The Debate Over Nootropics and Regulation
In the last few years, a new kind of supplement has started to appear online and in stores. Nootropics are being sold all across the world as ‘smart drugs’ or ‘brain enhancers’, and have come under increasing scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike.
Many nootropics can make outlandish claims of increased brain power or cognitive function that may seem implausible to the average consumer, but some major research has shown that increases in mental acuity are possible from the use of some compounds.
Most nootropics fall under the regulation of dietary supplements, unless they contain ingredients that must be prescribed by a physician.
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What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are a new range of supplements aimed at cognitive enhancement. Many nootropics use well known compounds to heighten a specific brain activity. Many consider nootropics to be like vitamins for the minds, giving our brains the compounds that they need to function to the best of their abilities.
Nootropics will often produce noticeable short-term increases in cognitive functions, and some are included in lists of substances banned by sporting associations and examination boards. Their effects can be very real, though short-term, and have been used by people to gain unfair advantages, raising ethical concerns.
Are Nootropics Legal?
Unless they contain a prescription drug, or a prohibited substance, most nootropics are regulated like a dietary supplement. This means that most nootropics can be sold just about anywhere, though their sales online have exploded over the last few years. Many nootropics are appearing in health stores and gyms alongside vitamins and dietary supplements.
Many nootropics can make bold claims about their effectiveness, and this is the area that needs the most regulation. When choosing nootropics, it is a good idea to find manufacturers that have been producing supplements for a long time and have supplements available in other markets, such as vitamins and dietary supplements. In this new market, it is easy for an unknown manufacturer to make unsubstantiated claims about a product, so try to stick to a brand you can trust.
What Nootropics are Available?
There are a number of different nootropics available on the market today. Some nootropics exist entirely naturally and can be found in common food items like this nootropic. Many come in capsule form or powder, and are aimed at a specific neural function such as sleep or calmness.
A popular type of nootropic that some people are taking regularly is concentrated organic saffron. These compounds have been shown to positively affect people’s moods and act as an effective anti-anxiety treatment.
Can Anyone Try Nootropics?
Unless they require a prescription, or their use is prohibited under a sporting regulation or law, anyone can use a nootropic if they want to. You should always be careful and read the label and any attached documentation, and it is often advised that supplements are not used by pregnant women or young children.
The important thing is to assess your need for nootropics. It is easy to get carried away at first and overspend on a number of supplements, but you should take your time and experiment with just one or two supplements at first that offer the results you desire.
Are Nootropics Dangerous?
Most nootropics are made using well understood, natural ingredients by supplement manufacturers that have a long history of producing high quality supplements for a number of markets. It is important to do your research on any type of supplement, and to take into account any allergies you may have. You may also want to consult your doctor to check that any medications you are already taking do not conflict with the nootropics you are intending to take.
Though nootropics are a relatively new addition to the supplement market, many will be made from ingredients well known to the dietary supplement community, and are dispensed in doses that have been well tested over time. The biggest challenge to regulators is to ensure the claims that nootropic manufacturers make have some substance.
Many nootropic manufacturers are trying to take advantage of this new market and its early customers by repurposing or repackaging supplements from other sectors. The most important step consumers of nootropics can take is to fully research the manufacturers of their nootropics and consult the growing community online for recommendations.
