What Are Nootropics?

What are nootropics?

Nootropics. What are they? A group of tropical islands in the South Pacific? No. Culinary dishes of noodles and pineapple? No. Newer classifications of suntan lotion? Or perhaps tropical storms that occur at noon? Again, no and no!

In colloquial terms, nootropics are brain supplements, also called “smart” drugs and cognitive enhancers. These supplements, natural or synthetic, are commonly available on the market as dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, or energy drinks, and they are also available as prescription drugs.

Nootropics may support some of the following:

• Improve memory/focus/awareness
• Enhance learning/recall/analytical thinking
• Promote mental energy/creativity
• Decrease stress
• Fight cognitive decline

Why do people seek nootropics?

People take nootropics for various reasons. Patients may be prescribed nootropics for FDA-approved medical purposes to include ADHD, narcolepsy, dementia, and other such health conditions. However, in the absence of illness, people may take nootropic supplements to help stimulate the brain. Per WebMD, leading provider of valuable medical information, “Whether you’re a college student hoping to ace your exams, a busy professional striving for a promotion, or an older adult concerned about dementia, the idea of popping a pill that boosts your brain power might seem appealing.” While nootropics are likely to decrease fatigue and increase focus, they are not proven to make people smarter.

Are nootropics popular?

Nootropics is a growing industry. Per ReviewScout, the popularity of these products has led to nootropic supplements flooding the marketplace. “While these supplements all promise to deliver benefits, the reality is that many fall short. Some of the most popular brands use ineffective or insufficient doses of ingredients, and many contain low-quality fillers.” While nootropics are promising, there is more that health experts seek to learn about them. As with all supplements and medications, safety and effectiveness are some main concerns. While prescription nootropic drugs are FDA-approved, manufacturers also sell those which fall outside of FDA regulations. Consumers must do their homework to understand the benefits and risks. Click here to access ReviewScout’s Top-Rated Nootropic Supplements 2024.

How do they work?

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) explains that research is still inconclusive on exactly how the drugs work to stimulate the mind, but early research indicates that they act on different systems of the body simultaneously. They describe, “One explanation is that they may increase blood flow to the brain, which allows the brain to use more oxygen.” They further explain that some nootropics can raise the body’s adrenalin levels (like drinking caffeine) or increase the amount of chemicals (neurotransmitters) like dopamine which is associated with dependence.  

Are nootropics safe?

Unfortunately, nootropics are not deemed totally risk-free. People are encouraged to discuss the potential benefits and possible harms of nootropics with a medical practitioner. Not only are a range of side effects possible, including those which are short- and long-term, but some nootropics may cause dependence. The ADF cautions that “They can be particularly harmful to young people as their brains continue to develop into their mid-twenties.” In some cases, doctors may suggest alternatives to nootropics such as taking B vitamins and other likely brain beneficial vitamin supplements.

In summary

• We live in a world in which we are driven to be smart and succeed. Wouldn’t it be convenient to pop a pill to instantaneously increase brain power?  Don’t mean to burst the bubble, but it’s likely that no such pill exists to skyrocket the IQ and make us complete geniuses. However, some nootropics show promise in delivering benefits by boosting attention to help people focus and learn better. Stay tuned as there is more to learn about the advantages.   

• Nootropics are growing in popularity, particularly as supplements to aid brain and memory health. However, it is difficult to know safety and effectiveness, particularly of those unregulated by the FDA. Thus, taking nootropics which are not FDA approved is considered controversial and presents levels of risk. Considering nootropics? Talk to your doctor to see what’s right for you.

• Per WebMD, as communicated by Barry Gordon, MD, PhD, director of the cognitive neurology/neuropsychology division at Johns Hopkins Medicine, “The circuits that are involved in human cognition are very complicated and not fully understood.” Furthermore, he explains, “You can’t just ‘turn up the dial’ that easily.” He expounds that some people may be influenced by the placebo effect. In essence, the more confident they are, the better they believe they will do.

• Folks seeking a “memory boost” through nootropic supplements should have a conversation with their doctor to guide their journey.  It’s equally important to discuss other ways of keeping the brain sharp to include eating healthy, taking needed vitamins and minerals, sleeping well, and exercising the body and brain regularly – all which work together to help overall fitness.