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Dopamine Brain Food

NS Natural Stacks

4.5
(384 ratings)
Vitamin B12 4000 mcg
Vitamin C 500 mg
Phenylalanine 500 mg
Tyrosine 650 mg
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Score 90.0

Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks is a targeted nootropic supplement designed to support mood, cognitive function, and energy levels by providing precursors and cofactors essential for dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis. It utilizes bioavailable forms of key B vitamins and high-quality Vitamin C.

Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (30 servings)
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Fitness
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Brain Health

Score 90.0

Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks is a targeted nootropic supplement designed to support mood, cognitive function, and energy levels by providing precursors and cofactors essential for dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis. It utilizes bioavailable forms of key B vitamins and high-quality Vitamin C.

Analysis

This product aims to optimize brain chemistry through a synergistic blend of L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine, which are direct precursors to dopamine and other catecholamines. The inclusion of active forms of B vitamins (Methylcobalamin B12, L-Methylfolate, P5P B6) is crucial as these act as cofactors in neurotransmitter synthesis pathways, ensuring efficient conversion. Trimethylglycine (TMG) supports methylation, a vital process for overall neurological health and detoxification, further enhancing the effectiveness of the B vitamins. Additionally, Quali-C Vitamin C contributes to overall health, immune function, and is a cofactor in the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. The formulation suggests a well-researched approach to enhance brain performance and emotional well-being.

Pros
  • Contains direct precursors for dopamine and norepinephrine (L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine) in effective doses.
  • Uses highly bioavailable and active forms of B vitamins (Methylcobalamin B12, L-Methylfolate, P5P B6) critical for neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • Includes Trimethylglycine (TMG) for methylation support, enhancing the efficacy of B vitamins and overall brain health.
  • Features Quali-C Vitamin C, a high-quality source that acts as an antioxidant and a cofactor in dopamine conversion.
  • Targets multiple related goals like mood, focus, and energy with a comprehensive and synergistic ingredient profile.
Cons
  • The very high dose of Vitamin B12 (4000mcg) may be excessive for many individuals and could potentially lead to mild side effects like restlessness or sleep disturbances in sensitive people.
  • L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine can cause jitters, anxiety, or sleep disturbances in sensitive individuals, especially if taken late in the day or combined with other stimulants.
  • Not suitable for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU) due to the L-Phenylalanine content, requiring careful consideration before use.
  • Relatively high price per serving compared to single-ingredient alternatives or less specialized multivitamin supplements.
  • The review count of 382 is relatively modest compared to some widely adopted supplements, which might suggest a more niche appeal.
Warnings
  • Individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU) must strictly avoid this product due to the presence of L-Phenylalanine.
  • Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, thyroid issues, or anxiety disorders, or if you are currently taking any medications, including MAOIs, antidepressants, or stimulants.
  • Given its potential stimulating effects from dopamine precursors, it is advisable to avoid taking this supplement close to bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.
  • While generally safe, high doses of B vitamins can occasionally lead to mild side effects like skin flushing or gastrointestinal upset in certain sensitive individuals.
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$35.95($1.19 per serving)
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Quali-C) 500 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate) 5 mg
Folate ((6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium Salt) 1000 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 4000 mcg
L-Tyrosine 650 mg
Trimethylglycine 600 mg
L-Phenylalanine 500 mg
Adults 18–50
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Categories

The product includes 500mg of Vitamin C from Quali-C, which is a high-quality, European-sourced ascorbic acid, providing a robust and effective daily dose for antioxidant support and various physiological functions. This dosage is well-suited to complement the product's overall benefits.
Containing a very high dose of 4000mcg of Methylcobalamin, an active and highly bioavailable form of Vitamin B12, ensures maximum absorption and utilization. This dosage strongly supports its role as a critical cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis, methylation, and energy metabolism.
With 650mg of L-Tyrosine, the product provides a significant and effective dose of this crucial amino acid, which serves as a direct precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. This is a core component of its brain health and mood support claims, making it highly relevant to its purpose.

Goals

The product is explicitly designed for brain health, providing optimal dosages of L-Tyrosine and L-Phenylalanine as direct precursors to critical neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. The inclusion of active B vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) and TMG are essential cofactors, significantly supporting the synthesis and metabolism of these neurotransmitters, making it highly effective for improving overall brain function.
L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine are direct precursors to dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters intrinsically linked to mood regulation and feelings of well-being. The comprehensive B vitamin complex further supports serotonin synthesis and methylation, contributing significantly to a balanced and uplifted mood.
The targeted amino acids (L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine) enhance the production of catecholamines, which are vital for cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and attention. The supporting B vitamins and TMG ensure efficient neurological pathways, leading to improved cognitive performance and mental clarity.
90 Value

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L-Tyrosine 500 mg

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Offering a foundational ingredient for dopamine synthesis at a very low price per serving ($0.07), this alternative provides excellent value for targeting the core brain and mood support goals of the original product without the high cost of a combined blend.
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True Focus

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This alternative offers a similar synergistic blend for brain health and mood, containing Vitamin C, L-Tyrosine (800mg), and L-Phenylalanine (300mg), with a higher dose of Tyrosine directly aligning with enhanced dopamine support.
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Emotional Balance Support

Thorne
4.8
(325 ratings)
Thorne is a highly reputable brand known for purity and efficacy. This product contains Vitamin C, Methylcobalamin B12 (550mcg), and L-Tyrosine (200mg), offering a refined formula for emotional balance and cognitive well-being, though at a different price point.
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Thyroid Support Complex

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4.6
(134 ratings)
While primarily a thyroid supplement, it features 500mg of L-Tyrosine and Vitamin C, both key components of 'Dopamine Brain Food.' Pure Encapsulations is a top-tier brand for quality and hypoallergenic formulations, ensuring excellent purity and efficacy for its ingredients.
80 Budget

L-Phenylalanine 500 mg

NOW
4.5
(4315 ratings)
This alternative provides one of the core active ingredients (L-Phenylalanine) at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.05 vs $1.33), allowing targeted supplementation for dopamine support more affordably.
80 Budget

L-Tyrosine 500 mg

NOW
4.7
(41408 ratings)
As another key precursor in the original formula, L-Tyrosine is offered here as a standalone supplement for a fraction of the cost per serving ($0.07 vs $1.33), making it a much more economical option for brain health benefits.
75 Budget

Super Stress B-Complex with Vitamin C

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(1820 ratings)
This product offers a combination of Vitamin C (500mg) and Vitamin B12 (125mcg) along with other B vitamins, providing general energy and immune support at a much lower price per serving ($0.08) compared to the original, covering some of its broader benefits.
90 Value

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(30986 ratings)
This alternative provides a highly effective and bioavailable dose of Methylcobalamin B12 (1500mcg) at an incredibly low price per serving ($0.07), offering significant energy and brain health benefits more efficiently than the original product's excessive dose.
90 Value

Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.8
(358021 ratings)
This product offers a higher dose of Vitamin C (1000mg) at an exceptionally low price per serving ($0.06), providing superior value for general health, immunity, and antioxidant support which are peripheral goals of the original product.
85 Value

L-Tyrosine 500 mg

NOW
4.7
(41408 ratings)
Offering a foundational ingredient for dopamine synthesis at a very low price per serving ($0.07), this alternative provides excellent value for targeting the core brain and mood support goals of the original product without the high cost of a combined blend.
88 Performance

True Focus

NOW
4.5
(358 ratings)
This alternative offers a similar synergistic blend for brain health and mood, containing Vitamin C, L-Tyrosine (800mg), and L-Phenylalanine (300mg), with a higher dose of Tyrosine directly aligning with enhanced dopamine support.
85 Performance

Emotional Balance Support

Thorne
4.8
(325 ratings)
Thorne is a highly reputable brand known for purity and efficacy. This product contains Vitamin C, Methylcobalamin B12 (550mcg), and L-Tyrosine (200mg), offering a refined formula for emotional balance and cognitive well-being, though at a different price point.
82 Performance

Thyroid Support Complex

Pure Encapsulations
4.6
(134 ratings)
While primarily a thyroid supplement, it features 500mg of L-Tyrosine and Vitamin C, both key components of 'Dopamine Brain Food.' Pure Encapsulations is a top-tier brand for quality and hypoallergenic formulations, ensuring excellent purity and efficacy for its ingredients.
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