Supplement Stack

Daily

If I’m cycling these, I’ll take them on a regular basis.

Omega 3

Omega-3s seem to be some of the most studied supplements with varying health benefits.

Product Recommendation: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

Theracurmin

“Theracurmin with and without exercise appeared to be effective in reducing the pain and enhancing muscular and balancing function.” (source)

This study suggests that the highly absorbable curcumin could potentially inhibit a rise in oxidized LDL in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. (source)

Daily oral Theracurmin may lead to improved memory and attention in non-demented adults. The FDDNP-PET findings suggest that symptom benefits are associated with decreases in amyloid and tau accumulation in brain regions modulating mood and memory. (source)

Product Recommendation: CurcuminRich Theracurmin

Vitamin D3

Product Recommendation: NatureWise Vitamin D3 5000iu

Creatine

Creatine is among the most well-researched and effective supplements. It can help with exercise performance by rapidly producing energy during intense activity. Creatine may also provide cognitive benefits, but more research is needed in that area.

Examine.com has a good overview.

Occasionally

These are the supplements I’ll take based on the situation.

Paraxanthine

This is a metabolite of caffeine. By taking it in its pure form, you bypass some of the jitters and negative effects of caffeine while boosting the nootropic effects.

Product Recommendation: MuscleTech | Burn iQ Smart Thermo Supplement

L-Tyrosine

Examine.com has a good overview.

Alpha GPC

Examine.com has a good overview.

Nicotine

I find nicotine can be just as good of a cognitive booster (if not better) than coffee. I was previously afraid of using nicotine due to it’s associating with smoking, but when taken as a lozenge you’re bypassing some of the addictive behavior and negative side effects.

Preclinical models and human studies have demonstrated that nicotine has cognitive-enhancing effects, including improvement of fine motor functions, attention, working memory, and episodic memory. (source)

Nicotine is rightly reviled because of its associations with smoking and addiction. But the rogue substance has a wide range of effects on the brain, which may include some healing properties. Researchers are testing nicotine and related compounds as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other conditions. … Nicotine does have some negative cardiovascular effects, raising blood pressure and causing arteries to constrict, but it’s debatable how significant they are. Nicotine: It may have a good side - Harvard Health

UPDATE (Jul 24 2021): The interactions effects of caffeine and nicotine were measured in this study which showed that 4mg nicotine (I take 2mg) raises blood pressure less than 250mg of caffeine. Taking both will increase blood pressure even more. My takeaway: don’t take them together if you’re concerned about blood pressure.

Product Recommendation: Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge, 2 mg (nicotine)

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is one of the main active ingredients found in green tea, alongside caffeine and green tea catechins. It helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation without drowsiness, making it potentially synergistic with caffeine. (source)

Product Recommendation: Suntheanine® L-Theanine 200mg
When I Take It: To relax or calm down or as a cognitive support when combined with coffee. I like it best in the evenings.