The 5 Most Science-Backed Nootropics for Energy

Source: Photo by Sam Sabourin on Unsplash

Optimal energy undergirds motivation, and allows one to carry out cognitive or physical tasks.

A nootropic is a substance that, if used properly, safely enhances the cognitive functions of the user.

Out of the 178 human placebo-controlled studies with 7619 experimental group participants on 77 nootropics we've reviewed for our app, 16 nootropics had a significant improvement on energy in 29 human placebo-controlled studies with a total of 701 experimental group participants.

The nootropics with the most scientific evidence backing their efficacy and safety for energy are:

Best: Citicoline

2nd: Rhodiola Rosea

3rd: Caffeine

4th: Acetyl-L-Carnitine

5th: Curcumin

Citicoline

We have reviewed 8 human placebo-controlled studies on Citicoline, in which 493 participants received the nootropic.

Citicoline is a choline source with potential to improve:

• Short-term memory
• Learning
• Mindfulness
• Problem-solving
• Attention
• Energy
• Long-term memory
• Neuroprotection

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.

Usage

Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Form of consumption: Citicoline (a.k.a. CDP-choline) capsules or powder

Time of day: Before noon

Amount: Light = 50 mg. Common = 100 mg. Strong = 300 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 30–60 minutes, lasts for 12 hours, and is normally followed by 6 hours of after effects.

Rhodiola Rosea

We have reviewed 4 human placebo-controlled studies on Rhodiola Rosea, in which 202 participants received the nootropic.

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has the potential to improve:

• Mood
• Sleep
• Anxiety
• Energy
• Short-term memory
• Creativity
• Problem-solving

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.

Usage

Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Form of consumption: Root extract (our dosages regard this powder), tincture, whole root powder

Time of day: User’s choice

Amount: Light = 50 mg. Common = 500 mg. Strong = 1000 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 60 minutes, lasts for 20 hours, and is normally followed by 10 hours of after effects.

Caffeine

We have reviewed 4 human placebo-controlled studies on Caffeine, in which 196 participants received the nootropic.

Caffeine is a stimulant that has the potential to improve:

• Short-term memory
• Problem-solving
• Attention
• Energy
• Mood
• Sociality

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.

Usage

Frequency: As-needed

Form of consumption: Pill, powder, coffee, tea

Time of day: Before noon

Amount: Light = 50 mg. Common = 120mg. Strong = 700 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 30–60 minutes, lasts for 6 hours, and is normally followed by 6 hours of after effects.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

We have reviewed 10 human placebo-controlled studies on Acetyl-L-Carnitine, in which 377 participants received the nootropic.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid with potential to improve:

• Energy
• Problem-solving
• Short-term memory
• Long-term memory
• Attention
• Verbal fluency
• Creativity
• Learning
• Sociality
• Mood
• Anxiety
• Sleep

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.

Usage

Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Resilience Essential Reads

The Benefits of Reliving Your Happy Memories

How a Dog’s Journey Is Helping Hundreds of People

Form of consumption: Acetyl-L-Carnitine (our dosages regard this powder), L-carnitine

Time of day: User’s choice

Amount: Light = 100 mg. Common = 500 mg. Strong = 2,000 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 30–60 minutes, lasts for 12 hours, and is normally followed by 6 hours of after effects.

Curcumin

We have reviewed 6 human placebo-controlled studies on Curcumin, in which 216 participants received the nootropic.

Curcumin is a polyphenol found in the spice turmeric with potential to improve:

• Mood
• Anxiety
• Energy
• Short-term memory
• Problem-solving

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.

Usage

Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Form of consumption: Powder with piperine (our dosages regard this powder), powder, capsules

Time of day: User’s choice

Amount: Light = 200 mg. Common = 400 mg. Strong = 1000 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 60 minutes, lasts for 24 hours, and is normally followed by 24 hours of after effects.

Conclusion

If you have the right mindset to nootropics use (awareness of risks and how to avoid them), you’re in a great position for experience engineering success.

To start experimenting with nootropics, you can use our app to get a nootropic recommendation for your specific goals.

To achieve peak cognitive performance and well-being, make sure to upgrade your sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Are you taking any other drugs or nootropics? Find interactions here.

This blog post was originally published at nootralize.com, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.