Genius Mushrooms Review - Everything You Need To Know
September 10, 2024
Welcome to our detailed review of Genius Mushrooms, a nootropic supplement that relies on three well-known mushrooms: cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane, each with specific benefits claimed by the brand. Genius Mushrooms promises improvements in immune function, cognitive support, and overall wellness—but how well does it really deliver?
In this long-term test review, we’ll take a close look at the scientific evidence supporting Genius Mushrooms, breaking down its ingredients and examining whether these claims hold up. While the minimalist, natural formula may appeal to many, we’ll explore whether this trio of mushrooms can truly compete with the more advanced nootropics available on the market.
We’ll also introduce you to the concept of "myco-nootropics" and highlight some of the key limitations we’ve found with Genius Mushrooms as a cognitive enhancer. By the end of this review, you’ll have the facts you need to make an informed decision about whether this supplement is the right choice for your brain health needs.
Overall Verdict
3.0 / 5 Stars
Introduction To Genius Mushrooms and The Genius Brand
Genius Mushrooms is produced by The Genius Brand, a company known for creating a wide range of health supplements. Their product lineup includes everything from nootropics and energy boosters to weight management and muscle-building formulas. Today, we’re focusing on Genius Mushrooms, their entry into the cognitive enhancement market.
The Genius Brand emphasizes the use of scientifically-backed, high-quality ingredients, and Genius Mushrooms is no exception. It combines three well-known mushrooms: cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane. According to the brand, these mushrooms work together to support brain health, immunity, and stress relief.
At first glance, this all seems appealing—natural ingredients offering multiple benefits without synthetic additives. However, when it comes to nootropic supplements, it’s essential to look deeper. Are these three mushrooms, on their own, potent enough to match the results seen with other nootropic products? And do the dosages used in Genius Mushrooms align with what research suggests is needed for real cognitive benefits?
In this review, we’ll explore these questions and see if Genius Mushrooms can truly stand out among other brain-boosting supplements on the market.
Benefits of Genius Mushrooms
Claimed Benefits of Genius Mushrooms
The Genius Brand claims the following:
The Genius Brand claims that their Genius Mushrooms supplement does a few different things. They say that it can help make you think more clearly, give your immune system a boost, and pep up your energy levels. According to them, the Reishi Mushroom in the mix is there to keep you healthy by supporting your immune system. Lion's Mane, they suggest, might help improve your memory, thinking skills, and even your mood. Finally, they say that Cordyceps Sinensis could help you feel more energized by making your body use oxygen better and increasing your physical endurance.
Our Experience With Genius Mushrooms
At first glance, Genius Mushrooms might seem appealing, with promises of mental clarity, increased energy, and better immune support. However, our experience with this supplement told a different story.
Starting with mental clarity, the nootropic effects of Genius Mushrooms were underwhelming. The primary ingredient for cognitive support is Lion's Mane, which has shown some potential in studies. However, the 500mg dose in Genius Mushrooms is lower than the amounts typically associated with noticeable cognitive improvements[1,2]. Furthermore, most studies supporting Lion's Mane have focused on people with cognitive impairments, not healthy individuals[3,4], making the effects less pronounced for the average user.
For natural energy, Cordyceps Sinensis is the active ingredient. While Cordyceps is often linked to better physical performance[5], the scientific backing is mixed, and any benefits seen in studies typically come from doses higher than the 500mg found in Genius Mushrooms[6,7]. Our own experience didn’t reveal any significant energy boost.
As for immune support, Reishi Mushroom extract is said to help with immune function. Although some research suggests it could have an impact[8], the overall health benefits in humans remain inconclusive[9]. This makes it difficult to determine whether the supplement delivers on its promise of improving immune health.
Compared to other nootropic supplements, Genius Mushrooms falls short. Other products on the market combine a broader range of ingredients like amino acids and vitamins that work together to enhance brain function[10]. These supplements also disclose the precise dosages of each ingredient, allowing users to make informed decisions based on research. Genius Mushrooms, by contrast, offers a simpler formula that may not provide the same depth of cognitive support.
If you’re searching for a highly effective nootropic, Genius Mushrooms may not be the best choice. Our experience showed limited benefits, questionable dosing, and a lack of variety in ingredients, making it less effective compared to more advanced options.
Research And Evidence
Potentially Misleading Claims
Genius makes a number of claims on their website and in their marketing materials. These are all annotated with asterisk's. However, the citations for these claims are conspicuous by their absence. This is either a basic oversight, or a willful intention to mislead consumers. In either case, it undermines trust and makes it impossible to determine how the company is supporting it's claims.
Ingredients
Cordyceps mushroom (500mg)
Reishi mushroom (500mg)
Lion's mane (500mg)
In assessing the efficacy of Genius Mushrooms as a nootropic supplement, it's crucial to scrutinize the ingredients and their dosages in comparison with clinically-proven levels required for tangible cognitive effects.
Firstly, let's delve into Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). This ingredient is known for its neurohealth properties and potential to support memory, cognitive function, and mood (Li et al., 2018; Mori et al., 2009)[11]. However, in Genius Mushrooms, the provided dosage is 500mg, while clinical research often utilizes dosages around 1000-3000mg daily, suggesting the formula might fall short in maximizing the benefits of Lion's Mane (Friedman, 2015)[12].
Next is Cordyceps Sinensis, reported to enhance energy levels naturally via ATP production and aerobic capacity (Zhang et al., 2016)[13]. Yet, the 500mg dosage in Genius Mushrooms might not suffice, as studies showing significant energy boosts commonly use doses ranging from 1000-3000mg (Chen et al., 2010)[14]. Moreover, it's worth noting that cordyceps' direct impact on cognitive enhancement isn't robustly substantiated, making it less compelling as a nootropic ingredient (Suliman et al., 2016)[15].
Lastly, Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is included for its immune-boosting properties, and while beneficial for general health, its relevance to cognitive enhancement isn't well-established (Wachtel-Galor et al., 2011; Lin, 2005)[16,17]. As such, its inclusion seems less pertinent in a nootropic supplement.
Perhaps more notable, however, is what the Genius Mushrooms formulation lacks. Conspicuously absent are many ingredients with strong scientific backing as nootropics. For instance, there's no inclusion of Bacopa Monnieri, known for enhancing memory and cognitive function, or L-Theanine, renowned for promoting relaxation without sedation, often in combination with caffeine for increased focus (Suliman et al., 2016)[18]. Additionally, proven nootropics like Panax Ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea, and Ginkgo Biloba are missing.
Furthermore, the formula overlooks the important role of certain vitamins and minerals in brain health, such as B-vitamins (especially B6, B9, B12) which are essential for brain health and neurotransmitter synthesis, as well as magnesium, a key mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those in the brain.
While Genius Mushrooms harnesses some potential cognitive benefits via its mushroom trio, the formulation is possibly underdosed compared to clinically effective levels, and lacks several proven nootropic ingredients. As such, those seeking a comprehensive and potent nootropic may want to consider alternatives that offer a wider range of key nootropic compounds, at dosages matching those used in successful clinical trials.
Cons
Potential Side Effects of Genius Mushrooms
The side effects you might experience with Genius Mushrooms include the following.
Main problems experienced with Genius Mushrooms
- Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Due to the fungal nature of its ingredients, Genius Mushrooms can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, diarrhea, or stomach upset. This is particularly true if you have a sensitive digestive system or are not accustomed to mushroom-based supplements[19].
- Dry Mouth and Throat: Reishi mushroom, one of the key ingredients, has been reported to cause dryness of the mouth, throat, and nasal area in some individuals[20].
- Allergic Reactions: As with any supplement, there's a risk of allergic reactions. If you have known allergies to mushrooms, you may experience reactions such as skin rash, itching, or even difficulty breathing[21].
- Blood Thinning Effect: Both Reishi and cordyceps mushrooms are known for their potential blood-thinning effects, which can lead to bleeding issues for individuals with blood disorders, or those on anticoagulant medication[22,23].
- Lower Blood Sugar Levels: Cordyceps mushroom, while known for its energy-boosting effects, can also potentially lower blood sugar levels[24]. This could cause hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes or those on medication to control blood sugar levels.
- Insomnia and Restlessness: Despite the cognitive benefits, lion's mane may cause overstimulation in some individuals leading to insomnia or restlessness[25].
- Breathing Difficulty: In rare cases, cordyceps consumption has been associated with lung dryness and breathing difficulty, especially in those with respiratory conditions[26].
Keep in mind that while side effects are possible, they are not always the norm and vary greatly based on individual physiology and tolerance levels.
Best Alternative to Genius Mushrooms
NooCube stands out as a superior nootropic due to its thoughtfully crafted formulation.
NooCube
4.9 / 5
Unlike Genius Mushrooms, NooCube utilizes a rich diversity of scientifically backed ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri for enhanced cognition [27], and L-theanine for its well-documented calming effects that can support focus [28]. Alpha GPC, also present in NooCube, is shown to enhance memory and cognitive function [29].
It also transparently discloses the quantities of each ingredient, ensuring that users receive clinically effective dosages. In comparison to the basic formulation of Genius Mushrooms, NooCube offers a comprehensive, well-rounded nootropic solution.
Conclusion
From our experience, Genius Mushrooms misses the mark in several important areas for an effective nootropic. While it includes three well-known mushrooms with potential health benefits, the amounts used are on the lower side compared to the scientifically supported doses needed for significant cognitive improvements[30,31]. This, combined with some potential side effects and the limited cognitive enhancement noticed, raises concerns about how effective the product really is.
The Genius Brand, known for offering a broad range of supplements, seems to take a general approach rather than focusing specifically on nootropics. This lack of specialization is evident in Genius Mushrooms, as the claims made by the company lack strong scientific support, which undermines confidence in the product.
In contrast, a product like NooCube is built on solid scientific evidence, with a well-researched formula that offers better transparency about what you're consuming and how it impacts brain function. For those seeking an effective cognitive supplement, NooCube provides a more reliable and research-backed solution, while Genius Mushrooms may not deliver the full benefits it promises.
FAQs
Many nootropic ingredients and formulations have been shown to improve attention, memory, and learning, while others may promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. For example, caffeine is a commonly used nootropic that can increase alertness and reduce fatigue, while L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Nootropics that contain natural ingredients and have undergone clinical testing are generally considered safe when used properly. It is important to follow recommended dosages and to avoid taking more than the recommended amount. It's also worth being aware of any potential side effects and if necessary consult with your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions.
When taking a nootropic supplement, you should expect to experience some improvement in cognitive function, such as enhanced memory, concentration, and mental clarity. The effects of a nootropic will vary depending on the specific ingredients and dosage of the supplement, as well as individual factors such as age, overall health, and your lifestyle.
Popular nootropic supplements include NooCube, Mind Lab Pro, and Vyvamind. NooCube contains a blend of ingredients that may improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. Mind Lab Pro is designed to support brain health and cognitive performance through a variety of ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds. Vyvamind is a premium nootropic supplement that focuses almost exlcusively on cognitive function and mental performance. Read DBEM's guide to nootropics to see how the leading nootropic brands compare.
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