From the outside, Neuro Elite (click for best price) seems like several other nootropic stacks that have sprung up over the last few years: numerous cognition-boosting ingredients, including a blend centered around choline, plus some added compounds for energy and focus. But digging deeper, their formulation surprised us a little bit, especially because the supplement lacked any ingredients from the Racetam class of compounds (one of the most studied and established classes of nootropic ingredients).
But the proof lies within, and we gave Neuro Elite to our team of testers to see if the supplement could hold its own against competitors with flashier ingredient labels. Read below to find out! (Note: only 3 of the 4 BrainWiz testers were available during the span we tried Neuro Elite due to travel.)
Neuro Elite Label & Ingredients
The Ingredients
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) – 20 mg
- This is a common B vitamin linked to both increased cognition and longevity, and niacin is responsible for the famous (and harmless) “flush” some users get when taking it.
- Vitamin B6 – 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble essential vitamin, involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Studies show that when taken in conjunction with Magnesium, B6 improved school attention in children diagnosed with ADHD.
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) – 400 mcg
- Another B vitamin linked to brain health and function.
- Vitamin B12 – 20 mcg
- An essential vitamin B nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development.
- Proprietary Blend – 1340.1 mg
- Like many manufacturers in the space, Neuro Elite isn’t giving out the breakdown on its proprietary blend.
- Cognizin
- This is a branded form of choline. Choline is one of the main compounds involved in neurotransmitter function, learning, and other cognitive processes. It’s a fairly common ingredient in nootropic supplements and stacks. Many Americans are choline deficient, and there are entire nootropic supplements based around the compound and its function in the brain.
- L-Theanine
- L-Theanine is an amino acid known to support a calm mood without inducing sleepiness. When used in conjunction with caffeine, it has been observed to reduce error rates while performing tasks.
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Tyrosine is well-linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress, and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.
- Glucuronolactone
- We normally see glucuronolactone in energy drinks, but there isn’t a ton of evidence to support the “boost” it supposedly gives users.
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- Caffeine is a stimulant acting on the central nervous system. One of the better-researched mental and physical performance enhancers, caffeine is proven to have acute effects on cognitive function and mood when used in conjunction with L-Theanine.
- Bacopa Monnieri Extract (50% Bacosides)
- Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, those taking bacopa monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects, including reduced stress and cortisol levels. This is actually among highest concentration of bacosides in the extract we’ve seen in a nootropic product (slightly more than in Neurofuse, which our testers actually preferred over Neuro Elite).
- DHA
- This is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary component of the brain and nervous system. We’re seeing an increasing number of nootropics and brain supplement incorporate omega-3 fatty acids for their important roles in brain health and chemistry. While Neuro Elite doesn’t have a few ingredients we’re used to seeing in nootropic stacks, we do appreciate the inclusion of DHA.
- Schizandrol-A
- This is an adaptogen, a type of compound that helps reduce the effects of stress. Derived from the schizandra berry, this compound has been shown to have a significant effect on neurotransmitters in animal studies. We’ve found adaptogens to have powerful nootropics when taken on their own, and this is the first supplement we’ve tried with this particular one.
- L-Glutamine
- This is one of the body’s most abundant amino acids, and we normally see glutamine supplementation for bodybuilders and athletes. It’s been linked to increased muscular endurance, especially in vegetarians or people with low-protein diets.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical that has been used to treat memory loss and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Phosphatidyl Serine/Phosphatidylserine
- Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid required to maintain healthy nerve cell membranes. It supports cognitive function and the ability to learn and recall new information.
- Vinpocetine
- Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, and known to increase cerebral blood flow. Doctors in Hungary have been prescribing this compound to treat cerebrovascular disorders for decades.
- Huperzine A
- Huperzine A is a compound derived from Chinese club moss that has been used to improve cognitive in patients with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
- Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate
Usage Guidelines
To improve mental performance, begin by taking 1 capsule in the morning or early afternoon, preferably with a light meal. If you desire increased intensity, increase serving size to 2 capsules. Some mental improvements may require up to 2 weeks of continual use to take effect. Do not exceed 3 capsules in a 24 hour period. Do not use if pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18.
What Our Testers Say
“I really, really wanted this supplement to contain Piracetam or a similar compound. I think that would have given it a more powerful boost. As-is, I did feel a mental kick and increased clarity from Neuro Elite (it felt even more pronounced because I hadn’t taken any brain-boosting supplements in over a week prior to testing this). There wasn’t any crash, and it gives a good energy boost; I just wanted more of what I was feeling.”
“Neuro Elite helped erase my morning brain fog (thanks, caffeine! okay, and probably some other ingredients, too) and it DEFINITELY helped me stay focus during some stressful Monday work projects. Its effects felt a bit like some straight adaptogens I’ve tried, mixed with some increased physical energy. I’d take this before a stressful event to help stay both calm and focused.”
“Not the most powerful nootropic I’ve tried by a long shot, but maybe one that’s good for beginners or people looking for something to help take the edge of work stress. I was taking two capsules and it felt good, but that might be too much for some folks who also drink a lot of coffee.”
BrainWiz Tips
- Our testers all recommend Neuro Elite for before stressful events. This could be a result of the manufacturer’s inclusion of the adaptogen Schizandrol-A and other stress-combating ingredients in the supplement.
- Take it easy on the coffee when starting on Neuro Elite, as the combination of B vitamins caffeine in Neuro Elite already lends itself to increased mental AND physical energy.
- As with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use.
- Neuro Elite capsules have a pleasant, calming smell that can add a bit of aroma to a balanced breakfast (we enjoyed opening the bottle and smelling the fragrant capsules, which smelled like herbal ingredients.
Supplement Summary
Neuro Elite isn’t close to the most powerful nootropic we’ve tested, but our testers found its effects consistent and dependable. It also contains caffeine and a blend of energy boosters, making it ideal for morning consumption (but not great for the evening). Neuro Elite was especially good and effective for use when facing stressful situations, likely due to its included adaptogens.
However, as far as nootropic blends with stimulants, our testers have generally preferred Neurofuse to Neuro Elite. And if you’re looking for specific dosage information, Neuro Elite’s proprietary blend may not be right for you, as the manufacturer doesn’t release exactly how much of each ingredient is present. For a transparent, stimulant-free stack with clear labeling, we’d suggest looking into RISE by Nootrobox.