What Are Nootropics? Claims, Evidence and Limits of "Brain Booster" Marketing

Three different things people mean

"Brain boosting" mixes up separate abilities, and a product linked with one may do nothing for another.

A review of plant-derived substances sorted findings by ability. It reported that caffeine enhances attention and executive functions and that Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory, while stating that inconsistencies need further research. [4] See what these tests actually measure.

Healthy adults versus people with memory conditions

These are different questions. A review of "smart drugs" says the efficacy of known cognitive enhancers in people with memory or learning deficits is well known, while their effect on non-impaired brains is still to be fully assessed; in healthy individuals, efficacy is uncertain and any improvement temporary. [5] The reverse also holds: a short result on a test in healthy volunteers says little about people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. See why results do not transfer between groups.

For dementia prevention, the US National Institute on Aging says no vitamin or supplement is recommended for preventing Alzheimer's or other forms of cognitive decline. [6] It advises checking with a doctor before trying any pill or supplement that promises to prevent Alzheimer's, because it might be unsafe, a waste of money, or both. [7]

Evidence labels used in this library

Established nutritional role or deficiency treatment; evidence in adequately nourished people; promising but limited (some positive human trials, small or short); mixed (trials disagree); insufficient evidence; no good evidence of benefit; evidence of harm; preclinical (animal or lab only); marketing claim. "Proper evidence not found" means we looked and could not read adequate human research.

How to read "brain booster" marketing

• A study on a different thing. An ingredient may have lab results, or trials in people with a diagnosis, while the label implies benefit for anyone.
• Test scores are not daily life. Many trials measure seconds-long computer tasks.
• Blends hide amounts. Trials test single ingredients; see proprietary blends.
• No pre-approval in the US. The FDA says it does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are sold. [8]
• Disease claims are a red flag. A US warning letter to a seller of products marketed as nootropics said claims that products prevent cognitive decline, "senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease", made them "new drugs". [9]

Where each part of the library lives

• Understanding the term: where the word came from, smart drugs and related terms, types by legal status, and do nootropics work.
• Caffeine and L-theanine: caffeine and L-theanine.
• Choline-related ingredients: citicoline and alpha-GPC and phosphatidylserine.
• Herbs and mushrooms: where to find each guide.
• Other marketed ingredients: vitamins and minerals for memory.
• Racetams, prescription drugs and regulation: how nootropics are regulated.
• Formulas and stacks: what "stack" means.
• Outcome research: evidence by outcome.
• Life stages: students and young adults and older adults.
• Safety and claim checks: safety and claim checks.
• Quality, labels and marketing: reading a label and regulator actions on memory claims.
• Science: how trials are designed.
• Tools: ingredient A to Z and questions for your clinician.
• Comparisons: natural, synthetic and prescription products.
• Glossary: terms from acetylcholine to racetam and frequently asked questions.