Overview of the best nootropic dietary supplements
Part 1: Understanding of nootropes and their principles of action
Nootropics, also known as cognitive amplifiers, are a class of substances designed to improve cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, concentration, motivation and training. The term «Nootrop» was introduced by the Romanian scientist Corneliu Jurdge in 1972 to describe piracetam, the first synthesized nootropic drug. Jurdja defined nootropes as a substance that must meet the following criteria:
- Improving memory and learning.
- Improving cognitive functions in conditions of violation (for example, injury, hypoxia).
- Brain protection from chemical and physical damage.
- Increasing the efficiency of neuronal mechanisms for controlling the cortex and subcortical regions.
- Lack of sedative or stimulating effect.
- Very low toxicity.
However, modern nootropes cover a wider range of substances, including synthetic drugs, plant extracts, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Their mechanisms of action also differ and may include:
- Increase neurotransmissance: Many nootropes affect the levels and activity of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin and glutamate.
- Improving cerebral circulation: Some nootropes improve blood flow to the brain, providing more oxygen and nutrients for neurons.
- Neuroprotection: Nootropics can protect neurons from damage caused by free radicals, toxins and other stressors.
- Improving the energy metabolism of the brain: Some nootropes increase the production of energy in neurons, increasing their activity and resistance to fatigue.
- Increase in neuroplasticity: Noatropics can contribute to the formation of new synapses and strengthen existing ties between neurons, improving training and memory.
It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of nootropics can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body, dosage and combination with other substances. Before taking any nootropic dietary supplement, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Classification of nootropics
Nootropics can be classified according to various criteria, including the mechanism of action, chemical structure and origin. Here are some of the main categories:
- Racetam: Synthetic nootropics, pyrrolidone derivatives, such as piraecetams, aniracetam, oxiracetam, prammiracetes and phenylpirals. They affect the acetylcholine system and can improve memory, training and attention.
- Cholinergic nootropics: Substances that increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain, such as choline, alpha-gfh, citicolin and Gepersin A. Acetylcholine plays an important role in cognitive functions, especially in memory and training.
- Ampakins: Substances that enhance the effect of glutamate on amra receptors, improving synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity. Examples include suunifiers and unifiers.
- Nootropics affecting dopamine: Substances that increase the level or activity of dopamine in the brain, such as L-tyrosin, mucuna pruriens (L-Dopa source) and memantine. Dopamine plays an important role in motivation, concentration and attention.
- Nootropics affecting serotonin: Substances that increase the level or activity of serotonin in the brain, such as L-tripthophanes and 5-HTP. Serotonin plays an important role in mood, dream and appetite.
- Plant nootropics: Extracts of plants with cognitive properties, such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Bakop Monier and Rodila Pink.
- Vitamins and minerals: Some vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc, play an important role in cognitive function and can be considered as nootropics.
- Amino acids: Some amino acids, such as L-theanine, n-acetylcystein (NAC) and creatine, have nootropic properties.
- Peptide nootropics: Short chains of amino acids, such as Semax and Selank, which can have a neuroprotective and cognitive effect.
Part 2: Review of the best nootropic dietary supplements
In this part, we will consider the most popular and effective nootropic dietary supplements available on the market, and evaluate their potential advantages, action mechanisms and possible side effects.
1. Piracetam
- The mechanism of action: Piracetams, the first synthesized nootropic, affects the acetylcholine and glutamate brain systems. It improves neurotransmission, cerebral circulation and neuroplasticity.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention and concentration. It can help with cognitive disorders caused by injury or aging.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea.
- Dosage: Usually 1200-4800 mg per day, divided into several tricks.
2. Aniracetam
- The mechanism of action: Aniracetam is a more powerful analogue of piracetam, which also affects the acetylcholine and glutamate systems. It has an anxiolytic effect.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention, concentration and mood. It can reduce anxiety and depression.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea.
- Dosage: Usually 750-1500 mg per day, divided into several tricks. It is recommended to take with fats for better absorption.
3. Oxiracetam
- The mechanism of action: Oxyracetam is another analogue of piracetam, which affects acetylcholine and glutamate systems. It has a stimulating effect.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention, concentration and motivation. It can increase energy and vigor.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea.
- Dosage: Usually 750-2400 mg per day, divided into several tricks.
4. The streaks
- The mechanism of action: Pramiemetam is one of the most powerful Racetams, which affects the acetylcholine system and improves cerebral circulation.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention, concentration and cognitive speed.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea.
- Dosage: Usually 400-1200 mg per day, divided into several tricks. It is recommended to take with fats for better absorption.
5. Phenylpire (Phenotropil)
- The mechanism of action: Phenylpiracetam is a piracetam derivative with a phenyl group added, which makes it more powerful and penetrating through a hematoencephalic barrier. It affects the dopamine and acetylcholine systems.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention, concentration, motivation and physical performance. It has a stimulating and anxiolytic effect.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, irritability, increased blood pressure. It can cause addiction with prolonged use.
- Dosage: Usually 100-200 mg per day, divided into several tricks. It is not recommended to take daily for a long time.
6. Holin (Choline)
- The mechanism of action: Kholin is the predecessor of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter participating in memory, training and muscle control.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention and concentration. It can help with cognitive disorders associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine.
- Side effects: The fish smell of the body, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in blood pressure.
- Dosage: Depends on the form of choline. Usually 500-2000 mg per day.
7. Alfa-GFH (Alpha-GPC)
- The mechanism of action: Alfa-gg is a more bio-access form of choline, which easily penetrates through a hematoencephalic barrier and increases the level of acetylcholine in the brain.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention, concentration and physical performance. It can stimulate the production of growth hormone.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea.
- Dosage: Usually 300-600 mg per day, divided into several tricks.
8. Citicolin (CDP-Choline)
- The mechanism of action: Citicoline is another source of choline, which also provides quitidine necessary for the synthesis of RNA and DNA. It improves cerebral circulation and neuroprotection.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention, concentration and cognitive speed. It can help with cognitive disorders caused by injury or stroke.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea.
- Dosage: Usually 250-500 mg per day, divided into several tricks.
9. Gepperin a (Huperzine a)
- The mechanism of action: Gepperin A is an inhibitor of acetylcholinerosis, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. It increases the level of acetylcholine in the synaptic gap, enhancing its action.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention and concentration. It can help with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.
- Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia.
- Dosage: Usually 50-200 mcg per day, divided into several tricks. It is not recommended to take daily for a long time.
10. L-theanine (l-teanine)
- The mechanism of action: L-theanine is an amino acid contained in tea, which has a relaxing and anxiolytic effect. It increases the level of GABA, dopamine and serotonin in the brain.
- Advantages: Improving concentration, attention and mood. It can reduce anxiety and stress. It has a synergistic effect with caffeine.
- Side effects: Rarely. Drowning at high doses is possible.
- Dosage: Usually 100-400 mg per day.
11. Caffeine (Caffeine)
- The mechanism of action: Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system that blocks adenosine receptors, increasing the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
- Advantages: Improving concentration, attention, motivation and physical performance. It can reduce fatigue and drowsiness.
- Side effects: Nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, an increase in blood pressure, palpitations. It can cause addiction.
- Dosage: Depends on individual sensitivity. Usually 50-400 mg per day.
12. Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba)
- The mechanism of action: Ginkgo biloba improves cerebral circulation, has an antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.
- Advantages: Improving memory, learning, attention and cognitive speed. It can help with the disease of Alzheimer and other cognitive disorders associated with circulatory disorders.
- Side effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash. The risk of bleeding can increase.
- Dosage: Usually 120-240 mg per day, divided into several tricks.
13. Ginseng (ginseng)
- The mechanism of action: Ginseng contains ginsenosides that have antioxidant, anti -inflammatory and adaptogenic effects. It improves cerebral circulation and energy metabolism of the brain.
- Advantages: Improving memory, training, attention, concentration, motivation and physical performance. It can reduce stress and fatigue.
- Side effects: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, increased blood pressure, skin rash.
- Dosage: Usually 200-400 mg per day.
14. Bacopa Monnieri)
- The mechanism of action: Bakop Monier contains bacosides that have an antioxidant, anti -inflammatory and neuroprotective effect. It improves neurotransmission and neuroplasticity.
- Advantages: Improving memory, learning, attention and cognitive speed. It can reduce anxiety and stress.
- Side effects: Disorder of the stomach, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth.
- Dosage: Usually 300-450 mg per day. The effect manifests itself gradually, after a few weeks of admission.
15. Rhodiola pink (Rhodiola rosea)
- The mechanism of action: Rhodiola pink is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress. It improves the energy metabolism of the brain, increases the level of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Advantages: Improving concentration, attention, motivation and physical performance. It can reduce stress, fatigue and depression.
- Side effects: Nervousness, insomnia, irritability.
- Dosage: Usually 200-600 mg per day.
16. Creatine (Creatine)
- The mechanism of action: Creatine increases the level of phosphocratin in the brain, which is a source of energy for neurons.
- Advantages: Improving memory, attention and cognitive speed. It can help with cognitive disorders caused by lack of sleep or stress.
- Side effects: Development of the stomach, water retention.
- Dosage: Usually 3-5 grams per day.
17. N-Acetylcistein (NAC)
- The mechanism of action: NAC is the precursor of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects neurons from damage. It also regulates the level of glutamate in the brain.
- Advantages: Improving mood, reducing anxiety and stress. It can help with mental disorders, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Side effects: Disorder of the stomach, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash.
- Dosage: Usually 600-1800 mg per day, divided into several tricks.
18. Memantin (Memantine)
- The mechanism of action: Memantin is an antagonist of the NMDA receptors of glutamate. It protects neurons from overexcitation caused by glutamate.
- Advantages: Improving memory, attention and cognitive speed. It can help with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.
- Side effects: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation.
- Dosage: Usually 5-20 mg per day, divided into several tricks. Take only as prescribed by a doctor.
19. Semax (SEMAX)
- The mechanism of action: Semax is a peptide nootropic, which has a neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effect. It improves cerebral circulation and neurotransmission.
- Advantages: Improving memory, learning, attention and cognitive speed. It can help with cognitive disorders caused by injury or stroke.
- Side effects: Rarely. Light headaches or runny nose are possible.
- Dosage: Usually 200-800 μg per day, divided into several tricks. Introduced nasal.
20. Selank (Selank)
- The mechanism of action: Selank is a peptide nootropus, which has an anxiolytic, antidepressant and neuroprotective effect. It modulates the activity of the GABA -ergic system.
- Advantages: Reducing anxiety, stress and depression. Improving mood and sleep.
- Side effects: Rarely. Light headaches or drowsiness are possible.
- Dosage: Usually 200-400 mcg per day, divided into several tricks. Introduced nasal.
Part 3: Combinations of nootropics (stacks)
Many people use nootropics combinations known as «stacks» to achieve a synergistic effect and maximize cognitive improvements. However, it is important to approach the creation of glasses with caution and take into account possible interactions between substances. Before taking any stack, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Here are some popular and effective nootropic stacks:
- Classic stack: Caffeine + L-theanine. Caffeine provides stimulation and improvement, while the L-theanine reduces the anxiety and side effects of caffeine, improving concentration.
- Improving memory and learning: Racetams (for example, piracetam or aniracetes) + choline (for example, alpha-gg and citicoline). Retams improve neurotransmissions, and choline provides the necessary substrate for the synthesis of acetylcholine.
- Improving motivation and concentration: L-tyrosin + phenylpiral. L-tyrosine is the predecessor of dopamine, and phenylpiracetam enhances the action of dopamine.
- Stress removal and mood improvement: Rhodiola pink + L-theanine + magnesium. Rhodiola pink helps to adapt to stress, L-theanine soothes, and magnesium is necessary for the normal operation of the nervous system.
- Brain health support: Omega-3 fatty acids + vitamins of group b + vitamin D. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the structure and function of the brain, group B vitamins are involved in energy metabolism, and vitamin D is necessary for neuroprotement.
Examples of advanced glass (require consultation with a doctor):
- Stack for creativity: Aniracetam + phenylpiral + L-theanine.
- STAR for intensive work: Pramiycetam + alpha-gfh + caffeine + L-dean.
- STAR to improve mood and motivation: Selank + L-Tirozin + Rodila Pink.
The principles of constructing an effective nootropic stack:
- Start small: Start with one or two nootropes and gradually add new substances to evaluate their individual effect.
- Study possible interactions: Make sure that nootropes in your stack do not interact with each other negatively.
- Cyclose nootropics: To avoid addiction and loss of effectiveness, it is recommended to cycle nootropics, taking breaks in the reception.
- Follow your well -being: Pay attention to any side effects and adjust the dosage or composition of the stack if necessary.
- Combine nootropes with a healthy lifestyle: Noatropics are most effective in combination with healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep and stress.
Part 4: safety and side effects of nootropics
Although many nootropics are considered safe, it is important to realize potential risks and side effects, especially with prolonged use or in high doses.
General side effects of nootropics:
- Headache: One of the most common side effects, especially when taking Racetams.
- Nervousness and anxiety: They can occur when taking stimulating nootropes such as caffeine or phenylpiral.
- Insomnia: Stimulating nootropics can violate sleep, especially when taking in the evening.
- Irritability: Some nootropics can cause irritability and mood swings.
- Indigestion: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
- Fatigue: Paradoxically, some nootropes can cause fatigue after the initial stimulation period.
- Skin rash: A rare, but possible side effect.
- Improving blood pressure: Some stimulating nootropics can increase blood pressure.
Recommendations for minimizing risks:
- Start with low doses: Start with a minimum recommended dose and gradually increase it until you reach the desired effect.
- Take nootropes in the morning: To avoid insomnia, take stimulating nootropics in the morning.
- Drink enough water: Nootropics can cause dehydration, so it is important to drink enough water.
- Avoid a combination of nootropes with alcohol or other drugs: This can increase the risk of side effects.
- Cyclose nootropics: Take breaks in the reception of nootropics to avoid getting addiction and loss of efficiency.
- Consult a doctor: Before taking any nootropic dietary supplement, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you have any medical contraindications.
Contraindications to the reception of nootropics:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Many nootropes are not studied on pregnant and nursing women, so their reception is not recommended.
- Mental disorders: Nootropics can aggravate the symptoms of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Stimulating nootropics can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases.
- Kidney and liver diseases: Some nootropes can exert a load on the kidneys and liver.
- Allergies: People with allergies to any of the nootropic ingredients should not take it.
- Epilepsy: Some nootropes can reduce the threshold of convulsive readiness.
Part 5: legality and accessibility of nootropic dietary supplements
The legal status and accessibility of nootropic dietary supplements vary depending on the country and substances.
- Recipe nootropics: Some nootropics, such as memantine and phenylpiracetams (in some countries), are available only by prescription.
- Odter receptive nootropics: Many nootropic dietary supplements, such as choline, l-theanine, ginkgo biloba and ginseng, are available without a prescription in pharmacies and healthy food stores.
- Online stores: Most nootropic dietary supplements can be purchased in online stores. However, it is important to choose reliable suppliers in order to avoid fakes and poor -quality products.
Risks when buying nootropics online:
- Fakes: There is a risk of acquiring fake or low -quality nootropes that can be dangerous to health.
- Incorrect dosage: Some online seller can sell nootropics with improper dosage, which can lead to inefficiency or side effects.
- Inaccurate information: Some online sites can provide inaccurate information about nootropics, which can mislead consumers.
- Problems with customs: In some countries, imports of certain nootropes can be prohibited or limited, which can lead to problems with customs.
Recommendations for a safe purchase of nootropics:
- Buy only from reliable suppliers: Choose online stores or pharmacies with good reputation and positive reviews.
- Check the composition and dosage: Make sure that the packaging clearly indicates the composition and dosage of nootropic.
- Look for quality certificates: Some nootropics have quality certificates that confirm their authenticity and safety.
- Beware of suspiciously low prices: Too low price may indicate fake or poor -quality products.
- Study the legislation of your country: Find out what nootropics are allowed to sell and import in your country.
Part 6: Nootropes and a healthy lifestyle
Nootropics are not a «magic tablet» to improve cognitive functions. They are most effective in combination with a healthy lifestyle.
Key components of a healthy lifestyle to improve cognitive functions:
- Healthy nutrition: Eat in a balanced, consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and healthy fats. Limit the consumption of sugar, processed products and trans fats.
- Regular physical exercises: Physical exercises improve cerebral circulation, stimulate the production of neurotrophic factors and improve mood.
- Sufficient sleep: Sleep is necessary for the consolidation of memory, energy restoration and maintaining the normal operation of the nervous system. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours at night.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect cognitive functions. Use stress control methods such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.
- Cognitive training: Train your brain regularly by solving puzzles, studying new skills or playing developing games.
- Social activity: Communication with friends and family, participation in social events and volunteering can improve cognitive functions and prevent dementia.
Synergy of nootropics and a healthy lifestyle:
Nootropics can enhance the effect of a healthy lifestyle on cognitive functions. For example, L-theanine can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration during meditation, and creatine can improve cognitive functions after lack of sleep.
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