Qualia Mind Caffeine Free Ingredients

QUALIA MIND® CAFFEINE FREE is a caffeine-free alternative to QUALIA MIND®: we have removed the caffeine-containing ingredients and replaced them with enXtra®, a clinically studied Alpinia galanga rhizome extract. The result is a caffeine-free formula that combines 30 carefully selected ingredients to support mental energy, alertness, attention, concentration, focus, memory, mood, motivation, vision, hearing, and overall cognitive performance. When we experience more of these states, good things occur with our performance at work, school, the gym, and in our daily lives.*

Most of us want more out of life. We want to be more or do more. We want to change some things and create new habits. This means we’ll be asking more from the brain. Staying focused is work for the brain. Learning requires the brain to work harder. Change is hard work. Managing emotions, setting and achieving goals, having more empathy, you probably guessed, these take mental effort and are work for the brain. Understanding this is important. We created QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE to support the brain in working harder for longer.*

“Thinking” is brain work. But what is thinking? The brain’s primary function is taking in, processing, transmitting, and using information. The brain performs these functions using cognitive skills, which collectively allow us to perceive, reason, understand, learn, and remember. Neuroscientists group related cognitive skills together into bigger cognitive domains. These include attention, executive functions, learning and memory, perceptual-motor skills, and social cognition. QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE was formulated to support an array of cognitive skills in these five different domains.*

Thinking requires an investment of mental energy—the brain uses roughly 20% of the daily energy budget for the body. Mental activity, like physical work, requires energy and uses resources. And, the more demanding, effortful, or sustained the thinking, the more energy that’s required. QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE was created to support the brain in making and investing energy more efficiently.*

When scientists talk about mental energy, they usually refer to a triad of (1) feeling energetic, (2) being motivated, and (3) having a greater capacity for focused attention. We think of these as the “Big 3.” When these areas are better supported, put simply, we perform better whether at work or home, during exercise or social interactions, and in many other areas of our life. QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE was formulated to deliver benefits for the Big 3—energy, motivation, and focus.*

We like to think of QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE as a whole brain upgrade for cognitive performance.  When choosing ingredients to include, we relied on scientific research and the N of 1 experiences of biohackers and the nootropic community. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the reasons why we included each ingredient and how individually they contribute to the brain benefits QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE was formulated to deliver.*

Don’t just take our word for it. These are a few publications from scientific journals highlighting some of the QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE ingredients.

• L-theanine supported attention and visual reaction time (Pubmed 26869148).*
• enXtra® supports alertness (Pubmed 32412358).*
• Ginkgo biloba extract supported speed of information processing working memory and executive processing (Pubmed 11466162).*
• Rhodiola rosea supported the capacity for mental work (Pubmed 12725561).*
• Lutemax® supported a healthy stress response and more optimal emotional health (Pubmed 28198205).

Qualia Mind Caffeine Free Ingredients

Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) can be thought of as the brain and nervous system form of L-carnitine. Carnitine supports mitochondria in converting long-chain fats into cellular energy—it’s involved in supporting the brain to be more “metabolically flexible” (i.e., be able to switch fuel sources from sugars to fats). ALCAR also supports healthy brain plasticity (e.g., neuroplasticity), neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine, nerve function, brain response to stress, and neuroprotective functions (1–3).* 

In addition to carnitine, ALCAR supplies acetyl groups. The acetyl groups can be used to make energy, are a precursor for acetylcholine, or can be incorporated into glutamate and GABA, or into lipids for myelination and cell growth (1, 4). We chose the ALCAR form of carnitine, rather than L-carnitine, because of these additional functions of the acetyl groups, and because ALCAR has been shown to more readily cross the blood-brain barrier, and has been the preferred form for the brain and nervous system in scientific studies (5, 6). *

We choose a dose of 500 mg of ALCAR for a few reasons. The nootropic range—the amount commonly used by persons seeking brain health benefits—is 500-1500 mg a day. The 500 mg serving size is thought to complement choline by the neurohacking community—two ingredients, alpha-GPC and Cognizin® citicoline, are in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE to augment dietary choline intake. The body can make some carnitine, and the diet supplies about 75% of the needs in omnivores. Adults eating animal products consume 25–180 milligrams of carnitine per day. Vegans may only get about 1–12 milligrams (7, 8). The amount of carnitine supplied by 500 mg of ALCAR is optimized to ensure that even persons with very low dietary intake will be well supported in their carnitine intake.*

Rhodiola rosea Root Extract

Rhodiola rosea grows in cold regions and in mountainous parts of Europe through Central Asia. This plant’s ability to adapt to extreme temperatures and environments is at the heart of its traditional and modern use as an adaptogen—an herb that supports healthy adaptation to a variety of different types of stressors. The roots have traditionally been used as a tonic to help counter fatigue and enhance the capacity for mental and physical work performance (9).*

Modern research on R. rosea has supported its role as a brain and nervous system adaptogen that may help with adaptation to physically and mentally fatiguing circumstances, while supporting energy, alertness, concentration, mental stamina, and mood (10).* This combination of adaptogenic and nootropic qualities is why we included a R. rosea root extract in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE. 

We use a R. rosea root extract standardized for both rosavins (≥3%) and salidroside (≥1%) to be consistent with what’s been used in human studies. Studies of standardized R. rosea root extracts have used between 100-660 mg/day—a fairly broad range—however, the most common amount used in studies has been between 225-400 mg. QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE has 370 mg of R. rosea, which is towards the top end of this nootropic range. We selected this amount because it has supported the capacity for mental work and countered fatigue (11).*

Nutricog®

Nutricog® is a clinically studied, proprietary blend of two Ayurvedic herbs, Terminalia chebula fruit extract and Boswellia serrata gum resin extract. The common name for T. chebula fruit is chebulic myrobalan. It’s called haritaki in Ayurveda, where it is one of the small number of Rasāyanas, the category of things believed to help confer longevity, rejuvenate health, and nourish intellect. It’s believed to bring balance to all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—and is one of the three myrobalan fruits used in the renowned triphala (12). The gum from B. serrata is called Indian frankincense. It’s named shallaki and was thought to balance pitta and kapha.*

Modern science has reported a variety of benefits from these two extracts that support use for healthy brain function and as a nootropic. Terminalia fruits support healthy acetylcholine signaling (13–15), which is critical for attention, memory, and neuroplasticity, and upholds healthy neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), (16, 17) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (16, 18). Like terminalia, the gum resin from boswellia supports healthy BDNF function (19, 20). It also has neuroprotective benefits (20–25).* But, what convinced us to include it in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE was not the collection of research on the individual parts, it was a human clinical study on Nutricog itself.*

While the human study has not been published yet, we were allowed to review the data. Put simply, it was an extremely impressive study. Why were we so impressed? The study measured what happened over the course of a couple weeks …and for four months. This patented extract offered significant support across multiple cognitive domains, especially learning, memory, and executive function. Within two weeks the trend in a couple of these areas was already statistically significant, and in other areas performance continued to further widen from placebo over time.* Nutricog is a novel brain health ingredient and QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE is among the first products using it. We included the 300 mg amount used in the human clinical study. We expect you’ll hear a lot more about Nutricog in the future.

Nutricog® is a registered trademark of PLT Health Solutions - Laila Nutraceuticals, LLC. 

N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine

N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (NALT) is an acetylated form of the amino acid L-tyrosine. It is used as a nootropic, because tyrosine acts as a precursor for dopamine and norepinephrine, important brain neurotransmitters. Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure, and plays a crucial part in modulating focus, motivation, cognitive flexibility, and emotional resilience. Dopamine is also one of the main regulators of motor control and coordination of body movements. And, dopamine is not only in the brain—gut microbiota make dopamine, so it is an important gut-brain molecule (26).* 

Dopamine can be converted into the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which plays an essential role in the regulation of arousal, attention, cognitive function, and stress reactions. Supplying NALT (or other sources of L-tyrosine) may be especially important to support performance during stress or cognitively demanding tasks. There’s some evidence that NALT acts as a hormetic compound, supporting a healthy adaptation to some types of stress (27, 28).*

Based on N of 1 experimentation within the neurohacking community, NALT seems to be experienced somewhat differently (and often in lower amounts) than L-tyrosine. We considered this real world information when deciding on the amount of NALT to include in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE. The amount we included—250 mg in a 6 capsule serving—is used to support healthy dopamine and norepinephrine signaling and as support for stress.*

Taurine

Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the brain and eyes, where it supports brain health, central nervous system function, hearing, and vision. Taurine is involved in supporting long-term potentiation (LTP), a synaptic process involved in learning and memory. It also supports healthy GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission, brain-derived neurotrophic factor function (BDNF is involved in neuroplasticity), neuronal mitochondrial function (and hence energy production), neuroprotective functions, and photoreceptor cell visual function (29, 30).* 

Taurine, combined with caffeine and B vitamins, has been a foundational ingredient in recipes used in energy beverages worldwide since the early 1960s. This use makes sense when one realizes that taurine has important functions in mitochondria, the energy-producing powerhouses of cells (31). More recently, taurine has been suggested as a potential “longevity amino acid” that may support healthier aging (32).*

Taurine can be thought of as an essential brain nutrient. The body can make some taurine but the rest of the brain’s (and body’s) needs must be supplied from what we consume in the diet and as dietary supplements. The average dietary intake of taurine in omnivores has been estimated to be in the range of 75-135 mg/d—vegan diets have been reported to be virtually devoid of taurine. The upper end of dietary intake is about 400-500 mg (33, 34). Six capsules of QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE supplies 200 mg of taurine. We believe this amount is sufficient to provide dietary taurine support to keep the brain and eyes healthy and performing at their best.* 

L-Theanine

L-theanine is a calming amino acid that naturally occurs in green tea. We included it in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE because it supports alpha brain waves, focused attention, mental alertness, and feelings of calm, relaxed energy. L-theanine may also help with adaptation to mentally fatiguing or stressful circumstances, since it promotes alpha brain waves (α-waves)—an increase in α-waves is associated with relaxation, focused attention, mental alertness, and reduced perception of stress.*

L-theanine is used as a brain supplement both because of what it offers and because it complements caffeine. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine can support a more centered feeling of mental energy, alertness and focus than what a person may experience with caffeine on its own (35). This can show up as experiencing a sense of flow and enhanced productivity, while feeling calmer and less stressed.*

When used for brain health benefits combined with caffeine, research studies have commonly used an amount of theanine between 50-250 mg and often selected the amount to be in a ratio from about 1:1 to 2:1 theanine to caffeine (35). In other words, the amount of caffeine being used can influence the decision of how much theanine to include. We selected the amount of L-theanine  (200 mg) to be in a 2:1 ratio with the caffeine (100 mg) in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, because we think this ratio supports the best of both ingredients.*

Lion's Mane Fruiting Body 8:1 Extract (as RealLionsMane™)

The first dietary supplement we launched was a nootropic formula that went by the name QUALIA. It was supplied in two bottles, with instructions to take capsules from one of the bottles away from food first thing in the morning and capsules from the other bottle with breakfast (or food). This was a bit complicated for some people. This two-bottle formula was also a lot of capsules, with a full serving size of 11 capsules between both bottles. Internally, we refer to this original (or OG) QUALIA as “Two-step.” Why am I giving you this history lesson? Lion’s Mane was one of the ingredients that was in that original product, but which was removed to reduce the capsule count for what would become QUALIA MIND (and QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE).

In the years since the launch of QUALIA MIND, the most common ingredient questions I’ve fielded have had to do with Lion’s Mane. Questions like why was it removed? …What do you think of it? …Will you ever use it in a product in the future? With the launch of new and improved QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, we give a warm welcome back to Lion’s Mane, an ingredient we’ve liked since the launch of our first product. A next question might be, why is Lion’s Mane such a popular mushroom? Lion’s Mane is the most popular nootropic mushroom because of its reported support for nerve and brain health. Its benefits include supporting neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), as well as promoting neuroprotection (36). It also supports the gut microbiota (37) which plays an important role in the gut-brain-axis.* 

During the formulation process, we spoke to some nootropic experts about their thoughts on newer nootropics and potential upgrades to QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE. One of them was Ben Greenfield. When we got to Lion’s Mane, he told us he was a big fan and had personally noticed the most from one specific organic Lion’s Mane made by a company called Nammex that only uses the fruiting bodies. Nammex calls this extract RealLionsMane™. It takes 8 parts of the mushroom fruiting bodies to make 1 part of the extract (it is an 8:1 extract). QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE contains 125 mg of this extract made from 1 gram of Lion’s Mane fruiting bodies. We think of Lion’s Mane as being a great mushroom to support general brain health.*

RealLionsMane™ is a trademark of North American Reishi Ltd.

Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living types of trees in the world. They are native to a small region in China, but are grown all over the world now. In the 10th century, Chinese monks began planting ginkgo in monastery gardens and chewing its leaves to keep them mentally alert (38). Some planted trees at temples are more than 1000 years old. Not surprisingly, given its prominence in China, parts of the tree have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for several hundred years. In modern times, ginkgo has become one of the most popular and widely used herbs for supporting brain health.*

Researchers began studying standardized extracts of G. biloba during the mid-1960’s (39). Research suggests ginkgo extracts may support a number of functions involved in healthy brain performance. These functions include supporting healthy neurotransmitter systems (e.g., acetylcholine, dopamine), neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, and blood flow to the brain (40–42). As a nootropic, G. biloba is best known for supporting cognitive skills related to attention, concentration, memory and mood. There’s also evidence that ginkgo supports hearing (43, 44) and metabolic health (45).* 

These mechanisms and cognitive skill areas are why we include a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE. We use an extract standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, since this is the most common standardization used in studies. A six-capsule serving of QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE supplies 120 mg of this standardized extract. We included this amount because it is in the range commonly used within the nootropic community and in studies when used on its own, and is at the upper end of what’s used when a standardized ginkgo extract is combined with other nootropic herbs. While ginkgo can support attentional processes quickly, it primarily supports brain health and function through continued use over longer periods of time.*

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (alpha-GPC)

Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine (alpha-GPC) is a choline-containing phospholipid that can be used to augment the body and brain choline pool. Following an oral dose, alpha-GPC metabolizes into choline and the phospholipid glycerophosphate. Choline is a brain essential nutrient. It’s necessary for normal function of all cells, brain development, and healthy brain, liver, muscle, and nervous system function (46). The phospholipid glycerophosphate is used to support healthy cellular membranes and energy metabolism (47).* 

Choline is the nutritional precursor to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved with attentional, learning, memory, and neuroplasticity functions. Acetylcholine is also used in both the fight or flight and rest and relax parts of the autonomic nervous system, it is a signaling molecule for activating muscles, and it’s used by the gut-brain axis (48). In addition to this neurotransmitter function, choline is needed to make phosphatidylcholine, which is an important part of the lipid membrane structure of the brain and nerves. And, it's a precursor for betaine, an important methyl donor (47).*

In 1998, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recognized choline as an essential nutrient needed by humans (49). The adequate intake (AI) recommendation for choline is 550 mg/day for men and 425 mg/day for women. Many people fail to meet this adequate intake amount. On average, men over 20 years of age (396 mg choline intake) and women (260 mg choline intake) fall short of the AI for choline. As we get older, we are even less likely to get adequate choline in the diet (50). As many as 90% of the U.S. population may not be consuming enough choline in the diet (51). Because choline is important for healthy brain function, we included 115 mg of alpha-GPC in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE to augment dietary intake and to help close this nutritional gap.* 

Cognizin® Citicoline

Cognizin® Citicoline is another choline-containing dietary supplement. Like alpha-GPC, it contributes to the pool of choline that can be used to support brain health. Citicoline is a form of choline that exists naturally in the brain and in cells throughout the body. It’s also one of the most studied choline-containing ingredients for supporting brain health, especially in an aging brain (47). The choline supplied by citicoline has the same functions in the brain as those mentioned when we discussed alpha-GPC (i.e., support acetylcholine function and healthy nerve cell membranes).*

But citicoline is more than just choline. Following ingestion, citicoline yields choline and cytidine [1,2], with some of the latter being converted into uridine in humans [3]. The cytidine contained in, and the uridine produced by the metabolism of citicoline, are also important for the brain—they can be thought of as brain nutrients. Both contribute to brain phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis (52). Both are also used in high energy molecules, CTP and UTP, respectively, that support certain brain functions (52).*

Cognizin is a patented and clinically studied form of citicoline. We included Cognizin in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE to complement the alpha-GPC, with the two choline-containing ingredients collectively supporting dietary choline intake. We wanted to have both because each is more than just choline, with Cognizin, as an example, also supporting cytidine and uridine, while alpha-GPC supports functions that use glycerophosphate. We chose Cognizin as the brand of citicoline because of the commitment to human research and quality the supplier has made.* The amount of citicoline in a serving of  QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE was chosen so that the combination of citicoline and alpha-GPC would collectively supply about 10% of the daily value for choline intake. 

Cognizin® is a registered trademark of Kyowa Hakko Bio Co.

enXtra® Alpinia galanga rhizome extract 

enXtra® is a standardized extract made from Alpinia galanga rhizomes. A. galanga is native to Southeast Asia, where it’s used as a food and spice (53). It’s a common ingredient in curries and soups in Thailand and Indonesia, as an example. A. galanga is part of the ginger family, and, similar to ginger, the rhizome, or creeping rootstalk is what’s eaten. The rhizome has a pungent smell reminiscent of black pepper and pine. The similarity in appearance to the ginger rhizome has led to one of its common names, Thai ginger. Another common name is galangal. In some traditional medical systems, it is regarded as being superior to ginger.* 

enXtra is standardized for several different compounds: ≥4% total polyphenols, ≥3% total flavonoids, ≥30% glycosides, and ≥1% total pyrocatecollic type tannins. enXtra has been used in five human studies and is a past winner of the NutraIngredients Award of the Year for Cognitive Function. In studies, it's primarily been experienced as supporting alertness and the attention network (54, 55). Preclinical research suggests that it supports healthy acetylcholine and dopamine signaling (56).*

QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE is a caffeine-free alternative to QUALIA MIND. The only difference between the two is that in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE the caffeine-containing ingredients have been removed and replaced with enXtra. We selected enXtra as the replacement for caffeine, because it is a non-caffeine way to support healthy neurotransmitter functions involved in mental alertness. While the amount used in human studies has been 300 mg, because enXtra is taking the place of ingredients that collectively contributed about 150 mg to the overall formula, there was only capsule space to include half the amount of enXtra used in the human studies. We expect this amount to play a supportive and complementary role with the other ingredients that support alertness and focus in the formula.*

enXtra® is a licensed trademark of OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd.

Phosphatidylserine (from sunflower lecithin)

Phosphatidylserine is a dietary phospholipid and an important brain nutrient. The best food sources are fish and meat. White beans and sunflower lecithin are two excellent vegan food sources. In the body, phosphatidylserine is found in the internal layer of cell membranes where it supports the function and activity of receptors, enzymes, ion channels, and signaling molecules. Phosphatidylserine appears to be especially important for the brain: it is one of the major membrane phospholipids in the brain and concentrated in the human cerebral cortex (57).*

Phosphatidylserine is absorbed efficiently in humans, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and supports brain structure and function. It is required for the health of nerve cell membranes and the production of the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cell axons (myelin is enriched with phosphatidylserine), allowing electrical impulses to travel quickly and efficiently along them. Phosphatidylserine supports neurotransmission, neuroplasticity and neuroprotection; it also supports a healthy hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress response (57, 58). Human studies on phosphatidylserine have mostly focused on support of cognitive functions such as attention and memory, as well as mood and stress support [1].*

We included phosphatidylserine in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, because it’s one of the major membrane phospholipids in the brain, where it supports the healthy function of nerve and brain cells, especially in areas related to memory functions and neuroplasticity.* We use a sunflower lecithin source rather than soy. The sunflower lecithin also contains other dietary phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid, which are used by neurons for healthy structure, growth, repair and signaling functions. We included 100 mg of phosphatidylserine, because it’s in the range used for nootropic purposes, is within the amount that’s been used in some clinical studies (59), and can substantially augment dietary intake.*

Polygala tenuifolia Root Extract

Polygala tenuifolia root is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is called yuǎn zhì and was often used as support for forgetfulness, restlessness, and brain performance during aging. In a study of Chinese classical herbal literature books, Polygala was one of the top three herbs most frequently cited for supporting forgetfulness (60). The term nootropic is used to refer to compounds that support cognitive performance. It is a fairly new term. Long before the modern idea of nootropics, Polygala was being used for nootropic purposes.*

Polygala’s roots contain several bioactive compounds thought to be relatively unique to this plant including tenuigenin, tenuifolin, yuanzhi-1, tenuifolisides, and tenuifolioses. Preclinical research suggests Polygala tenuifolia root supports healthy brain protection and repair processes (61–67), neuroplasticity molecules (such as BDNF and NGF) (64, 68),  synaptic transmission in the hippocampus (64), acetylcholine signaling activity (69–71), dopamine signaling (69, 72), and long-term potentiation (LTP), a key process involved in synaptic plasticity (64, 71).* 

We’ve been using a Polygala root extract in QUALIA NIGHT since its launch in 2019. We were an early adopter. Since then, Polygala has become more and more popular among nootropic experts and knowledgeable biohackers. These self-experimenters most commonly comment on it as supporting a nice lift in mood and mental clarity. We think of Polygala as a great complement to other nootropics. We source a 10:1 root extract, which means that 10 parts of the root are used to create 1 part of the extract. This concentrates the active compounds, so less of the herb is needed. The 100 mg amount we included is within the range most commonly used when Polygala is combined with other nootropic ingredients.*

SmartSeed™ (Celastrus paniculatus Seed Extract)

Celastrus paniculatus is native to India, where it’s been used by local traditional healers primarily as a brain tonic for reasons that are consistent with one of its common names, “the intellect tree.” These traditional uses include enhancing mental acuity, supporting memory, and soothing mental fatigue and stress. It was believed by native healers that people using this plant would be able to learn new information more quickly, and more accurately and efficiently recall it later. Today we’d recognize the traditional uses as being consistent with a nootropic.*

When we originally created QUALIA MIND, we looked at what was being used in the biohacker and nootropic communities. We also investigated plants that were used in different ancient healing traditions. Celastrus seeds showed up in both places. Individuals using Celastrus seeds often made comments about feeling more energy, focus, mental clarity, or mental sharpness; experiences consistent with traditional beliefs. There were no human clinical studies on Celastrus then; there are still none published that we’ve seen. But the title of one of the animal studies grabbed our attention, “Nootropic activity of Celastrus paniculatus seed (73).” In this study, a C. paniculatus seed extract was compared to the original compound that gave birth to the term nootropic, and performed well in the same areas it did, supporting healthy cholinergic signaling and memory performance.*

After researching Celastrus, our next step was to have a seed extract made and use it in some recipes (and leave it out of others) we were testing for what eventually became QUALIA MIND. What happened in our A-B tests? When we included Celastrus in a formula, users rated feelings of attention, energy, and focus higher than when we had left Celastrus out.* When we launched QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, it included a Celastrus extract; its inclusion was driven by the traditional use and what we observed during development when we added it into the formulation. QUALIA MIND introduced this nootropic seed to many people in the biohacker and nootropic communities.* SmartSeed™ is the trademarked name we’ve given to the extract that is made specially for us.

SmartSeed™ is a trademark of Neurohacker Collective, LLC.

Sabroxy® (Oroxylum indicum bark extract)

Sabroxy® is a clinically studied Oroxylum indicum bark extract. O. indicum, the Indian trumpet tree, grows throughout India and Southeast Asia. Its bark is used in Ayurveda and other folk healing traditions, often combined with other herbal extracts. As examples, O. indicum is used as one of the many ingredients in popular Ayurvedic herbal tonic blends such as Chyawanprash and Dashamoolarishta. O. indicum contains a range of compounds (like most plants); oroxylin A, baicalein, and chrysin are among its important active compounds.*

Sabroxy is made from the dried bark and is standardized to supply ≥ 10% oroxylin A, ≥15% baicalein, and ≥6% chrysin. To get this high a standardization requires between 50 to 60 grams of the bark to make 1 gram of the extract (extract ratio 50:1 to 60:1). This extract has been used in several animal studies (74, 75) and one human cognitive study (76). The oroxylin A found in Sabroxy has also been studied in animals and supports some interesting brain benefits including healthy dopamine signaling (77) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function (78–82), which is involved in learning and neuroplasticity.*

When we were creating the new and improved QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, we were particularly interested in newer nootropics that were being used by experts and self-experimenters. Sabroxy is one of these. A theme that came up in these N of 1 experiences is that Sabroxy is best stacked with other nootropics—it’s a complementary piece to a formula. Another is that the amount people use when it is part of a nootropic formula is low, with some of the people who’ve used it the most preferring a 50 mg amount. A third is that the experiences users most commonly report have to do with what I described as the “Big 3” earlier in this article—feelings of motivation, energy, and focus. It’s one of the upgrades we made to the new QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE. We include 50 mg to complement other ingredients.*

Sabroxy® is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation. 

Saffron Stigma Extract

Saffron is a spice derived from the flowers of Crocus sativus. It’s been used and traded as a spice for at least 4000 years and is considered the world's most costly spice by weight. Saffron, as a spice, refers to the deep red-maroon colored stigmas and styles of the flowers (called threads). Saffron contains a mix of pigments that give it this distinctive color, several of which are in the brain and eye-healthy carotenoid family. One of these is a water-soluble carotenoid called crocin. Saffron also contains some fat-soluble carotenoids including zeaxanthin and lycopene. And, saffron contains safranal, which contributes to its fragrance. In traditional healing systems, saffron has had a wide range and long list of uses. These include support for healthy mood and nerves.* 

There’s been a growing interest in the use of saffron for health purposes, including in supporting mood, cognition, and vision. We were interested in it because we want QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE to offer support in all three of these areas. After all, the eye is an extension of the brain (and the retina is part of the brain). Saffron has a number of structure and function benefits for the brain. These include supporting brain antioxidant defenses (83–85), neuroprotection, and upholding healthy neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), neuroplasticity, and Nrf2 signaling (86).*

Some saffron studies in humans have used highly standardized extracts, with servings typically in the range of 20-30 mg per day. Other studies have used saffron powder (unstandardized) with servings often ranging from 50-300 mg daily. We source an extract that is between these two extremes—standardized, but not as highly standardized. We selected an amount (30 mg) we expect to complement the other ingredients in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE.*

Lutein & Zeaxanthin (from Lutemax® Brain marigold flower extract)

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids. They are in the same carotenoid family as the more famous beta carotene, but have very different functions in the body. Lutein and zeaxanthin are often referred to as macular carotenoids (or macular pigments). This is because they concentrate in the central area of the retina at the back of the eye called the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp, clear central vision, which is part of the reason that macular pigments support visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and photostress recovery. Lutein and zeaxanthin play a vital role in filtering blue light, acting as the retina’s blue blocker nutrients. They are also extremely important eye antioxidants. Ensuring adequate intake of lutein and zeaxanthin becomes even more critical when eyes spend a lot of time looking at sources of blue light, like digital screens.*

Lutein and zeaxanthin are not only vision nutrients; they are among the predominant carotenoids in the brain, with lutein alone accounting for over one third of brain carotenoids (87, 88). Lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants that contribute to the structure and fluidity of brain cell membranes, helping to protect them from oxidative stress (89–91). They also support global and prefrontal gray matter volume and white matter integrity (92), neural efficiency and brain blood flow (93), inter-network connectivity (94), neuroprotective mechanisms and neuronal communication (95–97), and healthy brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function, an important modulator of neuroplasticity (98).*  

Not surprisingly, lutein and zeaxanthin offer excellent support for thinking. There’s been about 20 human clinical studies where they’ve been investigated for different aspects of cognitive function. In one of our favorite studies, lutein and zeaxanthin promoted complex attention and cognitive flexibility, and supported healthy executive function and memory (99). In another study, they supported optimal processing speed and memory (98). We included Lutemax® Brain, an award winning marigold flower extract containing lutein and zeaxanthin, because of its brain benefits. We chose Lutemax as the source of macular carotenoids because it has been clinically studied for enhancing visual performance, countering visual fatigue and stress, enhancing attention and memory, and supporting sleep quality in persons with high amounts of screen time.*

Lutemax® is a trademark of OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) was discovered in the 1970’s. It is most commonly thought of as a vitamin-like mitochondrial nutrient or quasi-vitamin (a nutrient that appears to satisfy the criteria of vitamin status under certain conditions) (100). Because evidence showed that animals fed diets deficient in PQQ develop health problems, it was proposed that PQQ be classified as a new B vitamin (101). It's also been suggested that PQQ may be a “longevity vitamin” (102).* Despite these suggestions, PQQ is currently not classified as a vitamin.

PQQ’s main functions are as an antioxidant and redox cofactor. In biology, redox has to do with transporting electrons during oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions—NAD and glutathione are examples of other important molecules that play redox roles. PQQ is often described as a mitochondrial nutrient, which isn’t surprising given that redox is central to mitochondrial performance. PQQ supports healthy mitochondrial biogenesis, which is the process mitochondrial networks use to reshape themselves to essentially become bigger and more capable of producing energy (100).*

Because the brain is so dependent on mitochondria to produce cellular energy as ATP—the brain uses about 20% of the body's energy budget—PQQ has been studied for supporting brain health. It has benefits for supporting healthy brain energy production, hearing, neuroplasticity, and neuroprotection (103–105). PQQ also plays roles in promoting a healthy gut microbiome, immune system function, antioxidant defenses, and cognitive function. It appears to be especially important in supporting functions involved with memory (100, 106). PQQ is in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE primarily to support mental energy, since all the cognitive skills and functions that collectively contribute to what can be summarized as “thinking” require energy. We included 10 mg of PQQ to complement the other mitochondrial nutrients.*

Boron (as boron glycinate)

Boron is a trace mineral. Since 1857, boron has been known to be present in plants—fruits and fruit juices are among the best dietary sources—where it is essential for plant life. Early animal studies suggested that boron was not an essential mineral in animals and humans, so researching boron’s role in health was ignored for many years. This began to change in the 1980s. Since then boron has been studied for supporting areas including healthy bone strength, joint health, and brain function (107, 108).*

Some of the human research on boron was inspired by noticing that there were areas where dietary boron intake was lower (less than 1 mg per day) and higher (3–10 mg per day) and that the difference in dietary intake was correlated to some areas of health (109). This led to researchers varying dietary intake of boron and measuring what occurred. One of the areas studied was cognitive performance (joint health was another) (110, 111). In the cognitive studies, limiting dietary intake of boron consistently negatively affected brain function and cognitive performance, while supplying a more adequate boron intake supported healthier function and performance. As an example of functional issues, the low boron intake shifted EEG towards patterns consistent with poor mental alertness. The cognitive performance areas most supported by boron were tasks of healthy motor speed and dexterity, attention, and short-term memory (112, 113).*

We read scientific studies when we create a QUALIA product. We also look at N of 1 experiences, in other words, what do individual people notice when they change something. Some of the benefits associated with taking boron have to do with supporting feelings of energy and mental clarity, which we thought was interesting. We included boron because ensuring adequate intake makes sense for brain health and performance—boron is an underappreciated nootropic. There’s no established recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for boron—average adult dietary intake is estimated to be between 0.87 to 1.35 mg/day (114). We wanted to ensure that, when added to an average intake, the 3 mg amount of boron supplied in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE would support an adult in having a dietary intake that would be closer to the 3.25 mg boron/2000 kcal of diet that was used in the cognitive studies (112, 113). We supply boron as boron glycinate: this is boron attached to glycine to support its bioavailability.*

Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is a vitamin found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, including citrus fruit (orange, grapefruit, lemons, limes), peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and strawberries. Vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy. The name ascorbic (“without scurvy”) is derived from the Latin word for scurvy, scorbuticus. Since vitamin C corrects this deficiency, it has antiscorbutic activity, hence its name. Vitamin C supports brain antioxidant defenses, neuroprotective functions, and the healthy production of dopamine neurotransmitter molecules. While these are important jobs, I want to focus on its role in stress.*

Vitamin C is needed to make adrenal stress hormones (115), and the adrenal glands also release vitamin C as part of their response to stress (116, 117) (adrenal vitamin C secretion seems to be an integral part of a healthy stress response), and adrenal stores of vitamin C decrease during ongoing stress (118). Vitamin C may also have a “braking effect” on the adrenals—think of this as meaning it helps keep the adrenal response from becoming excessive and supports a quicker recovery after stress (119–121). I think of stress as being like kryptonite for the brain, so stress support is brain support. The brain and adrenals—the two parts of the body most involved in the stress response as part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis—appear to get priority when it comes to making sure they have enough vitamin C (122).* 

Unlike most animals, the human body is unable to synthesize vitamin C. Not only can’t we make it, but tissues don’t store up much vitamin C either—the total body pool of all vitamin C is about 1500 mg (123, 124). So, vitamin C must be consistently obtained from the diet, but we don’t need mega doses of it to keep our tanks full, so to speak. Vitamin C is included to support its brain and antistress support benefits. Average intake of vitamin C is about 75-100 mg (125). QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE contains 45 mg of vitamin C, which is 50% of the RDA for adult men and 60% of the RDA for adult women. We selected this amount to complement the vitamin C found in foods.*

Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol from VegD3®)

Vitamin D is the “sunshine” vitamin. While vitamin D can be obtained in the diet—fatty fish, eggs and dairy can be good sources—a large amount of the body stores of vitamin D are produced from skin exposure to sunlight. But the combination of consuming a diet with insufficient vitamin D—estimated to occur in 95% of adults—and inadequate sun exposure has resulted in vitamin D being the most common vitamin insufficiency in adults (126). Vitamin D is usually supplemented as either vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or D3 (cholecalciferol). Of the two, vitamin D3 is considered superior for supporting healthy vitamin D levels [1], so is what we opted to use.* 

Vitamin D plays a role in healthy brain plasticity. It supports many brain processes including the healthy growth, survival and maintenance of neurons, neurotransmitter signaling (dopamine as an example), neuroprotection, neuronal structure function and metabolism, and ultimately cognitive functioning (127). Vitamin D is important for upholding the connectivity of neural circuits responsible for movement, emotional, and reward-dependent behavior (128). Put simply, vitamin D is a brain essential vitamin (129), and a vitamin that may become even more important for an aging brain (130).*

The D3 we use is called VegD3®. It is a plant based, vegan vitamin D3 made from a sustainable algal source. We included 600 IU of vitamin D. A 600 IU amount of VegD3 can support healthy vitamin D3 levels. Dietary supplement labeling requires the daily value (DV) percentage to be calculated based on the highest recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for any group—for vitamin D that is adults ≥70 years old who have an 800 IU RDA. Because of this, the supplement facts on QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE shows the vitamin D amount as 75% of the DV. RDAs differ from the DV because they take into account age, sex, and pregnancy—DV does not. The RDA for males and females between the ages of 14-70 years old isn’t 800 IU; it’s 600 IU, which is one of the reasons we selected this amount. For most of the people we expect to use QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE (adults 18-70) a suggested serving supplies 100% of the RDA for vitamin D (131). This amount is sufficient to support daily needs and to provide the brain and nervous system the extra support that only vitamin D can offer.*

VegD3® is a trademark of Avlaan, Inc. VegD3® is a plant based, vegan vitamin D3 exclusively distributed by AIDP, Inc. 

B-Complex

The B-complex family of vitamins is a group of water-soluble vitamins. They are often given together because of the interrelated nature of some of their functions. B vitamins play important roles in supporting healthy cellular metabolism and energy production—all of them are involved in some way in supporting cellular energy processes. Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are neurotropic vitamins; they support optimal nerve health and function (132). Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid collectively support the methylation cycle, which is needed to make neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin (133). B-complex vitamins—vitamin B1 and B5 particularly—play important functional roles in supporting a healthy response to stress.* Individually and collectively, B vitamins are important for upholding brain function and nerve health, playing roles in processes such as healthy neurotransmitter synthesis, metabolic regulation, and antioxidant defenses.* Functions of each B vitamin in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE are briefly explained below.

Thiamine (as thiamine HCl)

Thiamine was the first member of the B-complex family of vitamins found by scientists, hence its designation as B1. The body concentrates thiamine in metabolically active tissues. The brain is not only one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, but it uses more energy than any other human organ, accounting for up to 20 percent of the body's daily energy turnover. The brain also relies heavily on glucose as a source of energy, and thiamine is essential for the conversion of glucose to energy. Because of its heavy reliance on mitochondrial ATP production, the brain is very vulnerable if we do not get sufficient thiamine in the diet (134, 135). Nutritional inadequacy of thiamine affects the brain and nervous system, impacting areas including motivation, memory, and mood (136).*

Historically, the beneficial impact of thiamine on the brain and nervous system was explained by its function in supporting brain energy metabolism (136). More recently science has discovered that it has other, non-energy metabolism brain functions. Thiamine plays a neuro-modulatory role in the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system and contributes to the structure and function of cellular membranes, including neurons and neuroglia (133). Vitamin B1 has also been among the most important vitamins for supporting healthy adrenal gland function and responses to stress (137–140).*

We included thiamine in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE because it supports brain energy production, neuron health, and neurotransmission, especially with acetylcholine, a critical neurotransmitter for attention, learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin B1 is always important, but may be even more important in adults 50 years old and older, since thiamine insufficiency is more common with aging (141). The amount we included is 208% of the daily value because of thiamine’s dual roles as an essential brain nutrient and for stress support.*

Riboflavin

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the second member of the B-family of vitamins. The “flavin” part of its name comes from the Latin word for yellow (flavus)—riboflavin in supplements is bright yellow-orange in color and is what gives B-complex vitamins their yellow color. Because of its color, persons taking high amounts of riboflavin can notice yellow-colored urine. Like the other B-complex vitamins, riboflavin plays an essential role in upholding healthy cellular metabolism and energy production.*

Riboflavin is a necessary vitamin for the generation of ATP—the brain is a voracious consumer of ATP. Vitamin B2 is needed for the healthy metabolism of essential fatty acids used in brain lipids—much of the brain is made of lipids. Similar to several other B vitamins, riboflavin has a role in supporting healthy adrenal function (142, 143), so is important for stress. Riboflavin is also needed for the activation and/or utilization of several other brain-essential vitamins (e.g. vitamin B3, vitamin B6, folate). And, riboflavin is an essential cofactor needed to support the function of one of the body’s major antioxidant and detoxification molecules—glutathione (133).*

The brain performs best when it has sufficient energy to do required work and is able to protect itself adequately. We included riboflavin in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, because it’s involved in supporting both energy and protective functions. We included 2 mg of riboflavin (154% of the daily value) because this amount has been sufficient to support healthy riboflavin status in studies (144–146).*

Niacin (as Niacinamide)

Niacin (vitamin B3) is the third member of the B vitamin family. There are two common forms of niacin used in dietary supplements. One is called nicotinic acid and is the flushing form of vitamin B3, because, in high amounts, it can produce a niacin “flush," which is experienced as a burning, tingling sensation in the face and chest, and red or flushed skin. The niacinamide form of niacin used in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE is a non-flushing form.*

Niacinamide is best known for its role in making a molecule called NAD—the “N” in NAD stands for niacinamide. NAD plays a central role in supporting cellular energy (i.e., ATP) production, cellular defense functions, cellular repair and stress response functions, and other functions related to healthier aging. Brain cell function is dependent on having sufficient vitamin B3; without it they can’t function (133).*

Vitamin B3 is absolutely essential for healthy brain function and nerve health. We included niacinamide in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE because two of the things we were interested in supporting were mental energy and brain cell protective functions. Vitamin B3 is required for both. We included enough niacinamide to supply 100% of the daily value for this brain-essential vitamin.*

Pantothenic Acid (as calcium pantothenate)

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) was named from the Greek word “pantothen”' meaning “from everywhere.” This name was chosen because some amount of pantothenic acid is found in virtually every food, whether from animals or plants. Vitamin B5 supports healthy adrenal function, which is why it is sometimes described as an “anti-stress” vitamin (147). Vitamin B5 may help with stress resiliency and support the healthy adrenal function needed for the adaptation to stress (148–155). I mentioned in the vitamin C section of this article that I think of stress as being like kryptonite for the brain. The brain struggles to perform when we are less resilient to stress—stress support is brain support.*

Pantothenic acid is an essential vitamin and the precursor of Coenzyme A (CoA), a molecule that is ubiquitous in the human body (and brain) because it participates in the key metabolic pathways for cellular energy generation (i.e., turning food into ATP). CoA is also used in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in alertness, attention, learning, and memory. And pantothenic acid is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, amino acids, phospholipids, and fatty acids, all of which are needed to support healthy brain structure and function (133).* 

We included pantothenic acid in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE because a main emphasis of the formula is supporting mental energy and upholding the neurotransmitter molecule acetylcholine: These functions require pantothenic acid. We also included it for its role in supporting a healthy stress response, because stress interferes with focus, working memory, and other cognitive skills we need to stay mentally sharp and perform at a high level.* The amount we included supplies 100% of the daily value.

Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate)

Vitamin B6 is a generic term that can refer to any of six different forms of the vitamin—pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxine, and their phosphorylated forms. Some vitamins exist in a variety of different but related forms. Scientists call the variety of forms “vitamers.” Vitamin B3 is an example, having both a nicotinic acid and niacinamide form. Vitamin B6 is another example. One of the phosphorylated forms is called pyridoxal 5'-phosphate; it is the metabolically active form of vitamin B6 since it is what’s used in the enzymes that need B6 for their activity (156, 157).*

Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P5P) is a cofactor in over 160 enzyme activities involved in a number of metabolic pathways. Like other B-complex vitamins, P5P plays a role in healthy cellular energy metabolism, being important for supporting brain glucose regulation. It is used to uphold and regulate optimal neurotransmitters and neuromodulators including dopamine, serotonin, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine and melatonin. The brain relies on these neurotransmitters and neuromodulators for thinking, a healthy mood, and sleep. Even a mild insufficiency in vitamin B6 can impact the brain’s ability to make a balanced amount of neurotransmitters (133).*

We selected the P5P form because it is the most biologically active of the six forms of vitamin B6. It’s in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE to support the production of brain energy and neurotransmitter molecules. We chose a 2 mg dose (supplying just over 100% of the daily value) because this amount has been sufficient to maintain vitamin B6 status in healthy adults and complements other B-vitamins—it’s also the amount the Linus Pauling Institute recommends supplementing in healthy older adults (158).*

Folate (as L-5'-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium)

Folate (or vitamin B9) is part of the B-complex family. Folate got its name from the Latin word for leaf (folium), because leafy green vegetables (e.g., lettuce, spinach) are one of the better food sources. Folate is a brain-essential vitamin. It’s needed for healthy myelin production, nerve function, and to support the production of a number of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine). It also complements other B vitamins, especially vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 for cognitive function and brain health (133).*

Folate is another example of a vitamer—vitamins that exist in a variety of related forms. There are many naturally occurring vitamers of vitamin B9, i.e., folate, found in whole foods. These forms are sometimes referred to as "food folates." Folic acid is the most common form of folate used to fortify foods and in many dietary supplements. It is a vitamer form of folate, but a form rarely found in whole foods. And, it is a form that requires metabolic work to be made into the biologically active types of folate cells rely on to do work (159).* 

We included folate as L-5'-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) because this is: (1) the predominant form of dietary folate found in whole foods, (2) the folate form found in circulation and transported across the blood–brain barrier, and (3) the biologically active form of folate that may be more helpful in persons with some gene variants (159–163). QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE supplies 83% of the recommended daily value amount of folate to augment dietary intake, which is an amount we expect to complement the other B vitamins and support a healthy folate status.*

Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, like all eight B vitamins, is essential for energy metabolism. Many of B12’s functions in the brain and nerves are inextricably connected to folate, because these two vitamins have complementary roles in the “folate” and “methionine” cycles. Similar to folate, B12 is needed for healthy myelin production, nerve function, and to support the production of a number of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, melatonin, norepinephrine, serotonin,) (133). The brain uses these neurotransmitters for processes that result in feelings of motivation, energy, alertness, as well as mood, memory, and sleep.*

Like a few of the other B vitamins in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, vitamin B12 is a vitamer, existing in a variety of vitamin forms. Methylcobalamin is a metabolically active form of vitamin B12—it is called a coenzyme form because it’s one of the forms B12 needs to be in to be used in enzymes. The synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine, as an example, relies on the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 (164, 165).*

Vitamin B12 is included in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE because, in addition to being essential for the supporting the healthy function of brain and nerve cells, it’s an important vitamin for energy, mood, and memory. We used methylcobalamin as the form of vitamin B12, because of the importance of the folate and methionine cycles in brain health, and the central role of this form of vitamin B12 in those pathways. The amount of methylcobalamin we used (100 µg) supplies 4167% of the recommended daily value. We chose this amount because it is sufficient to correct insufficiency and sustain vitamin B12 status in most healthy adults, and is within the range suggested by the Linus Pauling Institute to be supplemented in adults older than 50 years of age (166).*

Biotin

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is the eighth member of the B complex family of vitamins. Biotin was originally called vitamin H, with “H,” standing in for Haar und Haut, German words for hair and skin. This is because deficiency symptoms that led to the eventual discovery of biotin included detrimental effects on the skin and hair. Because biotin is so connected to supporting hair and skin, it’s often overlooked that biotin is needed to keep the brain and nervous system in good working order (133).*

The brain is particularly sensitive to the delivery and metabolism of glucose—glucose is its primary source of fuel, and the brain is a voracious consumer of fuel to support its energy needs. Biotin plays a key role in upholding healthy glucose metabolism (133). Biotin also plays an important role in supporting the metabolism of fatty acids. This role explains why biotin is enriched in oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing myelin in the nervous system (167) and why biotin concentrates in the brain (myelin and brain structure relies on fatty acids and lipid molecules). Adequate dietary intake of biotin is also important for healthy dopamine levels and signaling (168–170).*

Diet, lifestyle and genetic factors influence the absorption of biotin in the diet, and the ability of the gut microflora to make biotin, so some subsets of the population have more difficulty maintaining adequate biotin status than others. We included 100% (30 mcg) of the daily value (DV) of biotin in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE, because of its importance in promoting healthy brain function. Except for subsets of the population with certain genetic disorders that affect biotin metabolism, persons eating raw egg whites, and other rare situations, this amount of biotin is expected to be sufficient to support good health [1].* 

Note: Recent information has suggested that mega servings of biotin (5,000-10,000 mcg or more) may interfere with some lab tests, so several national lab testing services recommend ceasing supplementation with mega servings of biotin starting two days prior to certain lab tests. The mega serving amounts are 166 to 333 times higher than the DV amount used in QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE. In the FDA’s safety communication about this topic, they mention that the DV amount does not typically cause interference in lab tests. But if you are taking any Qualia supplements containing biotin, it is a good idea to let your doctor know and follow any recommendations they may have about stopping it prior to lab testing.*

Magnesium (as magnesium aspartate)

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body and is vital for the functioning of all living cells. It’s used as a cofactor or activator in hundreds of enzymes. It’s needed to make some neurotransmitters used in the brain (and the gut). Magnesium is essential for mitochondrial performance—about 1/3rd of intracellular magnesium is inside mitochondria (171). Magnesium plays a prominent role in breaking down sugars so they can be turned into energy; it is essential for energy metabolism and producing ATP, the energy currency of cells. In addition to being an essential nutrient needed to help produce ATP, magnesium is also bound to ATP. It is this magnesium-ATP complex that is required to speed up the work of hundreds of enzymes. When it comes to doing cellular work, ATP doesn't act alone, it teams up with magnesium for its activity (172).*

The original QUALIA product had magnesium as an ingredient. It was removed when that formula was overhauled to create QUALIA MIND. As part of that overhaul, capsule count was reduced from the 11 capsules in QUALIA to a suggested 7 in the original QUALIA MIND. Magnesium was one of the nutrients that was removed to allow that transition to fewer capsules. New and improved QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE has brought magnesium back. We made this decision because inadequate dietary intake of magnesium is common—a majority of Americans of all ages ingest less magnesium from food than the recommended amount (173)—and magnesium is an essential brain nutrient.*

Magnesium is needed to support many functions in the brain. The brain needs a lot of ATP; magnesium supports making and using it. Magnesium is important for supporting optimal nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination. One of the main neurological benefits of magnesium is due to its interaction with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Activity of NMDA is essential for maintaining a balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Magnesium is a cofactor for supporting the biosynthesis of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that support healthy motivation and mood. And, magnesium supports molecules involved in neuroplasticity, like BDNF. These are just some of the reasons the brain and nervous system benefit from magnesium (174, 175).*

We choose magnesium aspartate, because it’s been among the only types of magnesium studied to offer support for hearing and noise stress (176–182). Maintaining hearing is essential for healthy brain aging. Magnesium aspartate is shown to be bioavailable, retained well in the body, and among the best types of magnesium for replenishing our tissue stores (183). The aspartate can be fed into the Krebs cycle, the hub of energy production. We included 84 mg of magnesium in a serving of QUALIA MIND CAFFEINE FREE to augment dietary intake.*

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