Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances designed to increase cognitive functioning. Coffee, tea and most fizzy beverages contain caffeine – one of the best-known nootropics that boost energy levels and concentration levels. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors that would normally signal sleep to occur and increasing blood flow to brain cells so more oxygen and nutrients reach these vital brain cells – according to a 2023 Psychology Today study this supports mental clarity, alertness and concentration.

Other nootropics derived from mushrooms and herbs claim to improve the body’s ability to deal with stress and promote mental wellbeing, including Lion’s Mane mushroom (popularly dubbed a ‘brain boosting superfood”), Bacopa Monnieri for stress reduction and depression treatment, and Rhodiola Rosea to adapt better with stress.

Nootropics’ effectiveness depends on ingredients, dosage and context; therefore their effectiveness varies accordingly. Nootropics shouldn’t replace nutrition, training, sleep and recovery as part of your lifestyle routine; therefore it’s vital that these aspects are in place first.

Certain prescription nootropics may pose risks and uncertain long-term effects, including ADHD medications like Modafinil and Noopept, antidepressants like Phenylpiracetam and Sunifram and microdosing psychedelics (illegal in most countries and lacking research). On the other hand, many nootropics are safe when taken at recommended doses without serious side-effects being reported – Caffeine is one such nootropic that has been studied extensively through several placebo-controlled studies without serious negative outcomes reported from clinical studies;