Youthful Brain Review - Is It Right For You?
March 12, 2024
In this in-depth Youthful Brain review, we look at a brain supplement that's caught a lot of attention for promising to boost your brainpower. We've taken a close look at what Youthful Brain is made of and what it's supposed to do. We're checking if it can really make your brain work like it used to, help you remember things better, think clearer, and feel more energized. Let's see if it lives up to the hype.
Overall Verdict
3.2 / 5 Stars
Introduction To Youthful Brain
Welcome to our review of Youthful Brain, a nootropic supplement designed by the US-based company, Vitality Now. This product claims to enhance cognitive function and mental sharpness and has been aggressively marketed. In this review, we're going to take a close look at what goes into Youthful Brain, and what the science says about it. We want to make sure you've got all the facts to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
We're dedicated to guiding you towards effective alternatives. DBEM's Best Nootropics Guide can also provide further insight into the most potent and reliable brain health supplements on the market.
Youthful Brain's Claimed Benefits
Youthful Brain claims it:
But does is really deliver of these claim?
Our Experience With Youthful Brain
Our time with Youthful Brain brought us some interesting insights. The usage instructions were easy to follow: 2 capsules daily, preferably with a meal.
We were initially hopeful due to the promising range of ingredients. Bacopa Monnieri is known for its cognitive enhancement potential (Pase et al., 2012) [1]. Phosphatidylserine shows promise in maintaining cognitive health (Kato-Kataoka et al., 2010) [2], and Ginkgo Biloba extract has been linked to improvements in mental processing and memory (Yancheva et al., 2009) [3].
Our optimism began to dwindle when we delved into the dosage details. Vitality Now's choice to use a proprietary blend for their key ingredients became a bone of contention. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to understand the individual quantities of each ingredient (Ulbricht et al., 2015) [4]. As a result, it was difficult for us to properly assess the potential efficacy of Youthful Brain.
Our personal experiences seemed to support our concerns. While taking Youthful Brain, we didn't notice the marked improvement in cognitive function we'd come to expect from nootropics that correctly balance these ingredients. Our focus and memory saw minor uplifts, but the gains were marginal at best. It was clear that the doses were inadequate.
The use of Huperzine A also poses an issue. While it may boost memory and mental function (Rafii et al., 2011) [5], it's a substance that the body needs a break from, and continuous usage could lead to adverse effects (Zhang et al., 2008) [6].
Overall Youthful Brain seems to fall short of its cognitive-enhancing claims. The potentially underdosed and undisclosed amounts of key ingredients, combined with our lukewarm experience, unfortunately left us questioning its overall effectiveness.
Research And Evidence
Youthful Brain cites a number of graphs showing improvements in working memory, visual information processing and improved socialization, all after 90 days of using the product. However, the source for this data and the test methodology isn't shared. This casts real doubt over the claims the company is making, their marketing practices and their misleading use of data.
Ingredients - Dosage Issues With Youthful Brain
Youthful Brain's blend of ingredients certainly looks impressive at first glance. Let's dive in to understand the science behind them.
Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin) 1000mcg: This essential nutrient plays a significant role in maintaining the brain's health (Lewerin et al., 2013) [7]. The recommended daily intake varies between 2.4-2.8 mcg, indicating that Youthful Brain significantly exceeds this amount (NIH, 2021) [8]. This isn't necessarily problematic since B12 is considered safe at high doses, but it's not clear if such a large dose provides additional benefits.
Bacopa Monnieri: It's a traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been studied for its potential to enhance memory and cognitive performance. Research has shown that doses of around 300 mg daily may improve cognition, especially when used long-term (Pase et al., 2012) [9]. However, Youthful Brain's proprietary blend is 370mg in total, raising the question: Is there enough Bacopa present to be effective?
Ginkgo Biloba: This ancient herb is known for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Most studies indicate that a dose of 120-240 mg daily can support cognitive function (Vellas et al., 2012) [10]. Again, given Youthful Brain's blend, it's questionable if Ginkgo's concentration is sufficient.
Phosphatidylserine: It's a fatty substance that covers and protects brain cells and carries messages between them. Studies suggest a dose of 100-400 mg daily could improve mental performance (Kato-Kataoka et al., 2010) [11]. Unfortunately, the same proprietary blend issue arises here as well.
Huperzine A: Derived from Chinese club moss, it's praised for its potential memory-enhancing effects. Typically, a dose of 50-200 mcg per day is used in research (Rafii et al., 2011)6. But, long-term usage is not advised due to potential side effects (Zhang et al., 2008) [12].
Herein lies the problem with Youthful Brain: the use of a proprietary blend. Without knowing the exact dosage of each ingredient within the blend, we can't verify if they're in quantities sufficient to provide the benefits shown in research. A blend of 370 mg shared between four potent ingredients suggests that the quantities may be below the clinically relevant doses seen in most research.
There's a wealth of research highlighting the potential cognitive benefits of these ingredients, but their efficacy relies heavily on their dosage. With the transparency issue, we're left questioning the potency of Youthful Brain. Studies have also criticized the use of proprietary blends due to their lack of transparency (Ulbricht et al., 2015) [13], and we share this sentiment.
Unfortunately, in the absence of clarity around ingredient dosages, the scientific community, and users alike, can't fully assess Youthful Brain's potential. It's also worth noting that the potential for adverse interactions between these ingredients at unknown dosages isn't entirely clear (Stough et al., 2018) [14].
So, while the ingredients of Youthful Brain are backed by science, the questionable dosing and use of a proprietary blend significantly detract from its potential efficacy. It underscores the importance of transparency in supplement formulation to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Cons
Potential Side Effects of Youthful Brain
While it's essential to understand the potential benefits of nootropic ingredients, it's equally important to be aware of possible side effects. However, rest assured that with the ingredients found in Youthful Brain, these are typically rare and mild in nature.
Main problems experienced with Youthful Brain
- Digestive Upset: Commonly associated with Bacopa Monnieri, symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. These are usually mild and diminish with continuous use of the supplement (Calabrese et al., 2008) [15].
- Headaches and Dizziness: These may occur with Bacopa Monnieri, particularly in the initial stages of consumption. Reducing the dosage or taking the supplement with food often mitigates these effects (Neale et al., 2013) [16].
- Allergic Skin Reactions: Although rare, Ginkgo Biloba may cause skin reactions in some people, including rashes and itchiness (Kellermann et al., 2007) [17].
- Bleeding Disorders: There's some evidence to suggest that Ginkgo Biloba could interact with blood-thinning medications, which may increase the risk of bleeding in susceptible individuals (Mohanta et al., 2014) [18].
- Insomnia and Restlessness: These can occur with Ginkgo Biloba and Huperzine A, particularly at higher dosages. Adjusting the dosage or timing of intake often resolves these issues (Sadowska-Krępa et al., 2018) [19].
- Hypertension: Huperzine A can cause an increase in blood pressure in some individuals. It's advised that those with pre-existing hypertension use Huperzine A with caution (Li et al., 2020) [20].
- Slowed Heart Rate (Bradycardia): This is another potential side effect of Huperzine A. Although rare, it can be significant in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions (Tang et al., 2013) [21].
- Interactions with Medications: This is a common concern with any supplement. For instance, Bacopa Monnieri may interact with thyroid medications (Pase et al., 2012) [22], while Ginkgo Biloba may interact with blood thinners and certain antidepressants (Kellermann et al., 2007) [23].
Most of these potential side effects are mild and uncommon, it's important to remember that individual reactions to nootropics can vary. It's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
As always, should you experience any adverse reactions while using Youthful Brain, or any other supplement, we advise you to stop use and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
While the benefits of these ingredients are widely researched, their safe use hinges on the transparency of their dosages, highlighting once again the inherent issue with proprietary blends (Ulbricht et al., 2015) [24].
Best Alternative to Youthful Brain
If you're keen on exploring more effective alternatives to Youthful Brain, we've found NooCube to be a more potent, transparent, and all-encompassing nootropic supplement.
NooCube
4.9 / 5
Unlike Youthful Brain, NooCube has been designed to boost various aspects of brain function, including memory, focus, and mental clarity. Its ingredient list, including Bacopa Monnieri, Choline and Panax Ginseng is both comprehensive and robust and provides a wide range of evidence-backed cognitive benefits.
Youthful Brain does include some potent ingredients, yet it seems to put more emphasis on inducing alertness rather than providing a broad spectrum of cognitive enhancements. Its use of a proprietary blend obscures the precise amounts of each ingredient, a practice often associated with low-quality supplements and a lack of transparency.
In complete contrast, NooCube adopts an open-label policy, laying bare every ingredient and its corresponding quantity. This not only lets consumers know exactly what they're consuming but also assures them of the supplement's potency and safety. If you're seeking an all-encompassing cognitive enhancer, in our view, NooCube stands head and shoulders above Youthful Brain due to its comprehensive formulation and transparency.
Conclusion
Youthful Brain possesses an array of ingredients with potential cognitive benefits, the use of a proprietary blend creates uncertainty around its effectiveness due to the undisclosed dosage of each constituent element. Scientifically speaking, this lack of transparency and probable under-dosing may diminish the potential benefits that the ingredients in Youthful Brain could bring to cognitive enhancement.
Our hands-on experience with Youthful Brain echoes these observations. Despite taking the product as recommended, the potential benefits of the ingredients [25,26,27] weren't as noticeable as we anticipated. This led us to deduce that the doses are likely too low to yield noticeable improvements in cognitive performance.
The top rated nootropic in our testing is NooCube. It excels both in theory and practice. The product has a clear, transparent ingredient list that discloses exact amounts, allowing consumers to understand precisely what they are getting. More importantly, these ingredients are dosed appropriately, aligning with levels utilized in clinical studies, which translates into a more effective nootropic supplement.
During our test period, NooCube delivered more robust and noticeable improvements in areas like memory, focus, and mental agility, reflecting its comprehensive and well-balanced formulation. It's a testament to the importance of not just the right ingredients but the right doses too.
Youthful Brain is not without its merits, but if you're looking for a more effective, transparent, and reliable nootropic, NooCube is a more comprehensively researched and formulated product.
For those interested in further options, we recommend checking out our comprehensive Best Nootropics Guide.
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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