What Are Nootropics?

A burgeoning industry of nutritional supplements, nootropics (pronounced noo-TROP-iks) are substances that purport to enhance brain function. They are usually found in dietary supplement form and also appear in certain pharmaceutical medications. Drug-based nootropics are formulated to treat specific medical conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy or dementia and may be prescribed by a physician.

However, a Nootropics occurring foods, drinks and herbal supplements are considered nootropics. These include the ever-energizing caffeine, an alkaloid in coffee, tea and cocoa, L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, resveratrol, an antioxidant polyphenol that’s found in many fruits and vegetables, vitamin B12, choline, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, bacopa monnieri and lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus).

Some scientists have studied nootropics for their potential to help improve memory, focus, attention, and other cognitive functions. They have looked at a range of possible mechanisms, such as improving the availability of oxygen or glucose to the brain, stimulating nerve growth and activity, modulating the release of neurotransmitters, and inhibiting oxidative stress in the brain.

Boost Your Brainpower: The World of Nootropics

While some experts believe nootropics can give people superhuman mental abilities, others think they can be helpful as an adjunct to other healthy habits such as getting enough sleep and eating a nutrient-rich diet. And most agree that, if you decide to try a nootropic, start slowly, listen to your body and talk with a health care professional first.