so good, it's *almost* magic
Distracted, feeling scattered, can't focus … we’ve all been there. It sucks.
Yet contrary to what you may have been told, good mental health isn't achieved through sheer willpower, but through restoring balance to your brain's neurotransmitters.
TLDR: you can DO something about it.
Meet our ingredients.
Using a combination of vitamins, minerals, and plant superfoods, you can help your brain function like it should: powerfully focused and under your control
Vitamin B12
HOW WE USE IT
Important for producing serotonin & dopamine (affecting mood/focus) and plays a critical role in energy production
ALSO IMPORTANT FOR
Nervous system function, red blood cell creation
DEFICIENCIES*
More than 1 in 10 people have lower than recommended levels
20 to 85% of vegetarians may be deficient
GOOD SOURCES : Cheese, Meat (Beef, Chicken), Eggs, Fish
CoQ10
HOW WE USE IT
Antioxidant the body uses for growth & maintenance + used in production of energy
ALSO IMPORTANT FOR
Heart function, Skin health, Fertility
GOOD SOURCES
Naturally found in body; production decreases with age
Foods: Tuna/Salmon, Liver, Nuts (e.g., Pistachios)
Vitamin D
HOW WE USE IT
Regulates many genes important for focus, mood, and cognition + reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting brain cells.
This includes a role in:
- Production of serotonin (the 'feel-good' hormone)
- Communication between brain cells (Making & releasing of neurotransmitters)
- Supporting neuroplasticity (Ability to adapt, learn, & recover)
ALSO IMPORTANT FOR
Immune system regulation, calcium balance / bone maintenance
GOOD SOURCES : Cod/Tuna, Egg Yolk, 15 mins outside
DEFICIENCES*
Approx 1 out of 3 people deficient
1 in 2 have insufficient levels
ADHD & Depression associated with suboptimal vitamin D
Zinc
HOW WE USE IT
Critical for cell metabolism (the 'engine' for our cells), ability to think, our drive and our ability to react. Brain also needs Zinc to manage dopamine levels.
ALSO IMPORTANT FOR
Immune system, skin, eyes, heart health
GOOD SOURCES : Oysters, Chicken, Beans, Flax Seeds
DEFICIENCIES*
- 1 out of 10 don't get enough zinc
- Studies indicate correlation between ADHD and low zinc levels
Folate (Vitamin B9)
HOW WE USE IT
Folate & B12 work closely together in the body. Both essential for serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine production (regulating mood, cognition, and brain function)
Folate also plays a vital role in...
- Growth and maintenance of brain cells
- Regulating homocysteine levels (like recycling otherwise unusable material in order to declutter, protect, & keep your brain running smoothly)
GOOD SOURCES : Beef, Peas, Greens (e.g., Spinach, Asparagus, Brussel Sprouts, Avocado, Broccoli...)
DEFICIENCIES*
- 17% of women 19 to 30 years do not get enough folate
- Low folate correlated to depression
- Higher risk = women of childbearing age & black women
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
HOW WE USE IT
Help support mood regulation, energy production, and overall cognitive health
GOOD SOURCES
Naturally produced by the human body, but level declines with age.
Food Sources: Meat (red meat, poultry), Milk, Cheese
DEFICENCIES
Chicory Root (Inulin Fiber)
HOW WE USE IT
Derived from a plant that belongs to the dandelion family. It's...
- A prebiotic (aka feeds your good gut bacteria)
- Full of inulin fiber, supporting gut-brain axis (affecting mood regulation)
- Helping control blood sugar levels (reducing sugar spikes... and energy dips)
ALSO IMPORTANT FOR
Could aid digestion, reduce appetite and curb calorie intake
GOOD SOURCES (high fiber) : Whole-grains (barley, spelt), legumes (beans, peas, lentils), artichoke, guava, nuts, chia seeds
DEFICIENCES*
9 out of 10 do not get enough fiber.
Rhodolia
HOW WE USE IT
Can help regulate stress hormones and provide a gentle energy boost without overstimulating the body
GOOD SOURCES
Rhodiola herb tea or as a supplement from a trusted source (capsule, tablet)*
Get Smarter
VITAMIN B12
DEFICIENCIES*
- 15% of those 20–59 yrs old have lower than recommended levels of B12 (2015 study, US only)
- 20 to 85% of vegetarians/vegans may be deficient due to limited intake of animal products (2019, 2024)
CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)
- B12 helps increase energy levels and reduce fatigue for those deficient (Study 1, Study 2)
- Evidence for benefit of B vitamin supplementation in healthy and at-risk populations for stress
- Supplementation with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or folate has positive effects on memory performance in women of various ages
**Common misconception: more B12 = more energy**
There is no concrete evidence that obtaining more than the recommended daily value will provide additional energy. Studies suggest B12 reduces fatigue and increases energy for those who are not getting or absorbing the daily recommended about.
Learn more here:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-benefits
*BrainFood includes B12 as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement.
COQ10 ENZYME
CLINICAL STUDIES* (not exhaustive)
- Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Reducing Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
- CoQ10 might reduce the frequency of headaches
- Potential prevention & therapeutic effects for CoQ10 in degenerative disorders
- CoQ10 potential in reducing depression symptoms
- CoQ10 supplementation could alleviate fatigue but differences between studies population should be taken into account
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*We like to be transparent. You deserve that. So here are additional facts you should know:
Facts:
- Studies have suggested CoQ10 supplementation could alleviate fatigue, support mood regulation (particularly depression), and prevent degenerative disorders given it's protection against oxidative cell damage. However, more evidence is needed to fully substantiate these claims.
- Most studies have been aimed at populations over 60
Why does this mean?
- While CoQ10 is an essential nutrient, there is still debate in the scientific community on whether ingesting CoQ10 outside of what the body produces has enough additional benefit to be therapeutic, especially at a younger age.
- Given the evidence that CoQ10 can protect brain health and has preventative properties, we’ve included it in our drink.
See Healthline Link Here for More info >
VITAMIN D
DEFICIENCES*
- Approximately 1 of 3 people deficient
- Suboptimal vitamin D associated with higher risk of ADHD
- People with depression more likely to have deficiencies in several nutrients, i.e., Vitamin D
CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)**
- Increase in vitamin D for those with suboptimal levels linked to better emotional regulation & reduced hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3)
- Increase in vitamin D levels may help reduce negative thoughts and brain fog (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3)
- Higher sun exposure and dietary intake of vitamin D are associated with lower perceived stress among physically active individuals
*BrainFood includes Vitamin D as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a substitution or medical supplement.
**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Vitamin D supplementation for reducing ADHD like symptoms, stress, or improving mood regulation, but studies are promising.
ZINC
DEFICIENCIES*
- More than 1 out of 10 adults don't get enough zinc from their diet to meet the recommended average amount needed for good health (aged 19 and up; Source NIH)
- Multiple studies indicate a correlation between ADHD and low zinc levels
CLINICAL STUDIES** (not exhaustive)
- May improve hyperactivity & impulsivity
- May enhance the improvement of inattention
- Those with attention difficulty and/or hyperactivity may be more prone to declined levels of zinc
*BrainFood includes zinc as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement. Recommended daily amount for adults 19+ is 11mg/8mg, for males/females, respectively; Tolerable upper limit is 40mg.
**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Zinc supplementation for improving / mitigating symptoms of low concentration / ADHD. More evidence is needed, but studies are promising
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE (ALC)
ALC is a form of L-carnitine, an amino acid derivitive found in the body. L-carnitine turns fat into energy. Studies suggest ALC helps to increase the efficiency of energy production in brain, supports mitochondrial health (powerhouse of the cell!), and protects cells from inflammation and damage.
DEFICENCIES
Often lower in vegetarians and vegans
CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)
- ALC supplementation significantly decreases depressive symptoms compared with placebo/no intervention
- ALC exhibits positive effects in slowing progression of mental deterioration
- Studies suggests a role of ALC in slowing down cognitive decline
- ALC can improve energy status, decrease oxidative stress after brain injury
- Preclinical studies showed that boosting mitochondrial metabolism of ALC protects against oxidative stress, rapidly ameliorates insulin resistance, and reduces neuroinflammation
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*We like to be transparent. You deserve that. So here are additional facts you should know:
Facts:
- 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.
What does this mean?
- There is still debate in the scientific community on whether ingesting ALC outside of what the body produces itself provides enough additional benefit, especially at a younger age
- Given the evidence that ALC can protect brain health and has preventative properties, we’ve included it in our drink
Other Resources to check out (WebMD) >
FOLATE / VITAMIN B9
DEFICIENCIES*
- Low folate status has been linked to depression and poor response to antidepressants in some, but not all, studies
- 17% of women age 19 to 30 years do not meet the EAR (Estimated Average Requirement)
- Higher risk of insufficient folate = women of childbearing age and non-Hispanic black women
CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)**
- Folic acid supplementation appears to improve cognitive function and reduce blood levels of Aβ-related biomarkers in MCI.
- Analysis of six randomized controlled trials revealed that folic acid supplementation decreased the depression score
- Folic acid helps enhance the body’s antioxidative defense mechanisms (Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials)
Note: B12 deficiency is more common than Folate deficiency, and a high intake of folic acid can hide a B12 deficiency. This is why we include both as well.
*BrainFood includes Folate as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement.
**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Folate supplementation for improving cognitive function and depression, but studies are promising.
CHICORY ROOT (Inulin Fiber)
DEFICIENCES*
- 9 out of 10 Americans do not get enough fiber. (According to National Consumption Survey)
CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)
- Fiber-deprived diet leads to cognitive impairment
- Health Effects and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber
- Effects of High Performance Inulin Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Antioxidant Status in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
- Inulin (as well as certain other prebiotics) may help prevent and/or reduce the severity of depression**
- Total dietary fiber intake was associated with a 10% lower odds of depression
*BrainFood includes Fiber as an additional way to reach your daily need on top of diet. Not intended to act as a diet substitution or supplement.
**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Inulin for preventing or reducing severity of depression, but studies are promising.
RHODIOLA ROSEA
CLINICAL STUDIES (not exhaustive)**
1 ) Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms
2) Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue
3) Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review
*while generally considered safe, always best to speak to your healthcare provider before starting a new herbal supplement
**The scientific community is divided on effectiveness of Rhodiola for improving cognitive function, stress resilience, and mood, but studies are promising.
*Okay, but lets be clear... it's not magic
It's science. And our understanding of the body & what different individuals need is constantly changing.
Which means brainfood will be constantly working to improve.
We promise we will do our best to make sure we...
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Are transparent as possible in how these nutrients can support you
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Keep up with the latest scientific knowledge
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Listen to your feedback, making sure this is a tasty drink you love