Friday, October 30, 2015

Brain Energy On Demand? Reviewing OptiMind By AlternaScript

The Overview

Today we are going to be reviewing one of the Internet’s most talked-about nootropic formulas: OptiMind. A couple of things drew us to this supplement. First, mainstream media outlets including Vice and Elite Daily positively reviewed this product before its rebranding from Alleradd to OptiMind, and we were curious to see whether the hype was real. Secondly, the supplement’s formula has a lot in common with one of our favorite supplements, Lumonol, making it worth a try in our book.

Our testers tried out the sample packs of of OptiMind to see if the claims of it being a “surprisingly powerful and beautifully balanced” supplement were true. Read on to find out what our testers thought of it.

The Ingredients

OptiMind LabelActive Ingredients:

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) – 385 IU

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin most adults (at least in America and other Western countries) do not get enough of.  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular disease, mood disorders and impaired cognition, and the vitamin also plays important roles in general brain function.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) – 500 mcg

An essential vitamin B nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development. The particular form of B12 contained in OptiMind and other supplements like Lumonol is a form most often used to reduce brain fog and promote mental energy due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Focus Blend – 1330.08 mg

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is well-linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress — and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.

Bacopa Herb Extract

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. A noted adaptogen, Bacopa Monnieri has been linked to reduced stress and nootropic effects. 

Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid fundamental in the development and function of the central nervous system. You’ll see it as a main ingredient in many energy drinks for its alertness-boosting effects, especially when paired with caffeine and other stimulants.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical that has been used to treat memory loss and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Caffeine Anhydrous

Caffeine is a stimulant acting on the central nervous system. One of the better-researched mental and physical performance enhancers, caffeine is proven to have acute effects on cognitive function and mood.

GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid)

This amino acid acts in the central nervous system calming nervous brain activity. It is a neuropsychotropic compound that functions as both a nootropic and as a tranquilizer by stimulating dopamine production. Dopamine plays a part in controlling flow of information in the brain while alleviating stress and anxiety.

Phosphatidylserine (from Soy Lecithin)

This chemical has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, geriatric mental-function decline, ADHD, and to improve cognitive function.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, linked to increase cerebral blood flow. Doctors in Hungary have been prescribing this compound to treat cerebrovascular disorders for decades.

Sulbutiamine

This is a synthetic Vitamin B1 derivative, capable of crossing blood and brain barriers more easily than thiamine. There are studies suggesting it has positive effects on memory and central cholinergic activity.

Huperzine A (from Toothed Clubmoss Aerial Parts Extract)

Clubmoss is the most common source for Huperzine A, a compound that has been used to improve cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer’s.  

Other Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose (HPMC), Dicalcium Phosphate, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide (color). Contains: Soy

Usage Guidelines

For elevated mental performance, start with 1-2 capsules in the morning. Increase the dosage as needed. Depending on your body type and tolerance, you may increase this to a single serving of 2-4 capsules, but do not exceed 8 capsules per 24-hour period.

What Our Testers Say

“I started out with 2 capsules in the morning with breakfast, and I felt a pretty clear wave of energy and focus. This lasted well into the afternoon, though there was a bit of a crash. I upped the dosage to 3 capsules to see how that felt, but it made me too jittery.” – Chad

“I took the full four-capsule dose as a pre-workout. I felt energized and ready for the workout, but it felt like I was sweating a little more than usual.” – Wesley

“While there are other more powerful nootropics out these, this one felt like it gave me a very intense spike in energy. This could come in handy, but I wouldn’t want it for everyday use, as other supplements like Neurofuse give me smoother focus. This may not be my favorite, but I would definitely reach for it in a pinch when I need to to-the-ceiling boost.” – Ming

“I tried out OptiMind with my usual cup of coffee in the morning, starting with 2 capsules on the first day, and then 3 capsules on the second day. I had a quite a “wired” morning after 3 capsules. I felt clear-headed and was able to concentrate on the task at hand, but I also had a bit too much nervous energy going on. I tried it again with no coffee the next morning, and I felt productive, but just not productive enough to give up my morning coffee.” – Alexandra

BrainWiz Tips

  • Our testers felt the positive effects of OptiMind with a dosage of 2 capsules; increasing consumption to 3 or 4 capsules did not increase its perceived effects, but it did produce some jitteriness on some of our testers. There’s a good chance 2 will be plenty, though individual tolerances and reactions will vary.
  • Because OptiMind has an unspecified amount of caffeine, we suggest you go easy on coffee consumption when starting.
  • As with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should check with your doctor or medical professional before use.

Supplement Summary

OptiMind’s formula consists of a number of popular nootropic ingredients paired with energy boosters like caffeine and B vitamins. Our testers experienced a mental and physical boost, but the fact that the amount of caffeine per serving is not listed had some of our testers feeling like Goldilocks: It took awhile to find the right dosage for them.

OptiMind’s manufacturer has some mainstream traction, and their formula is a bit different than others we’ve encountered (for example, it doesn’t contain an direct form of choline, but it does have ingredients involved in choline production). But we weren’t over-the-moon impressed. If you’re interested in trying OptiMind, we recommend starting with a low dosage to assess tolerance. As far as nootropics with stimulatory effects, our testers experienced “smoother” boosts and fewer crashes from supplements like Neurofuse and Lumonol.

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