True Cerebral Enhancement? Reviewing Addium by Precision Labs

Addium, a stack produced by Precision Labs, is marketed as a “Cerebral Enhancement Complex” that claims to unlock 100% of your brain’s potential (a dubious claim by the best standards). As with all products claiming to be #1 or “unlock” a new-you mind, we are a little skeptical about these all-too-familiar claims.

There are no newcomers to the list of ingredients in Addium — at least nothing we haven’t seen many times before — and as with many supplements containing a “proprietary blend,” Precision Labs does not list the quantity or concentration of most of the active ingredients. Read on to find out if Addium boosted our testers’ brain performance, or if this is just another supplement with unrealistic claims.

The Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 30mg

Vitamin B3 acts within the adrenal system to synthesize a number of sex- and stress-related hormones, along with serotonin, a neurotransmitter acting on the central nervous system and the GI tract. Some people experience a harmless “flush” when taking niacin-containing supplements.

Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – 5mg

Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. When taken with phenylalanine, vitamin B6 can improve cAMP levels, and dopamine synthesis.

Proprietary Blend – 545mg

Caffeine

The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine reduces drowsiness and sedation by inhibiting adenosine (a nervous system depressant) from reaching receptors in the brain. There are extensive studies on the effects of caffeine on cognition, alertness, and athletic performance.

GABA

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. In certain situations, GABA has been shown to both decrease anxiety and promote relaxation, though it may have difficulty crossing the blood/brain barrier through oral supplementation.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as a revitalizer, cognitive booster, and stress reliever. Scientific tests show the positive effects the herb can have on memory and free recall, though it may occasionally cause restlessness or feelings of apathy in some users (like most adaptogens, experience varies from person to person).

Alpha GPC

L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is a phospholipid (a main component of cell membranes) that has been positively linked with increased memory and learning capacity. It is one of the most effective compounds at increasing systemic and brain concentrations of choline.

L-Theanine

An amino acid exclusive to tea in dietary forms, L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves, inducing relaxation without any drowsiness.  

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is another phospholipid vital to the maintenance of healthy nerve cell membranes. It has a direct effect on the release of both dopamine and noradrenaline, and it positively affects memory.

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is 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.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is an herb-derived chemical that has been used to treat cerebrovascular disorders in Hungary. It is both a neuroprotective and a vasodilator, possibly increasing blood flow to the brain.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an herb-derived chemical that has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may improve cognitive function and memory.

Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable), Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Red #3,

Allergens: Soybeans

Usage Guidelines

As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily.

CAUTION: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

What Our Testers Say

“Took this in the morning with my pre-workout, and there was a definite rush of energy. Couldn’t tell whether the flush was from working out or from the niacin/B3, but I felt warmer and redder than I usually do post-workout. The effects (both the flush and the energy) didn’t last long, though, and I found myself reaching for some coffee by early afternoon.” — Wesley

“I don’t know how much caffeine is in this, but it was too much for me — or at least, one pill of the stack had me jittery. This gave me tons of nervous energy, even with the included L-Theanine in a mystery amount, and I crashed hard.” — Chad

“I think this did help me focus a bit, but it works a lot more like an energy pill than a nootropic. I had it with my morning coffee, and it just edged on being too much caffeine.” — Alexandra

“I took this for a couple of weeks, and I could tell my focus and memory were a little better, but not as well-rounded as other popular nootropic stacks. I could see how the caffeine in this — combined with some of the other ingredients in the “proprietary blend” — could be too much for people with a stimulant-sensitivity. I tried taking it both in the morning and to combat the afternoon slump, with some luck. This felt like more of a stimulant pill than anything else.” — Ming

BrainWiz Tips

• Take Addium with food to ease absorption, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants.
• Be careful when taking other stimulants or caffeine-containing beverages with Addium.
• All of our testers experienced an increase in energy while on Addium, though a couple experienced a crash once the supplement wore off.
• As with any other supplements, consult a doctor or medical professional before starting a new regimen if you are on medication or have a preexisting condition.

Supplement Summary  

Although all of our testers felt something on Addium, it was far from the advertised unlocking of 100% of the brain’s potential; overall, it felt much more like a quick stimulant rush with a resulting crash. The amount of caffeine in Addium is not listed, and most testers felt like it was the equivalent to about 2 shots of espresso.  If you are a coffee drinker, you may want to try Addium in the afternoon, instead of that second cup of coffee. This may not be the best supplement for those sensitive to niacin or stimulants in general.

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