i) Thiamine (B2) – Lacking in this Nootropic Vitamin can lead to: sore throat, swelling of the mouth, cracking of the lips and dermatitis.
ii) Niacin (B3) – Deficiency can cause: Sensitivity to light, aggression, dermatitis, insomnia, weakness, confusion, ataxia and dementia.
iii) Pantothenic Acid (B5) – Too little can cause: low energy and poor memory and alertness.
iv) Pyridoxine (B6) – Lacking can cause: cognitive problems, depression, inflammation of the skin, anemia, dermatitis and high blood pressure.
v) Biotin (B7) – Deficiency in Infants is known to cause neurological disorders and impaired growth.
vi) Folic Acid (B9) – May slow aging of the brain. Low levels can cause birth defects and cognitive impairment.
vii) Cyanocobalamin (B12) – Most important vitamin for cognitive functions. Deficiency common in elderly leading to memory loss and disorders.
Vitamin D – This nootropic vitamin is important for mental functioning and bone growth. Low levels can lead to depression.
Vitamin C – Helps prevent the brain from damage and neurological disease.
Vitamin D – Deficiency can cause neuromuscular problems, dysarthria, loss of tendon reflexes and vibratory sensation.
Fish Oil (Omega 3-6-9) – Proven to be very important in hormone production and function. Supports brain health and function.
5HTP – This supplement is a precursor to the important neurotransmitter, serotonin.
CoQ10 – Great for protecting your brain from oxidative stress.
DMAE – Studies have shown it to increase alertness and mood. This nootropic may be a acetylcholine precursor.
Choline – Precursor to acetylcholine. Choline is found naturally in our bodies and is very similar to the B vitamin structure.
Lecithin – Also known as phosphatidylcholine and it is precursor to acetylcholine. Lecithin is very helpful for cognitive functioning.
ALCAR - Acetyl-L-carnitine – Mimics the effects of acetylcholine.
Inositol – An important carb in the brain that helps with important signals in the brain.
Alpha Lipoic Acid – Important anti-oxidant. Helps prevent oxidative stress.
Creatine – Strong nootropic with neuroprotective qualities.
Nootropic Amino Acids
1) Phenylalanine – Enhances memory and alertness. Mild stimulant.
2) Tryptophan – Precursor to Serotonin and important hormones.
3) Tyrosine – Precursor to Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine
4) Glutamine –Glutamine is the most important learning and memory neurotransmitter.
5) Serine – Helps with memory.
6) Taurine – May act as a neurotransmitter in some areas of the brain.
List of Racetams
• Noopept (Technically a derivative of the racetam family.)
Ginko Biloba – Perhaps the most popular nootropic herb. Studies have shown Ginko to increase blood circulation in the brain and help with memory and cognitive functions. It may be beneficial in helping Alzheimers patients.
Huperzina Serrata – Huperzine A is derived from this nootropic plant. Huperzine A is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and a potent nootropic.
Bacopa – This herb is fairly unknown but a powerful cognitive enhancer.
Brahmi – Helps the left and right side of the brain communicate. It also helps with memory, learning, stress and reduction of anxiety.
Anise – There has been evidence this herb may help with memory over time.
Rhodiola – Good for memory and nervous disorders.
Valerian – Works on GABA-a sites and acts as a mild sedative. It is useful for anxiety, sleeping disorders and stress.
Gotu Kola – Like Ginko Biloba, this herb increases blood circulation in the brain and helps with memory.
Ginseng – Known to help with stress, improve memory and slow the aging process.
Ashwaghandha – Improves cognitive function, memory, anxiety and mental clarity.
Mucuna pruriens – This herb increases L-Dopa levels which can increase dopamine in the brain. Skullcap – A very mild sedative which can help with sleeping and anxiety problems as well as convulsions.
Vasca – Good for brain detoxifying, mental clarity and memory. It is a mild stimulant.
Kava – A popular herb known to help reduce stress and anxiety. It is thought to act of the limbic system and interact with GABA receptors.
St. John Wort – Coined a natural SSRI with anti-depressant qualities.
Rosemary – Has been shown to increase memory and alertness.