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Ginkgo Smart

Irwin Naturals

4.6
(2372 ratings)
Ginkgo
Acetyl L-Carnitine 40 mg
Deanol 40 mg
Fish Oil 600 mg
Choline 30 mg
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Score 70.0

Ginkgo Smart is a comprehensive brain-focused supplement blending herbal extracts (Ginkgo), nootropics (Choline, ALCAR, DMAE), and Omega-3s, designed for cognitive, mental, and general health support. Some ingredient dosages are low.

Quantity: 120 Softgel(s)Servings size: 2 Liquid Softgel(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Brain Health
Cognitive Support
Cardiovascular Support
Fitness
Muscle Gain

Score 70.0

Ginkgo Smart is a comprehensive brain-focused supplement blending herbal extracts (Ginkgo), nootropics (Choline, ALCAR, DMAE), and Omega-3s, designed for cognitive, mental, and general health support. Some ingredient dosages are low.

Analysis

Irwin Naturals Ginkgo Smart is a multi-ingredient supplement formulated to support various aspects of health, primarily focusing on cognitive function. It combines traditional herbal ingredients like Ginkgo Biloba with nootropics such as Choline Bitartrate, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). The formula also includes Fish Oil for Omega-3 fatty acids, Alpha-Lipoic Acid for antioxidant support, and BioPerine for enhanced absorption of the other compounds. The blend aims to provide comprehensive support for brain health, mental focus, mood, and even general and cardiovascular wellness.

Pros
  • Comprehensive formula with a wide array of ingredients targeting various aspects of brain health and general wellness.
  • Includes Ginkgo Biloba, a well-researched herb known for its potential to improve cerebral blood flow and cognitive function.
  • Contains Omega-3 Fish Oil (from Sardine and Anchovy), beneficial for brain, heart, and anti-inflammatory support.
  • BioPerine is included to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of the various nutrients in the formula, maximizing their potential effects.
  • The product has a high review count, suggesting a broad user base and general satisfaction.
Cons
  • Dosages of some key nootropic ingredients, such as Choline (30mg), Acetyl-L-Carnitine (40mg), and Alpha-Lipoic Acid (15mg), are considerably lower than amounts typically shown to be effective in clinical studies for significant cognitive or metabolic benefits.
  • The inclusion of both Ginkgo Leaf Extract (120mg) and Ginkgo Powder (400mg) without clear standardization for the powder makes the overall effective dosage of active ginkgo compounds less transparent than products solely featuring standardized extracts.
  • The broad scope of claimed goals, combined with the modest dosages of several ingredients, might dilute the product's effectiveness for any single specific benefit, potentially leading to sub-optimal results across multiple areas.
Warnings
  • Contains Fish Oil, which is a common allergen for individuals with fish allergies.
  • Ginkgo Biloba can have anticoagulant effects and may interact with blood-thinning medications (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin), increasing the risk of bleeding. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised for individuals on such medications.
  • The presence of various herbal extracts and compounds means there's a potential for interactions with other medications or supplements; users should consult a healthcare provider, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are taking other drugs.
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$34.99($0.58 per serving)
iHerb
$ 34.99
Amazon
$ 34.99
Walmart
$ 34.99
Pure Formulas
$ 34.99
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 15 Calorie(s)
Total Fat 1 Gram(s)
Cholesterol 5 mg
Protein 1 Gram(s)
Choline (Choline Bitartrate) 30 mg
Fish Oil (Sardine, Anchovy) 600 mg
Ginkgo, Powder (Ginkgo biloba, Powder) 400 mg
Ginkgo Leaf Extract 120 mg
Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate 40 mg
Trimethylglycerine Hydrochloride 25 mg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride) 40 mg
Alpha-Lipoic Acid 15 mg
Velvet Bean seed extract 10 mg
Toothed Clubmoss extract 1 mg
BioPerine Complex 6 mg
Adults 18–50 Women
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Categories

The product provides a notable amount of Ginkgo (120mg Ginkgo Leaf Extract and 400mg Ginkgo Powder), making it a significant source of this herb. Ginkgo Biloba extract is well-regarded for its potential benefits in improving cerebral blood flow and cognitive function, effectively supporting the product's primary brain-related goals.
The product provides a substantial 1200mg of Fish Oil, a good amount for general health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, brain function, and anti-inflammatory support due to its Omega-3 fatty acid content. This is a well-dosed component of the overall formula, contributing significantly to the product's value.
The product contains 30mg of Choline Bitartrate, which is a very low dosage compared to common recommendations for cognitive enhancement or dietary intake, which often range from 250mg to 500mg or more. While present, its impact based on this dosage alone may be limited for significant cholinergic benefits.

Goals

The product includes key ingredients like Ginkgo Biloba, Choline, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and DMAE, all of which are recognized for their potential roles in supporting brain function, memory, and neuronal health. While the inclusion of multiple brain-supporting compounds is beneficial, the individual dosages of some nootropics like Choline (30mg) and Acetyl-L-Carnitine (40mg) are considerably lower than amounts typically used in research studies for significant cognitive benefits.
With ingredients such as Ginkgo, Choline, ALC, and DMAE, the product aims to support various cognitive processes. Ginkgo can enhance blood flow to the brain, while choline and DMAE are precursors to neurotransmitters important for learning and memory. Despite the good combination of ingredients, the low individual dosages of some nootropics might limit their overall impact on advanced cognitive support.
Ginkgo's ability to improve circulation to the brain, combined with the presence of neurotransmitter precursors like Choline and DMAE, contributes to the product's potential for enhancing mental focus. The comprehensive blend works synergistically to support alertness, although the effects might be more subtle due to conservative dosages of some compounds.
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Extra Strength Ginkgo 120 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(70975 ratings)
This alternative provides the same 120mg standardized Ginkgo extract as the original product (a key ingredient for brain health) at a substantially lower cost per serving. Its high review count and focus on quality Ginkgo make it an excellent value for those prioritizing this specific benefit.
85 Value

PQQ Energy

NOW
4.6
(1785 ratings)
For a price per serving comparable to the original, this product offers a significantly higher dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (200mg vs 40mg) and adds PQQ and Coenzyme Q10, ingredients highly regarded by nutritionists for supporting mitochondrial function, cellular energy, and overall brain vitality.
80 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
(520 ratings)
This alternative provides a remarkably higher dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg vs 40mg in original), a crucial ingredient for energy production and cognitive support, at a much lower price per serving. It offers superior potency for this specific compound, making it a great value proposition.
95 Performance

Memory Pro

Pure Encapsulations
4.3
(20 ratings)
This product features significantly higher and more bioavailable forms of key ingredients like Acetyl-L-Carnitine (750mg vs 40mg in original), standardized Ginkgo extract, and includes other premium nootropics such as Phosphatidylserine and Bacopa, known for robust cognitive support and memory enhancement. It's a more potent and targeted blend according to many nutritionists.
93 Performance

Brain Cell Support

Metabolic Maintenance
4.7
(233 ratings)
A highly potent alternative with notably higher dosages of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg vs 40mg in original), DMAE (100mg vs 40mg), and a well-standardized Ginkgo Biloba extract. The inclusion of Cognizin (CDP-Choline), a superior form of choline, and Phosphatidylserine makes it a more comprehensive and effective choice for brain health.
90 Performance

Memoractiv

Thorne
4.6
(395 ratings)
Thorne is a brand often praised by nutritionists for quality. This product offers a higher dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (250mg) and utilizes a specialized Ginkgo Phytosome for enhanced absorption. It also includes Bacopa and Ashwagandha, providing a more robust and bioavailable approach to cognitive function and stress support compared to the original.
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