Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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One of the fastest-growing segments of the health supplement industry in recent years has been nootropics. These natural compounds are designed to improve overall brain health, enhance cognitive function, and boost mental energy.
There are two broad categories of nootropics: those that contain stimulants, like caffeine, and those that do not. One of the most popular stimulant-based nootropics to support brain health at the moment is Vyvamind, put out by SAP Nutriceuticals.
In this Vyvamind review, we lift the lid to discover whether this nootropic can deliver the mental make-over it promises.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Vyvamind?
- Vyvamind Review: Pass Or Fail?
- Vyvamind Ingredients
- Claimed Benefits Of Vyvamind
- Side Effects of Vyvamind
- Real Customer Reviews Of Vyvamind
- Where To Buy Vyvamind
- How To Take Vyvamind
- Vyvamind Alternatives
- FAQs
Vyvamind [NSV-313] is a natural fast-acting, broad spectrum over the counter neurostimulant for high-performance adults. Specifically designed for use in mentally demanding situations...
What Is Vyvamind?
Vyvamind is a supplement designed to support optimal brain function. It contains just six ingredients, including caffeine anhydrous. Even though the caffeine amount is minimal at 75 mg per serving, that's still enough to categorize Vyvamind as a stimulant-based nootropic. Here are the specific improvements that SAP Nutraceuticals, the makers of this product, claim it can do for you:
- Improve memory
- Increase mental performance
- Boost neural pathways
- Support brain cell creation and maintenance
- Enhance mental clarity
Vyvamind is marketed toward people who require a mental pick-me-up to push through challenging tasks. These include athletes, academics and students, gamers, financial traders, and those with difficulty staying on task mentally during demanding situations.
Vyvamind Review: Pass Or Fail?
Vyvamind is a simple yet effective nootropic designed for athletes, students, and those after a mental energy boost. Its main stimulant ingredient is caffeine anhydrous, dosed at 75 mg. That's a pretty conservative amount, being a little less than you'd get in a cup of coffee. However, its synergistic action with theanine increases its effectiveness at boosting cognitive functioning.
A few noticeable ingredients are missing from Vyvamind, including Panax ginseng, an adaptogenic herb that can help lower stress. Another noticeable omission is omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved cognitive function, memory, and mood regulation. Finally, it lacks Lion's mane mushroom, which may support nerve growth and brain health. There is enough here, though, to provide a noticeable and fast-acting mental energy and cognitive boost.
Overall Verdict: PASS
Pros
- Six research-backed ingredients
- Designed to provide a quick mental energy boost
- Stimulant-based
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- A low dose of caffeine anhydrous
Vyvamind Ingredients
Like all supplements, Vyavmind is only as good as its constituent ingredients and the levels they are dosed at. Here's an overview of the six ingredients that go into every capsule of Vyvamind:
1) Vitamin B6 - 2.5mg
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin needed for many body processes, including those involving the brain. It is a common nootropic ingredient because it assists brain cells with neurotransmitter manufacture, the chemical messengers that communicate messages between nerve cells [1]. Examples are serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are crucial for controlling mood, focusing attention, and remembering details.
You get 2.5 mg of Vitamin B6 in every serving of Vyvamind. That aligns with the recommended average dietary intake of 1.3 to 2.5 mg daily.
2) Vitamin B12 - 50mcg
Vitamin B12 is another water-soluble vitamin that is involved in nerve cell health. It encourages DNA and RNA synthesis and plays a part in the production of red blood cells. However, it is not usually considered to be a nootropic ingredient.
The nervous system relies on a protective covering called myelin. Vitamin B12 is needed to maintain this myelin layer and ensure optimal nerve function. So, by ensuring effective communication between nerve cells, vitamin B12 indirectly promotes cognitive function [2]. The 50 mcg in every serving seems about right.
3) L-Tyrosine - 300mg
L-tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid. It is needed to produce several key neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters can calm a person down during a stressful situation, so l-tyrosine is regarded as a stress-reducing compound [3].
By taking supplemental l-tyrosine, you may be able to promote improved neurotransmitter balance, leading to improved levels of concentration and motivation. The research supported dosage in a nootropic ranges from 100 mg to more than a gram. So, the 300 mg Vyvamind dosage is on the lower side of that range.
4) Citicoline - 200mg
Citicoline, which the body naturally produces, is a substance needed to manufacture phospholipids, which are the building blocks of cell membranes. It is a popular nootropic ingredient due to its claimed ability to boost cognitive performance due to increased neurotransmitter production of such chemicals as acetylcholine.
Citicoline might help to improve brain function and boost cognitive functions by giving the acetylcholine synthesis the raw ingredients it needs. Citicoline has been investigated for its potential neuroprotective properties, especially when brain health is damaged. It is thought to protect cell membrane integrity and lower oxidative stress, improving overall brain health and bolstering resistance to age-related cognitive decline.
In a 2021 study, a hundred healthy men and women were given either a placebo or 500 mg of citicoline per day for 12 weeks [4]. The memories of the citicoline group were significantly improved, while those of the placebo group were not.
A citicoline dose of 200 mg in a nootropic supplement is slightly on the low side of dosing regimens frequently employed in studies and clinical trials. The standard dosage of citicoline supplements per serving is between 250 and 1000 mg.
Read more about citicoline in our article: 7 Best Choline Supplements (In 2023).
5) L-Theanine - 150mg
L-theanine is an amino acid popular in nootropic supplements because it encourages relaxation without making users drowsy. It has been shown to enhance alpha brain wave activity, which is linked to a calm, alert state of being. Researchers believe this effect comes from regulating the release of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin.
L-theanine's relaxing effects also boost thinking skills. It is also used to reduce stress and anxiety. The Vyvamind dosage of 150 mg is about right.
A 2019 study had two groups of thirty people given either a placebo or 200 mg of l-theanine daily before bed each night for four weeks. At the end of the study, the l-theanine group had significantly greater cognitive function scores and reduced markers for stress and anxiety than the placebo group [5].
L-theanine and caffeine are a common pairing in many nootropic stacks, and many users discover that the advantages are more noticeable when combined. In contrast to the jitteriness sometimes associated with caffeine alone, it is thought that combining L-theanine and caffeine promotes increased focus and energy.
6) Caffeine Anhydrous - 75mg
Caffeine anhydrous is a concentrated form of caffeine, a popular stimulant and nootropic ingredient. It can stimulate the central nervous system and boost neurotransmitter activity, especially related to dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters control mood, focus, and cognitive function.
Caffeine is well known to boost alertness and offset mental fatigue, thanks to its ability to block the brain's adenosine receptors, which promote relaxation and sleep [6].
A 75 mg intake of caffeine anhydrous is considered a conservative dosage compared to the regular levels found in many energy drinks and coffee beverages. Caffeine, however, can still substantially impact some people's cognition and energy levels, even at this dosage.
If you're looking for more caffeine, you can check out the Best Caffeine Pills.
Claimed Benefits Of Vyvamind
SAP boasts the following health benefits for Vyvamind on the product's official website:
1) Improved Cognitive Function
Memory, attention, and information processing speed may all be the ingredients in Vyvamind, which may also lead to improved cognitive performance. The nootropic may aid in improving mild cognitive impairment by increasing the generation of neurotransmitters, supporting healthy brain cell membranes, and offering necessary vitamins.
2) Increased Motivation And Focus
The combination of tyrosine and caffeine is meant to increase focus and alertness. Caffeine does this by stimulating the central nervous system, while tyrosine boosts neurotransmitter synthesis, which may lead to increased motivation.
3) Improved Mental Energy
The stimulating effects of caffeine mixed with the other ingredients support brain and cognitive health and may result in an improvement in both physical and mental energy.
4) It Can Help With Anxiety
Theanine may lessen the possible anxiety-inducing effects of coffee due to its soothing characteristics and is believed to have stress-reducing capabilities.
Side Effects Of Vyvamind
Vyvamind contains all-natural ingredients in safe dosages, so as long as you stick to the daily dosage recommendations, you should not experience any serious side effects. As with any supplement, though, there may be minor effects as your body adjusts to it. These may include:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Jitters
- Restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Potential interaction with medications, especially those to do with blood pressure tablets and MAO inhibitors
Real Customer Reviews Of Vyvamind
Vyvamind is only for sale on the official website. There, it makes sense you'll find many overwhelmingly positive Vyvamind reviews. However, because we can't verify the authenticity of those reviews, I've searched other sources for more verifiable ones.
Vyvamind has a 3.5-star rating on TrustPilot. Here's what one verified user had to say:
(source)
There are a couple of Vyvamind threads on Reddit. Here's a typical comment:
(source)
Where To Buy Vyvamind
Vyamind can only be purchased from the official company website. There, you can buy a single bottle for $74.99 plus shipping. The bottle recommendation is to take one capsule per day, so this bottle should last you for two months.
How To Take Vyvamind
You should take a single capsule of Vyvamind daily with 8-12 oz of water. There are no specifications or recommendations on the bottle as to what time of day to take it or whether it should be consumed with food.
3 Vyvamind Alternatives
The best way to end up with the right supplement for you is to compare three or four of the most reputable products on the market. To help you do that, here are brief reviews of three notable competitors to Vyvamind.
1) Hunter Focus
Hunter Focus nootropic is marketed as a potent, high-dosed cognitive enhancer. Manufactured by Roar Ambition, it aims to improve focus, energy, mental clarity, and creativity. The supplement contains 20 natural ingredients and is promoted as the "ultimate brain pill."
The ingredient list contains various vitamins and compounds, including Vitamin B6, B9, B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, L-Tyrosine, Lion's Mane Mushroom, Bacopa, Ashwagandha Root, Citicoline, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba, Caffeine Anhydrous, and more.
While some ingredients are under-dosed, combining all ingredients seems to work synergistically, leading to improved focus, energy, and creativity.
The daily dosage for Hunter Focus is six capsules, which may be a problem for some people. It is also a relatively expensive supplement, costing $90 for a one-month supply. While not perfect, Hunter Focus is among the most comprehensive nootropics on the market and one of the best we have come across.
Check our full Hunter Focus Review here.
Pros
- 20 ingredients
- Manufactured in FDA-approved facilities
- Ships worldwide
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires taking six capsules per day
Hunter Focus's unique blend of natural nootropics allows you to devote your mental energies to the area of life you choose to prioritise - and makes switching your focus effortless. Imagine...
2) Performance Lab Mind
Performance Lab Mind is a dietary nootropic supplement intended to support overall brain well-being, improve cognitive performance and function, and improve mental clarity. Developed by Opti-Nutra, it claims to enhance brain performance by providing essential nutrients and facilitating neurotransmitter activation.
Key ingredients in Performance Lab Mind include Citicoline, phosphatidylserine, and N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, which contribute to improved focus, memory, and cognitive processing speed. Additionally, the supplement incorporates Maritime Pine Bark Extract, which is claimed to possess neuroprotective attributes, potentially aiding in the maintenance of long-term brain health.
A distinctive aspect of this product is the use of Nutricaps, plant-based capsules designed to optimize the bioavailability and absorption of the formula. Performance Lab Mind is also vegan-friendly and manufactured within a facility adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
Pros
- Helps boosts fat burning metabolism to target stored body fat
- Good appetite suppression reported by users
- Helps reduce fat storage process
Cons
- Only available as pills, not in powder form
Performance Lab Mind is a revolutionary, stim-free brain formula designed to promote peak human performance under pressure. Combining multi-tasking nootropic ingredients...
3) Nooceptin
Nooceptin is another reputable nootropic blend that harnesses extensively researched ingredients to enhance cognitive function. Each capsule of Nooceptin contains the following ingredients:
- Lion's Mane Extract (400 mg)
- Citicoline (200 mg)
- L-Theanine (200 mg)
- Panax Ginseng Extract (200 mg)
- Rhodiola Rosea Extract (150 mg)
- Bacopa Monnieri Extract (150 mg)
- Ginkgo Biloba Extract (100 mg)
Unlike Vyvamind, Nooceptin is a stimulant-free supplement. The claimed advantages of this formulation include memory enhancement, heightened focus, stress reduction, mood improvement, relief from brain fog, elevated energy levels, and protection against age-related cognitive decline. This product is priced at $69 per one-month supply.
Here are a few details about some of the ingredients in Nooceptin that are not included in Vyvamind:
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Lion's Mane Extract: Known for its potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, Lion's Mane may contribute to enhanced neuroprotection and cognitive function.
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Panax Ginseng Extract: Panax ginseng is associated with improved cognitive performance, reduced fatigue, and stress relief. It is believed to have adaptogenic properties that help the body cope with stress.
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Rhodiola Rosea Extract: This adaptogenic herb is thought to enhance mental and physical resilience to stress, potentially reducing stress-related cognitive impairment.
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Bacopa Monnieri Extract: Bacopa is a traditional herb known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, including memory improvement and stress reduction.
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Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to support memory and cognitive function by enhancing blood flow to the brain and providing antioxidant protection.
Nooceptin's blend of researched ingredients covers various aspects of cognitive function, memory, mood, and stress management. The supplement's emphasis on being stimulant-free and the range of benefits it claims make it a worthy contender in the nootropic market.
Pros
- Non-stimulant
- Research supported ingredients
- Competitively priced
Cons
- No money-back guarantee
Nooceptin is a complete cognitive enhancer. It was specifically designed to help you get more done in less time by making you more focused, more motivated, and more mentally alert...
FAQs
In addition to reviews, here are the answers to more commonly asked questions about Vyvamind.
Who manufactures Vyvamind?
Vyvamind is manufactured by a company called SAP Nutraceuticals. The company has been in business for several years and has established a reputation for consistently producing quality supplements.
Is Vyvamind good for ADHD?
Many people take Vyvamind instead of ADHD medication and claim it is effective. However, its ability to treat ADHD is not medically established.
While some ingredients in Vyvamind, like citicoline and the B vitamins, may have potential cognitive-improving effects, they are not recognized as effective therapies for ADHD. Medications typically used for ADHD include non-stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine-based drugs. These drugs have undergone rigorous clinical studies and research to verify their effectiveness and safety in treating ADHD symptoms.
Do nootropics actually work?
Whether a nootropic works depends on its specific ingredients, dosages, and individual responses to its formulation.
Nootropics are a broad group of compounds, including medications, herbal extracts, and dietary supplements, that are thought to improve brain performance in many ways, including memory, creativity, motivation, and cognitive function.
While some lack solid scientific support, several nootropics have undergone thorough research and have demonstrated promising effectiveness in specific situations.
Are nootropics safe?
Most nootropics are safe when used in line with the dosage recommendations. However, nootropics supplements are not as controlled as prescription drugs, so caution needs to be observed. Buy your nootropics from reliable companies that perform independent testing and follow strict quality control guidelines.
High-dose stimulant nootropics may have various adverse effects, including elevated heart rate and blood pressure, sleeplessness, anxiety, and digestive problems. Higher doses or the combination with other drugs may make these adverse effects more noticeable.
It's crucial to adhere to usage recommendations and dosages. Some nootropics may have adverse effects when taken with certain drugs or dietary supplements. Regular use of stimulant-based nootropics may also cause reliance and tolerance, which could eventually result in the need for higher doses to produce the same result.
Summary Of Vyvamind Reviews
Vyvamind positions itself as a premium stimulant-based nootropic that blends caffeine anhydrous, tyrosine, citicoline, vitamins B6 and B12, and theanine to boost mental vigor.
Its formulation makes it appropriate for people looking for a boost in cognitive performance. Vyvamind can improve attention, alertness, and motivation, so it may be a good option for athletes, students, academics, and others who need a quick mental pick-me-up.
If you are after a stimulant-free nootropic, we recommend Nooceptin as a quality alternative to Vyvamind that contains research-supported ingredients at workable dosages.
Vyvamind [NSV-313] is a natural fast-acting, broad spectrum over the counter neurostimulant for high-performance adults. Specifically designed for use in mentally demanding situations...
For even more options, read our article on the 7 Best Nootropics To Maximize Your Brain's Potential.
References
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Calderón‐Ospina, C. A., & Nava‐Mesa, M. O. (2019). B vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and Cobalamin. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 26(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.13207
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Bloemendaal M, Froböse MI, Wegman J, Zandbelt BB, van de Rest O, Cools R, Aarts E. Neuro-Cognitive Effects of Acute Tyrosine Administration on Reactive and Proactive Response Inhibition in Healthy Older Adults. eNeuro. 2018 Apr 30;5(2):ENEURO.0035-17.2018. doi: 10.1523/ENEURO.0035-17.2018. PMID: 30094335; PMCID: PMC6084775.
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Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Nutr. 2021 Aug 7;151(8):2153-2160. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab119. PMID: 33978188; PMCID: PMC8349115.
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Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, Ishida I, Yasukawa Z, Ozeki M, Kunugi H. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 3;11(10):2362. doi: 10.3390/nu11102362. PMID: 31623400; PMCID: PMC6836118.
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Kim, H., Kang, S.H., Kim, S.H.et al. Drinking coffee enhances neurocognitive function by reorganizing brain functional connectivity. Sci Rep 11, 14381 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93849-7
Steve Theunissen
Author