Guarana 500 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
Guarana 500 mg
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(671 ratings)
Guarana
Score 75.0
An incredibly cost-effective Guarana supplement offering a basic energy and focus boost. Best for budget-conscious users seeking a simple stimulant, though potency may vary due to lack of standardization.
Quantity: 100 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (100 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Energy
Mental Focus
Productivity Boost
Weight Loss
leaderboard Score 75.0
An incredibly cost-effective Guarana supplement offering a basic energy and focus boost. Best for budget-conscious users seeking a simple stimulant, though potency may vary due to lack of standardization.
insights Analysis
Swanson Premium Brand Guarana 500 mg is a no-frills supplement designed to provide an energy and mental boost. Its main appeal lies in its very low price per serving, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. The 500mg dosage is a good starting point for a raw guarana product. However, unlike extract forms, its exact caffeine content isn't specified, which can lead to variable effects. For individuals sensitive to stimulants or those needing precise dosing, this might be a drawback. Online reviews generally praise its effectiveness for the price, but nutritionists might prefer standardized extracts for consistent results. Its broad goals of energy, focus, productivity, and minor weight loss are typical for guarana, with the stimulant effects being the most prominent.
- Extremely affordable price per serving, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Simple, single-ingredient formula minimizes potential interactions with other compounds.
- Good starting dose for those new to guarana or seeking a mild to moderate effect.
- Not standardized for caffeine content, leading to potentially inconsistent potency between batches.
- May not be potent enough for individuals requiring a stronger or more predictable stimulant effect.
- Raw guarana might not offer the concentrated benefits of extracts.
- Contains caffeine; individuals sensitive to stimulants may experience jitters, sleeplessness, or increased heart rate.
- Consult a healthcare professional if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
- Do not exceed recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects.
$6.49($0.06 per serving)
 Amazon | $ 0.00 | |
 iHerb | $ 6.49 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Guarana contains natural caffeine, which acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. This can lead to increased alertness and a perceived boost in energy. Its effects are similar to coffee but may last longer due to other compounds.
Guarana contains caffeine, which is known to stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness and a perceived boost in energy. Its effects are often described as longer-lasting compared to coffee due to other compounds and its slower release profile.
As a natural source of caffeine, guarana can temporarily alleviate feelings of fatigue and promote wakefulness. Its stimulant action helps to counteract tiredness, which is why it's commonly found in energy drinks and supplements.
Some research suggests that the caffeine and other compounds in guarana may support cognitive functions like alertness, attention, and memory. These effects are often linked to its stimulant properties. However, individual responses can vary.
Research suggests that the caffeine and other compounds in guarana, such as theobromine and theophylline, may contribute to improved cognitive performance. These compounds can enhance alertness and reduce mental fatigue, potentially leading to better focus.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Typical dosages for guarana extract, standardized for caffeine content, often range from 75 mg to 300 mg. This amount can correspond to about 1 to 3 grams of guarana powder. It is important to check the specific product label for recommended serving sizes and caffeine content.
Common dosages for guarana seed extract typically range from 75 mg to 300 mg per day. These amounts are often standardized to a specific caffeine content. Always refer to product labels for specific recommendations.
Guarana is commonly taken in the morning or early afternoon to support energy and mental focus. Due to its stimulant properties, consumption late in the day may interfere with sleep patterns. Many individuals use it prior to exercise or tasks requiring sustained alertness.
Exceeding recommended dosages of guarana is not generally advised and may increase the risk of adverse effects. These can include jitteriness, increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, similar to high caffeine intake. Always adhere to product label instructions.
Guarana is widely available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquid extracts. It is also a common ingredient in energy drinks, dietary supplements, and some functional foods. The chosen form can influence the concentration and absorption rate of its active compounds.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, guarana can interact with certain medications due to its caffeine content. It may enhance the effects of stimulants, interfere with blood thinners, and potentially alter the efficacy of some antidepressants or antidiabetic drugs. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before combining guarana with any medications.
Due to its high caffeine content, common side effects of guarana can include nervousness, insomnia, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal upset. These effects are generally dose-dependent and similar to those experienced with other caffeine sources. Individuals sensitive to caffeine may experience these symptoms even at lower doses.
Combining guarana with other caffeinated beverages (like coffee or energy drinks) or supplements can significantly increase total caffeine intake. This can heighten the risk of side effects such as jitters, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and insomnia. It is important to monitor overall caffeine consumption to avoid excessive levels.
The high caffeine content of guarana makes it generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy has been linked to potential risks such as miscarriage or low birth weight. Caffeine can also pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the infant.
Individuals with certain health conditions, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, glaucoma, or irritable bowel syndrome, should generally avoid guarana. Its stimulant effects can exacerbate these conditions and potentially worsen symptoms. Always consult a healthcare professional before using guarana if you have pre-existing health issues.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Guarana | 500 mg |
Categories
Guarana 75.0
As a pure guarana product, it delivers the core benefits expected from the ingredient. Its score reflects its value proposition within the guarana category, being very affordable but lacking the precise potency of standardized extracts found in some alternatives.
Goals
Energy 75.0
Guarana inherently provides stimulant effects due to its caffeine content, offering a sustained energy release. While the 500mg dose is present, the lack of standardization means the precise energy boost can vary for the user, potentially limiting its consistent effectiveness compared to standardized extracts.
Mental Focus 70.0
The stimulating properties of guarana can enhance alertness and concentration, directly supporting mental focus. However, similar to energy, the unstandardized nature of this product means the intensity and reliability of the focus improvement may not be consistent, potentially leading to varied cognitive benefits.
Productivity Boost 70.0
By improving energy and mental focus, this product indirectly contributes to a productivity boost, as users may feel more motivated and able to concentrate on tasks. The effectiveness hinges on the individual's response to the unstandardized guarana, which might not always provide the optimal level of stimulation for sustained productivity.
Recommended Alternatives
85 Value 
Guarana 200 mg
Natrol
4.5
★★★★★
(768 ratings)
While slightly higher in price per serving (9 vs 5), this product provides a 4:1 concentrated extract (equivalent to 800mg raw guarana). This offers significantly more active compounds per dollar, providing better value for consistent and potent effects.
90 Value 
Guarana Energizer 900 mg
Source Naturals
4.7
★★★★★
(2841 ratings)
This alternative offers a very high 900mg dose of standardized guarana extract in a large 200-serving bottle. While its price per serving (13) is higher, the sheer potency and quantity deliver exceptional value for those seeking a strong and consistent guarana effect in bulk.
88 Value 
Guarana Energizer 900 mg
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(3071 ratings)
Similar to its larger counterpart, this product delivers a robust 900mg standardized guarana extract per serving. Although the price per serving (15) is higher than the original, it offers significantly greater potency and standardization, translating to better value for a more impactful dose.
90 Performance 
Energy
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(1749 ratings)
This alternative provides a comprehensive energy blend, including a 200mg guarana extract along with various adaptogens, B vitamins, and other stimulants. It offers a more holistic and synergistic approach to energy and focus, potentially providing a broader range of benefits than a single-ingredient product.
88 Performance 
Energy Boost Delayed-Release
Swanson
4.3
★★★★★
(143 ratings)
This multi-ingredient formula combines several stimulant sources, including guarana extract, kola nut, and green tea, with adaptogens and B vitamins. This diversified approach can offer a more sustained and nuanced energy release compared to a singular guarana dose.
85 Performance
Guarana 200 mg
Natrol
4.5
★★★★★
(768 ratings)
This alternative is a 4:1 guarana extract, meaning it offers a more concentrated and standardized dose compared to the unstandardized 500mg of the original product. This standardization ensures more consistent potency and predictable effects, making it a more reliable choice for energy and focus.
70 Budget
Guarana 200 mg
Natrol
4.5
★★★★★
(768 ratings)
Although its price per serving is higher (9 vs 5), this alternative offers a standardized 4:1 extract, which provides more consistent potency for a potentially lower actual cost per effective dose compared to an unstandardized product. It is one of the lowest price per serving options among concentrated forms.
60 Budget 
Ultimate Women's Intimate Performance
Swanson Passion
4.5
★★★★★
(334 ratings)
This product has a higher price per serving (11 vs 5) but is included here as one of the least expensive alternatives available, though it is a multi-ingredient blend with a low guarana content. Its 'cheaper' status is relative within the limited alternative pool.
65 Budget
Guarana Energizer 900 mg
Source Naturals
4.7
★★★★★
(2841 ratings)
With a price per serving of 13, this alternative is more expensive than the original. However, it offers a much higher 900mg dose of standardized guarana extract in a large quantity, which can be more cost-effective for high-dose users looking for a sustained supply.
85 Value
Guarana 200 mg
Natrol
4.5
★★★★★
(768 ratings)
While slightly higher in price per serving (9 vs 5), this product provides a 4:1 concentrated extract (equivalent to 800mg raw guarana). This offers significantly more active compounds per dollar, providing better value for consistent and potent effects.
90 Value
Guarana Energizer 900 mg
Source Naturals
4.7
★★★★★
(2841 ratings)
This alternative offers a very high 900mg dose of standardized guarana extract in a large 200-serving bottle. While its price per serving (13) is higher, the sheer potency and quantity deliver exceptional value for those seeking a strong and consistent guarana effect in bulk.
88 Value
Guarana Energizer 900 mg
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(3071 ratings)
Similar to its larger counterpart, this product delivers a robust 900mg standardized guarana extract per serving. Although the price per serving (15) is higher than the original, it offers significantly greater potency and standardization, translating to better value for a more impactful dose.
90 Performance
Energy
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(1749 ratings)
This alternative provides a comprehensive energy blend, including a 200mg guarana extract along with various adaptogens, B vitamins, and other stimulants. It offers a more holistic and synergistic approach to energy and focus, potentially providing a broader range of benefits than a single-ingredient product.
88 Performance
Energy Boost Delayed-Release
Swanson
4.3
★★★★★
(143 ratings)
This multi-ingredient formula combines several stimulant sources, including guarana extract, kola nut, and green tea, with adaptogens and B vitamins. This diversified approach can offer a more sustained and nuanced energy release compared to a singular guarana dose.
85 Performance
Guarana 200 mg
Natrol
4.5
★★★★★
(768 ratings)
This alternative is a 4:1 guarana extract, meaning it offers a more concentrated and standardized dose compared to the unstandardized 500mg of the original product. This standardization ensures more consistent potency and predictable effects, making it a more reliable choice for energy and focus.