The Ideal Stimulant-Free Stack? Reviewing CogniYouth

The Overview

The majority of the nootropics we review have some overlap in ingredients, and the differences often lie in synergistic (or for the ones that don’t seem to work, seemingly random) combinations, precise dosages, and delivery mechanisms. When we first heard about CogniYouth, we tried to guess some of the ingredients before looking at the label, based solely off the manufacturer’s claims. Suffice it to say, we were surprised.

What surprised us most about CogniYouth is what it opted to leave out, namely stimulatory ingredients such as caffeine and guarana. What it does have is a list of ten of the most trusted natural nootropic ingredients in dosages around where we like to see each fall. Another thing that stood out? The doctor-approved certificate right on their site, along with the name and opinion of an actual M.D. (click on the button in the bottom right).

CogniYouth calls itself the “ultimate brain vitamin,” and with seemingly quality ingredients prioritized over the quick buzz of stimulants and “proprietary blends,” we were excited to see if it worked. Read below to see our take.

The Ingredients

Vitamin B6 — 5 mg and Vitamin B12 — 20 mcg

Two important B vitamin complexes linked to reduced fatigue and mental performance. Some of the most common nootropic ingredients we see that work synergistically in brain boosting blends.

Bacopa monnieri extract — 300 mg

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, subjects taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects and reduced both stress and cortisol levels.

Choline Bitartrate — 200 mg

Choline-Bitartrate is a vitamin-like chemical thought to help enhance levels of acetylcholine. Choline is an essential nutrient vital for brain function.

Rhodiola rosea (standardized to 3% Rosavins) — 200 mg

While there’s some evidence that Rhodiola Rosea can combat the effects of physical stress, it’s best known and well-researched to fight fatigue from mental challenges and tasks. Basically, evidence suggests this herb helps us better manage stress, and it also combats fatigue we might feel from mentally (and potentially physically) grueling tasks. Some early research also indicates Rhodiola could improve overall longevity and brain help in mammals.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL — 200 mg

This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Having both in the same supplement is a good hedge in case the body is deficient in either compound.

Ginkgo Biloba — 120 mg

Ginkgo has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote memory. More recently, clinical studies and research reviews have pointed to its efficacy in fighting dementia and neural decline.

Soybean extract (phosphatidylserine) — 100 mg

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid required to maintain healthy nerve cell membranes. It supports cognitive function and the ability to learn and recall new information.

DMAE Bitartrate — 50 mg

Also known as Deanol, DMAE is a chemical used to improve memory and boost brain function.  It’s especially important in the production of choline (see Choline-Bitartrate, below), one of the building blocks of acetylcholine, vital for nervous system function.

Huperzine A — 50 mcg

Huperzine A is a compound usually derived from Chinese club moss that has been used to improve cognitive performance in patients with declining mental health.

Other ingredients: Gelatin, rice flour, silica, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.

Usage Guidelines

We recommend taking 2 capsules in the morning with food, daily.

CogniYouth was carefully designed as a daily “Brain Vitamin” with the intention of aiding in overall brain health, memory, concentration, energy and well-being while battling the effects of age-related cognitive decline. CogniYouth will be effective and safe to take continuously provided you stick to recommended dosages.

If you are on prescribed medication, consult with your doctor or prescribing health care practitioner about taking CogniYouth while on medication.

What Our Testers Say

“I’m a fan of Rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen [fights the physical effects of stress], and I was glad to see it paired with ingredients that compliment its properties. CogniYouth doesn’t have caffeine or stimulants, though I did experience a bit of an energy boost from the B vitamins, and the adaptogens on the ingredient list were helpful in fighting off mid-day fatigue (I fall victim to the 2pm lull pretty easily). This isn’t a turbo-charged nootropic stack, and it won’t turn you into the guy from Limitless, but for something touted as a ‘brain vitamin,’ I could definitely see myself taking it most mornings.” — Alexandra

“CogniYouth wasn’t super fast acting, and the manufacturer suggests its impact builds over time. I didn’t feel a crazy boost, but it was at least on par with what I normally feel taking Rhodiola or bacopa on their own or in combo. If I’m approaching a tight deadline and need to supercharge my mind, it wouldn’t be what I reached for. But that’s not really the point, and it may be a solid entry point for people looking to try out a nootropic.” — Ming

“I really appreciated that this didn’t have caffeine in it, as I’ve been trying to carefully watch my intake of stimulants — I think a lot of people ignore how powerful even caffeine can be. So I was pleased to see some of my favorite ingredients in a caffeine-free stack, which is something we’ve been hoping for from some other companies for awhile.” — Wesley

“The focus I felt from CogniYouth was mild. But I don’t think it’s right to treat this like some of the other nootropic stacks we’ve tested — it’s meant more for brain health and effects that build over time, not the fast-metabolizing energy I like from some other stacks.” — Chad

BrainWiz Tips

• Take with food in the morning to optimize supplement digestion and minimize the risk of an upset stomach.
• CogniYouth is caffeine free, though several of our testers enjoyed taking it with coffee in the morning.

Supplement Summary

CogniYouth didn’t blow us away with a rapid burst of energy or a proprietary ingredient stack. But its effects were consistent, and it may just be the stimulant-free stack a few of our testers have been looking for. If you’re new to nootropics or want to reduce your use of caffeine, this is one of our current top choices with ingredients we come back to time and time again.

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