not magic, just hard science

We’ve all been there: foggy, distracted, unable to focus — signs your brain is out of balance. brainfood was created to support those everyday moments, with ingredients to support cognitive wellness and help your mind feel more steady, clear, and supported over time.

what's inside + why it matters

Intentionally chosen ingredients to support your brain, backed by real research.

For a fast snapshot of each nutrient, see the quick overviews. For the full science behind it, scroll down.

quick overviews:

  • Vitamin B12

    Main use: Produces serotonin and dopamine; an overall energy producer

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    Good sources: Cheese, beef, chicken, fish

    *More than 1 in 10 people have insufficient levels

  • Vitamin D3

    Main use: Regulates genes for mood and cognition; reduces inflammation; supports neuroplasticity

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    Good sources: Cod, tuna, egg yolk, time in the sun!

    *1 in 2 people have insufficient levels

  • Zinc Biglycinate

    Main use: Supports cell metabolism, ability to think, and ability to react; manages dopamine levels

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    Good sources: Oysters, chicken, beans, flax seeds

    *1 in 10 people have insufficient levels

  • Acetyl L-Carnitine

    Main use: Supports mood regulation; aids energy production; helps overall cognitive health

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    Good sources: Red meat, poultry, milk, cheese

  • CoQ10

    Main use: Antioxidant for growth and maintenance; produces energy; supports heart function

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    Good sources: Tuna, salmon, nuts, liver

  • Rhodiola Root Extract

    Main use: Regulates stress hormones; provides energy without overstimulating the body

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    Good sources: Rhodiola herb tea, well-vetted supplements!

  • Chicory Inulin (Fiber)

    Main use: Prebiotic; regulates mood; controls blood sugar and energy

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    Good sources: Whole grains, legumes, artichoke, chia seeds

a deeper, more science-y dive:

Each ingredient below is backed by clinical research showing how it supports brain function; and why many people don’t get enough of it from diet alone.

*brainfood includes these nutrients as an additional way to reach your daily recommended value on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement.

Collapsible content

Vitamin B12

Clinical studies (not exhaustive):

  • Vitamin B12 aids in reducing fatigue and increasing energy levels for those who are deficient (Study 1, Study 2).
  • Supplementing Vitamin B12 to both healthy and at-risk populations has stress-relieving benefits (Study 3).
  • Supplementation of Vitamin B12 has positive effects on memory performance in women of various ages (Study 4).

Note for transparency:

A common misconception is that more Vitamin B12 = more energy.

  • There is no concrete evidence proving exceeding the recommended daily value of Vitamin B12 will provide additional energy. Studies suggest Vitamin B12 reduces fatigue and increases energy for those who are not getting the daily recommended amount.

Learn more at this link.

Vitamin D3

Clinical studies (not exhaustive):

  • Increases in Vitamin D3 for those with suboptimal levels has been linked to improved emotional regulation and reduced hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3).
  • Increases in Vitamin D3 levels have been shown to reduce negative thoughts and brain fog (Study 4, Study 5, Study 6).
  • Higher sun exposure and dietary intake of Vitamin D3 are associated with lower perceived stress among physically active individuals (Study 7).

Note for transparency:

The scientific community remains divided on the efficacy of Vitamin D3 supplementation for reducing stress, ADHD-like symptoms, or improving mood regulation, but studies are promising.

Zinc Biglycinate

Clinical studies (not exhaustive):

  • Zinc has been shown to abate hyperactivity and impulsivity (Study 1).
  • Zinc has been linked with improving inattention (Study 2).
  • Those with attention difficulty and/or hyperactivity are often found to have lower levels of Zinc (Study 3).

Note for transparency:

The scientific community remains divided on the efficacy of Zinc supplementation for mitigating symptoms of low concentration/ADHD. More evidence is needed, but studies are promising.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Clinical studies (not exhaustive):

  • ALC supplementation has been shown to significantly decrease depressive symptoms (Study 1).
  • ALC exhibits positive effects in slowing the progression of mental deterioration (Study 2).
  • ALC supplementation has been shown to slow cognitive decline (Study 3).
  • ALC exhibits positive effects in improving energy and decreasing oxidative stress after brain injury (Study 4).
  • Preclinical studies have shown that boosting ALC protects against oxidative stress, rapidly ameliorates insulin resistance, and reduces neuroinflammation (Study 5).

Note for transparency:

The scientific community remains divided on whether ingesting ALC independent of what the body produces provides enough additional benefit, especially for individuals of younger age.

  • Studies have suggested ALC supplementation could reduce depressive symptoms, slow progression of cognitive decline, and improve brain injury healing. However, more evidence is needed to fully substantiate these claims.
  • We've included ALC in brainfood given the evidence that it can protect brain health and has preventative properties.

Learn more at this link.

CoQ10

Clinical studies (not exhaustive):

  • CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to reduce fatigue (Study 1, Study 2).
  • CoQ10 has shown potential in reducing the frequency of headaches (Study 3).
  • CoQ10 has shown potential in providing prevention and therapeutic effects for degenerative disorders (Study 4).
  • CoQ10 has shown potential in reducing symptoms of depression (Study 5).

Note for transparency:

While CoQ10 is an essential nutrient, the scientific community remains divided on whether ingesting CoQ10 independent of what the body produces has enough additional therapeutic benefit, especially for individuals of younger age.

  • Studies have suggested CoQ10 supplementation could alleviate fatigue, support mood regulation (particularly depression), and prevent degenerative disorders. However, more evidence is needed to fully substantiate these claims. (Most studies have been aimed at demographics over 60.)
  • We've included CoQ10 in brainfood given the evidence that it can protect brain health and has preventative properties.

Rhodiola Root Extract

Clinical studies (not exhaustive):

  • Rhodiola Root Extract has been shown to help ameliorate anxiety, stress, cognition, and other mood symptoms (Study 1).
  • Rhodiola Root Extract has shown potential in reducing stress-related fatigue (Study 2).
  • Rhodiola Root Extract has shown potential in supporting stress management (Study 3).

Note for transparency:

The scientific community remains divided on the efficacy of Rhodiola Root Extract for improving cognitive function, stress resilience, and mood regulation. More evidence is needed, but studies are promising.

  • While generally considered safe, it is always best to speak to your healthcare provider before starting a new herbal supplement.

Chicory Inulin (Fiber)

Clinical studies (not exhaustive):

  • Fiber-deprived diets have been shown to lead to cognitive impairment (Study 1).
  • Prebiotic dietary fiber has significant health effects (Study 2).
  • Meeting the suggested total dietary fiber intake is associated with 10% lower likeliness of depression (Study 3).
  • Inulin supplementation has been shown to have positive effects on Glycemic Control and Antioxidant Status in women with Type 2 Diabetes (Study 4).
  • Inulin and other prebiotics have shown potential in helping prevent and/or reducing the severity of depression (Study 5).

Note for transparency:

The scientific community remains divided on the efficacy of Inulin for preventing or reducing the severity of depression, but studies are promising.

let's talk nootropics

Nootropics are nutrients and compounds that can help support focus, mood, and mental clarity. We use research-backed nootropics in brainfood as part of a balanced approach to brain health. Curious about nootropics? Here, we break down the science, the hype, and where BrainFood fits in—so you can decide for yourself.