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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
Product Image
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)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Muscle Gain
Cardiovascular Support
Energy
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.
$35.95($1.19 per serving)
iHerb
$ 35.95
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
Categories
Vitamin C 90.0
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.
Vitamin B12 90.0
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.
Tyrosine 90.0
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
Brain Health 95.0
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.
Mood Support 95.0
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.
Cognitive Support 95.0
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

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

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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.
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Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

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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.
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L-Tyrosine 500 mg

NOW
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(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.
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Thyroid Support Complex

Pure Encapsulations
4.6
(133 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

Swanson
4.7
(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
(133 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.