushroom is an edible and medicinal mushroom native to North America, Europe and Asia belonging to the tooth fungus group.
Lion’s mane has been shown to increase ‘nerve growth factor’40, which helps nerves and brain cells to grow and repair41-46. Because of this brain-repair effect, lion’s mane is being considered as one of the most promising preventative treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia47,48.
It has also been demonstrated to significantly improve mood after four weeks of treatment42 and improve cognitive function49. Lion’s mane might also improve physical performance by reducing perceived fatigue50.
Read more
Are you starving on a full stomach...
Are supplements really worth it...
The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is general advice. It should not, nor is it intended to be, relied on as a substitute for individual medical advice or care. If the contents of this, or any other of the blogs in this series raises any concerns or questions regarding your health, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Related news
min read
Beyond Distractions: The Ultimate Guide to Focus and Concentration with Top Nutritional Tips
Boost your focus with 'Beyond Distractions' by Megan Jones. Discover effective concentration tips and nutritional advice for better cognitive health.
min read
Fuelling Resilience: Nourishing Your Body to Combat Stress + 10 Top Tips and 5 Top Nutrients to Help!
Boost resilience against stress with Megan Jones's insights on nourishing the body. Learn the top tips and essential nutrients, like magnesium and zinc, to combat stress effectively with Nuzest's Good Green Vitality
min read
An Introduction to Healthy Ageing – Our 4 Part Series and Must-See Articles
Unlock the art of healthy ageing with Megan Jones' blog series. Learn how diet, protein, and lifestyle impact longevity, and gain practical tips for vitality at every age. Dive into the science of nutrition for a life full of health and independence.
Unlock the art of healthy ageing with Megan Jones' blog series. Learn how diet, protein, and lifestyle impact longevity, and gain practical tips for vitality at every age. Dive into the science of nutrition for a life full of health and independence.
min read
The Lifelong Nutritional Journey: Nourishing Every Life Stage
Join Megan Jones as she delves into the critical role of nutrition from conception to our golden years. Discover how dietary choices shape our health and how Nuzest's Good Green Vitality can bridge nutritional gaps at every stage.
min read
Lifestyle as Medicine + top tips to help prevent lifestyle diseases and optimise your health!
Discover the deep connection between lifestyle and health. The World Health Organization emphasizes holistic well-being beyond just physical health. Learn how daily habits, from diet to sleep, impact our risk of chronic diseases and how modern insights align with ancient wisdom. Embrace a lifestyle that promotes longevity and well-being.
Discover the deep connection between lifestyle and health. The World Health Organization emphasizes holistic well-being beyond just physical health. Learn how daily habits, from diet to sleep, impact our risk of chronic diseases and how modern insights align with ancient wisdom. Embrace a lifestyle that promotes longevity and well-being.
min read
Mind The Nutritional Gap
Modern lifestyles lean towards processed foods, creating a nutritional gap despite available healthy options. This piece explores the reasons and emphasises supplements like Good Green Vitality as a potential remedy.
Modern lifestyles lean towards processed foods, creating a nutritional gap despite available healthy options. This piece explores the reasons and emphasises supplements like Good Green Vitality as a potential remedy.
min read
Navigating Healthy Ageing with the Power of Protein
As we age, it's inevitable that our bodies change. However, embracing proper nutrition and an active lifestyle can greatly influence the rate and manner of these changes. With the UN proclaiming 2021-2030 as the “UN Decade of Healthy Ageing”, it’s clear the spotlight is on the significance of healthy behaviours throughout life.
min read
Ageing Gracefully: Unveiling the Power of Immunity-Boosting Habits for Healthy Ageing
As we age, our immune response undergoes significant changes, closely linked to our nutritional intake. This article delves into how ageing affects immunity, emphasizing the role of a balanced diet, complemented by supplements like Good Green Vitality and Clean Lean Protein, in supporting a healthy ageing process.
As we age, our immune response undergoes significant changes, closely linked to our nutritional intake. This article delves into how ageing affects immunity, emphasizing the role of a balanced diet, complemented by supplements like Good Green Vitality and Clean Lean Protein, in supporting a healthy ageing process.
min read
An Introduction to Gut Health & Nutrition – 5 Must See Articles
Gut health significantly affects overall wellbeing, influencing brain function, immunity, and metabolism. A balanced gut microbiota, influenced by diet and environment, can potentially enhance health, aid digestion, and reduce allergies. The roles of probiotics and prebiotics in gut health are also discussed.
min read
Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
Unleash gut health with probiotics and prebiotics! Strengthen digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Try Nuzest's Good Green Vitality for convenient support with 8 billion CFU of probiotics. Take charge now!
min read
The Link Between Gut Health & Allergies - Plus 5 Top Tips to Help
Discover the link between gut health and allergies, and how the gut microbiome influences the body's immune response to allergens. Learn how adopting a balanced diet with prebiotics and probiotics can support gut health, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Explore solutions for allergy relief and fostering a healthier gut with Nuzest’s multi-nutrient formula, Good Green Vitality.
min read
The Gut Connection: How to Improve Your Digestion and Gut Health in 6 Steps
Discover the significance of gut health and its impact on digestion and overall well-being. Learn six practical steps, including maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and using antibiotics wisely, to promote a healthy gut and enhance vitality.
min read
Does Gut Health Affect Your Immune System? | Do These 6 Things
The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria in our digestive tract, plays a crucial role in supporting our immune system and overall health. Consuming probiotics and prebiotics, staying hydrated, managing stress, limiting processed foods, and engaging in outdoor activity and exercise are effective strategies to promote a healthy gut and enhance immunity.
min read
How To Build A Smoothie
Surely making a smoothie isn’t rocket science, right? You throw some stuff in a blender, blend it and voila you have a smoothie. Kinda, but also not. A well-crafted smoothie is a beautiful thing. Tasty and satisfyingly nourishing. Great fuel that’s easy to digest and keeps you going. So how do you build this beautiful thing you ask?