Quick Summary: Nootropics
Nootropics are natural or synthetic compounds commonly used to support cognitive function and mental performance. They’re often used to help support focus, memory, mood, energy, and learning ability.
Some common natural nootropics include:
- Caffeine
- L-theanine
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Some supplements combine multiple nootropics and can help support daily focus and productivity. Nootropics can also be found in pre-workouts, thermogenics, and far more supplements.
When used as directed, nootropics are generally considered safe for healthy adults.
We’ve all had days when our brain just feels foggy. Maybe you’re at work and having a hard time focusing on complex tasks. Or maybe you’re training and struggling to stay mentally dialed in.
That’s where nootropics come in.
Nootropics are supplements many people use to help support focus, mental clarity, and sustained energy (1). Over the past few years, they’ve become one of the most popular supplement categories. This is especially as both mental and physical performance have become increasingly important.
In this article, I’ll break down what nootropics are, how they work, which to look for, and how people commonly use them.
In This Article:
- What Are Nootropics?
- How Do Nootropics Work?
- Common Uses of Nootropics
- Are Nootropics Safe?
- Common Nootropic Ingredients and What They Do
- When Should You Take Nootropics?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Nootropics
- Nootropics You Can Try
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are compounds used to support mental performance, including focus, learning, and memory. Some are naturally occurring, such as caffeine, herbs, amino acids, and mushrooms. Others are synthetic and may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Prescription versions are often referred to as “smart drugs.” Natural nootropics, which are commonly found in supplements, are typically the go-to for people looking to support cognitive performance.
The term “nootropic” comes from Greek roots meaning “to bend or shape the mind.” Today, it’s used to describe ingredients that support how the brain functions.
Common natural nootropics include:
Caffeine – Can help support alertness and mental energy (6).
Lion’s Mane – Studied for its role in supporting brain function (7).
CDP Choline / Alpha GPC – Can help support acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning (3, 8).
L-Theanine – Can help support calm focus without drowsiness (2).
Bacopa Monnieri – Traditionally used to help support memory and learning.
Rhodiola Rosea – An adaptogen used to help support healthy stress and mental endurance (4).
These ingredients are commonly found in nootropic-specific supplements and some pre-workout formulas. Many people choose blends because certain ingredients are often studied together and used for complementary support.
How Do Nootropics Work?
Your brain relies on a steady supply of oxygen, nutrients, and neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help brain cells communicate.
Nootropics are commonly used to help support mental performance by (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6):
- Supporting neurotransmitter activity involved in focus and learning
- Supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain
- Helping manage oxidative stress
- Supporting communication between neurons
Rather than acting as stimulants alone, many nootropics are used for more balanced mental support throughout the day.
Common Uses of Nootropics
People use nootropics for a variety of reasons, depending on the ingredients and formulation. Nootropics as a whole can help support:
- Focus and concentration during work or study
- Memory and learning over time
- Mental clarity during long or demanding days
- Mood and motivation
- Calm focus during periods of stress
Nootropics are used by students, business professionals, athletes, and anyone looking to stay mentally sharp.
Are Nootropics Safe?
When used as directed, most natural nootropic ingredients are considered safe for healthy adults. Many are found naturally in foods, teas, herbs, and mushrooms.
Important safety considerations include:
- Following the recommended serving size and directions of whichever supplement you take
- Being mindful of total caffeine intake
- Choosing supplements that are third-party tested
- Talking to a healthcare provider if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition
Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Common Nootropic Ingredients and What They Do
When choosing a nootropic supplement, ingredient quality and formulation matter.
Below is a breakdown of commonly used nootropic ingredients, their primary role, and where they’re typically found (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8):
| Ingredient | Can Help Support | How It Works | Commonly Found In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | Alertness and energy | Stimulates the central nervous system | Coffee, tea, pre-workouts |
| L-Theanine | Calm focus | Helps balance the stimulating effects of caffeine | Green tea, nootropic blends |
| Bacopa Monnieri | Memory and learning | Traditionally used to support neurotransmitter activity | Herbal nootropic supplements |
| Rhodiola Rosea | Stress resilience | Acts as an adaptogen to support mental endurance | Adaptogenic and nootropic blends |
| L-Tyrosine | Focus and alertness | Supports the production of dopamine and norepinephrine | Pre-workouts, nootropic formulas |
| Lion’s Mane Mushroom | Cognitive function | Studied for its association with nerve growth factor activity | Advanced nootropic supplements |
| CDP Choline / Alpha GPC | Memory and focus | Supports acetylcholine production | Cognitive and performance formulas |
| Phosphatidylserine | Memory and focus | Supports brain cell communication | Cognitive function supplements |
When Should You Take Nootropics?
Many people commonly take nootropics:
- In the morning, to support mental clarity
- Before work or study sessions
- Before workouts to support focus and intensity
Timing depends on the ingredients and your personal tolerance, especially with caffeine-containing formulas. It's generally recommended to avoid caffeinated nootropic supplements anywhere near your bedtime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nootropics
Q: Do Nootropics Really Work?
Many nootropic ingredients have been studied for their role in supporting mental performance. Results vary by ingredient, formulation, and consistent use.
Q: Are Nootropics Regulated by the FDA?
Dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers must follow FDA guidelines for safety and labeling, but supplements are not approved to treat or prevent disease.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Notice The Effects of Nootropics?
Some ingredients may be noticed quickly, while others are typically taken consistently over time. As with any supplement, individual results can and will vary.
Q: Can I Take Nootropics Every Day?
Most natural nootropics are commonly used daily when taken as directed. Cycling stimulant-based ingredients may help manage tolerance.
Q: What’s the Difference between Nootropics and Smart Drugs?
Nootropics typically refer to natural or dietary supplement ingredients, while smart drugs are prescription medications.
Interested In Trying Nootropics?
Nootropics aren’t a shortcut, but when used correctly ... they can help support focus, learning, and mental performance!
Personally, I’ve found nootropics helpful for staying on task during work and staying mentally engaged during training. There are quite a few different supplements I use on a daily basis that contain nootropic ingredients.
Now, if you're interested in trying them ... We have quite a few great options for you at 1st Phorm!
For a nootropic-specific supplement, we offer MasterBrain AM. MasterBrain AM features a powerful Brain Blend with ingredients like Eleuthero extract, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Bacopa Monnieri, Cordyceps Sinensis, Alpha-GPC, and Phosphatidylserine. These ingredients work together to help support cognitive function and mental clarity.
It also has an Awake Matrix with Di-Caffeine Malate, L-Theanine, Caffeine Anhydrous, and Huperzine A to help support mental energy and alertness.
For me, it has been an absolute game-changer on days when I really need the extra support for energy and focus. It's even available as a full AM and PM stack called the Cognition Stack!
...but even if you're not interested in a nootropic-specific supplement, we also have plenty of other products that contain nootropics as an added benefit.
For example, we have a full line of incredible pre-workout supplements such as:
A number of our fat-burning supplements, vitamins, and more contain nootropics for additional support as well.
If you’re curious, you can explore different formulas and see what fits your needs. Everyone responds differently, and the best approach is choosing high-quality supplements and using them consistently and responsibly.
Now, I know we covered a lot today. With that being said, if you have any questions or need help in any way ... don't hesitate to reach out to us. We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches right here in St. Louis, Missouri.
Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com. We're available Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM Central and Saturday & Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM Central.
We'll be more than happy to help in any way we can!
References:
(1) O’Reilly, D., et al. “Effect of a Plant-Based Nootropic Supplement on Perceptual Decision-Making and Brain Network Interdependencies: A Randomised, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Study.” Brain Sciences, vol. 15, no. 3, 2025, article 226.
(2) Stough, Con, et al. “The Chronic Effects of an Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Human Subjects.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 156, no. 4, 2001, pp. 481–484.
(3) Knott, Victor, et al. “Neurocognitive Effects of Acute Choline Supplementation in Low, Medium and High Performer Healthy Volunteers.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, vol. 131, 2015, pp. 119–129.
(4) Darbinyan, V., et al. “Rhodiola rosea in Stress-Induced Fatigue: A Double Blind Cross-Over Study of a Standardized Extract on Mental Performance of Healthy Physicians During Night Duty.” Phytomedicine, vol. 7, no. 5, 2000, pp. 365–371.
(5) Jongkees, Bart J., et al. “Effect of Tyrosine Supplementation on Clinical and Healthy Populations Under Stress or Cognitive Demands: A Review.” Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 70, 2015, pp. 50–57.
(6) Owen, Gail N., et al. “The Combined Effects of L-Theanine and Caffeine on Cognitive Performance and Mood.” Nutritional Neuroscience, vol. 11, no. 4, 2008, pp. 193–198.
(7) Contato, Anderson G., and Carlos A. Conte-Junior. “Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential.” Nutrients, vol. 17, no. 8, 2025, article 1307.
(8) Kerksick, Chad M. “Acute Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Supplementation Enhances Cognitive Performance in Healthy Men.” Nutrients, vol. 16, no. 23, 2024, article 4240.
