True Innovation Or Bad Value? Reviewing SPRINT By Nootrobox

The Overview

SPRINT is the second in the flagship line of nootropics from Nootrobox, a much-publicized Silicon Valley startup in the nootropic space. In our review of their RISE daily nootropic, we noted the company had not quite lived up to their startup-tech-innovative aura and had instead opted for common (but not entirely unreliable) ingredients in a somewhat predictable formulation.

Meant as an “as you need it” energy boost to compliment RISE, SPRINT takes a caffeine-theanine pairing (which we’ve seen as a combination in larger stakes and as a potent standalone in supplements like Smart Caffeine) and adds some ingredients we find much less common on the nootropic market. Are these additions Nootrobox’s true secret sauce? Read on to find out our take.

The Ingredients

Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) — 60 mcg

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble essential vitamin directly related to brain health, including memory and actual brain mass. A number of studies have noted positive associations between vitamin B12 intake and memory tests.

Vitamin B6 — 20 mg

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble essential vitamin, involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Studies show that when taken in conjunction with Magnesium, B6 improved school attention in children diagnosed with ADHD.

L-Theanine — 200 mg

L-Theanine is an amino acid known to support a calm mood without inducing sleepiness. When used in conjunction with caffeine, it has been observed to reduce error rates while performing tasks.

Glucuronolactone — 185 mg

A metabolite of glucose, glucuronolactone is a common ingredient in many energy drinks, largely based off claims it can help “detoxify” the body and liver. However, there is very little research regarding the effects of the compound within the human body, and any performance or “detoxifying” ties are in need of significantly more research. Current research suggests mild — if any — benefits to cognition or energy.

Inositol — 185 mg

Most of this compound’s neurological properties — including reduced anxiety and mood regulation — are relatively mild and tied to much higher dosages than are present in this supplement (normally starting around 6 grams, over 30x what’s found in SPRINT).

Caffeine — 100 mg

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 when used in conjunction with L-Theanine.

Other Ingredients: Vegetable hydroxypropyl, methylcellulose capsule, rice flour, calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide.

Usage Guidelines

We suggest one capsule with a tall glass of water. Lasts 4-6 hours. If RISE is your daily nootropic i.e. your daily mental vitamin, SPRINT is your nootropic to get your mental state to high gear.

What Our Testers Say

“I really, really wanted this supplement to give me a new kind of energy boost; just look at that nifty ingredient list! After trying SPRINT a few times, I compared it on alternating days with a straight-up caffeine and l-theanine pairing, and I couldn’t tell a lick of difference. It’s handy, sure, but so are more straightforward supplements with the core two ingredients.” — Alexandra

“I liked this supplement overall, but it took longer than I wanted to kick in. I do appreciate that they list exact ingredient amounts, especially since I sometimes take nootropics with coffee and it’s good to know how much caffeine I’m getting. But nothing crazy special here, and I’m not sure the boost lasts the 4-6 hours Nootrobox claims it does.” — Ming

“I didn’t like SPRINT. Maybe it’s because I’m less enthusiastic about caffeine than some others, maybe it’s because the supplement didn’t work well with my physiology, but I didn’t feel particularly clear or focused on this above and beyond what a good cup of coffee would get me.” — Chad

“I felt a boost of energy from SPRINT, but it didn’t hit until about 45 minutes after I took it (normally with food). I felt focused and pretty sharp, but it didn’t last all day or anywhere near the 6 hours the manufacturer claims.” — Wesley

BrainWiz Tips

• Take with breakfast to ease absorption, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
• Avoid taking with other stimulants or supplements containing stimulants like coffee or guarana.
• Cycle a few days on with a few days off to reduce the body’s natural inclination to build caffeine tolerance.
• It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a medical professional before starting a new supplement regimen. Though common, caffeine is still a stimulant, so start slowly if you’re sensitive to such substances.

Supplement Summary

SPRINT by Nootrobox got us excited with some more rarely seen ingredients on top of a tried-and-true base pairing, but overall it didn’t feel any better than a more standard (and much cheaper) caffeine-theanine pairing like Smart Caffeine. The addition of B vitamins is nice, but if you’re eating a balanced diet or taking a multivitamin (or other nootropic stack), they’re not adding much you don’t already have.

If you’re looking for an incredibly simple, beginner’s nootropic stack, Smart Caffeine is a significantly better value. And if you’re looking for a powerful, broad-spectrum combo of nootropic ingredients, look elsewhere; we feel SPRINT has more fluff than higher function.

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