Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Quantumind from Evolvere was introduced to the nootropic market a couple of years ago with a lot of fanfare. However, critics soon panned it due to its excessive dosage of stimulants such as caffeine and hordenine. Now, Evolver has revamped its formula, cutting the caffeine content by half and removing hordenine.
So, how good is this new formulation of Quantumind, which claims to be the most effective nootropic for athletes and active people? Let's find out.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Quantumind?
- Quantumind Review: Pass or Fail?
- Quantumind Ingredients
- Claimed Benefits Of Quantumind
- Side Effects Of Quantumind
- Quantumind Alternative - NooCube
- FAQs
What Is Quantumind?
Quantumind is a nootropic supplement produced by a company called Evolvere. It is one of four supplements that Evolvere produces and is exclusively available from the official website. The product has been on the market for a couple of years and is in its second formula iteration.
Quantumind is marketed as a nootropic for sportspeople, athletes, and active people who need increased focus, energy, and performance enhancement. The official Quantumind website also markets this supplement to people with ADHD.
Evolvere has recently released a Gold version of Quantumind that includes three new ingredients: hordenine, aniracetam, and noopept. They also sell a sleep enhancer called Transcend and an adaptogenic-focused product called Equilibrium.
Quantumind Review: Pass or Fail?
At first glance, the ingredient profile for Quantumind looks quite promising. It includes several ingredients that have solid research support. The problem lies with the dosages.
Quantumind reduced its original serving size due to complaints of excessive caffination. As a result, a lot of dosages aren't where they need to be. The result is a nootropic that simply lacks the ingredient levels to have any meaningful effect.
Overall Verdict: FAIL
Pros
- Most ingredients have research support
- Caffeine content is well-dosed
- Reformulated to reduce unsafe stimulant levels
Cons
- The majority of the ingredients are underdosed
Quantumind Ingredients
There is a long list of Quantumind ingredients. That, however, doesn't, in itself, make it a good product. It all comes down to the research support for an ingredient and the appropriateness of its dosing. Here's a breakdown:
1) Vitamin B12 - 500mcg
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in brain and mental health, yet adults' daily recommended intake is only 2.4 to 2.8 mcg (1).
2) N-Acetyl L-Carnitine - 250mg
N-acetyl L-carnitine has been shown to enhance energy production and support cognitive function. Research shows it may improve memory, focus, and overall brain performance (2). While Quantumind provides a beneficial dose, higher dosages within the 500-2000mg range have shown more robust cognitive effects.
3) L-Tyrosine - 225mg
L-tyrosine is a precursor to neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which regulate cognitive functions. As a result, L-tyrosine may boost attention and overall mental performance (3) Effective doses typically range from 500 to 2000mg, making Quantumind's dosage less than half what you need to see results.
4) Phenylethylamine - 175mg
Phenylethylamine, or PEA, is a naturally occurring compound produced by the human body and is also found in several foods. It is thought to positively affect mood, focus, and motivation by encouraging the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
The problem with PEA as an oral supplement is that it has a short half-life, being quickly broken down in the body before it can cross the blood brain barrier. As a result, its bioavailability is limited.
5) Caffeine - 150mg
Caffeine, the world's most popular nootropic ingredient, boosts the brain, increasing focus, alertness, and mental energy (4). The 150mg dosage is half the amount in the original formulation and now represents the amount you'd get in a standard cup of coffee, offering a balanced and effective boost to cognitive function.
For a standalone caffeine pill, check out the Best Caffeine Pills.
6) Alpha Lipoic Acid - 137.5mg
As a potent antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid may help with brain health and combat age-related cognitive decline. Most studies showing cognitive benefits use doses in the range of 600-1200mg (5). This suggests that Quantumind's dosage, which is less than a quarter of the lower end of the research-attested range, may offer only minimal cognitive protection.
For better dosed ALA supplements, check out our list of the Best Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements available.
7) Alpha GPC - 125mg
Alpha GPC is well known for enhancing memory and cognition. It supports acetylcholine production, a crucial neurotransmitter for learning and memory. Most studies recommend daily dosages between 300-600mg for maximum cognitive benefits (6). So, once again, Evolvere has underdosed a key ingredient, pretty much negating its reason for being there.
8) Ashwagandha - 100mg
Ashwagandha is known for its stress-reducing properties, indirectly supporting cognitive performance. It may improve memory, attention, and information processing speed (7). However, effective doses typically range between 300-500mg, suggesting Quantumind's dosage might not provide the full spectrum of its cognitive benefits.
You can check out our favorite Ashwagandha Supplements here.
9) Phosphatidylserine - 87.5mg
Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring phospholipid molecule that is highly concentrated in brain cells. It is needed to form brain cell membranes and promotes a wide range of cognitive activities, including memory, learning, and attention. Clinical studies recommend dosages between 100-400mg daily for optimal cognitive support (8). Once again, we see Evolver falling short of the research-supported effective range.
10) L-Theanine - 75mg
L-Theanine is an amino acid that is abundant in green tea leaves. It is a popular nootropic ingredient due to its ability to boost focus and promote a feeling of relaxation. It has been shown to increase the beneficial effects of caffeine while reducing the jittery side effects that some people may experience with caffeine (9). The 75 mg dose here is less than half of the normal effective dosage of 200 mg. As a result, it is unlikely to have any noticeable effect.
11) Shilajit - 75mg
Shilajit is a resinous compound found in the Himalayan mountains, which is very rich in some key minerals. There is evidence from clinical research that Shilajit can improve physical and mental performance and lessen feelings of fatigue (10). However, the dosages used in these studies typically range from about 200 to 500 milligrams, which is far higher than the 75-milligram dosage of Quantumind.
12) Green Tea Extract - 75mg
Green tea extract is a rich source of several bioactive components like polyphenols and catechins, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which deliver potent antioxidant and brain-boosting qualities. Green tea extract also contains caffeine.
Studies have shown that it may enhance memory and boost overall cognitive function (11). However, studies that demonstrate these benefits often use doses ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg of green tea leaf extract that has been standardized for its level of EGCG. This is far more than the 75 mg dosage that Quantumind provides.
13) Panax Ginseng - 50mg
Panax Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that can reduce stress and anxiety. Studies also suggest that it may help to boost memory, processing speed, and focus (12).
Once again, though, the dosages used in studies are much higher than the 50 mg used in Quantumind, being between 200-400 mg. At a quarter of the low range, the amount of ginseng in Quantumind will not have any appreciable nootropic effect.
14) Black Pepper Extract - 5mg
Black pepper extract contains the active ingredient piperine, which may be able to boost the absorption and bioavailability of ingredients it is stacked with (13). This is due to piperine's ability to inhibit enzymes in the liver that break down compounds, preventing their complete absorption.
Claimed Benefits Of Quantumind
Evolver claims that Quantumind is an all-in-one nootropic dietary supplement that will 'evolve your brain' by supporting both short-term and long-term cognition. Here's an overview of the specific benefits claimed for this product.
1) Increased Focus
Evolver claims that Quantumind will increase alpha brain waves for increased focus. The combination of l-theanine and caffeine is relied on as a focus enhancer, but the dosage, especially of l-theanine, is too low to have any real effect.
2) Increased Memory Recall and Verbal Fluency
Improved memory recall and verbal fluency are other benefits promoted on the official website. The ingredient with the most clinically supported potential to help here is Phosphatidylserine. Once again, though, the dosage provided is less than that used in clinical trials, so its effectiveness is suspect.
3) Improved Motivation and Drive
Quantamind claims to be able to rebalance motivation, focus, and drive. Phenylethylamine, or PEA, is the critical ingredient in this regard. However, the short half-life of PEA means that it may not be effective when taken as part of an oral nootropic supplement.
4) Reduce Anxiety
The ability to reduce anxiety is due to the inclusion of adaptogens in Quantamind. The primary adaptogens in the formula are Panax ginseng and ashwagandha. However, both of these ingredients are underdosed, limiting their stress and anxiety-reducing ability.
5) Prevent Cognitive Decline
The claim that Quantamind came to prevent cognitive decline is based on the inclusion of such ingredients as alpha lipoic acid and phosphatidylserine. Again, though, both of these ingredients are underdosed, putting a question mark over this claim.
Side Effects Of Quantumind
Though the newly constituted formula is a lot less problematic than the original, some people may still experience one or more of the following minor side effects when taking Quantumind:
- Insomnia - the stimulatory effects of the supplement, primarily coming from caffeine, may make it difficult for some people to get to sleep, especially if the supplement is taken in the evening.
- Increased Blood Pressure - PEA has stimulant properties that may increase heart rate and blood pressure. However, the low dose makes that unlikely in most people.
- Nervousness and Anxiety - PEA is also the main cause of anxiety or nervousness at high dosages. This side effect is most likely in people who have an anxiety disorder.
- Stomach Discomfort - Alpha lipoic acid may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Medication Interactions - some ingredients in the Quantumind formula, such as PEA, may interact with prescribed medications for depression. If you are currently taking any such medication, check with your doctor before taking Quantumind.
Quantumind Alternative - NooCube
At SET FOR SET, we've been reviewing nootropics for a long time, with a handful of supplements standing out for their formulations and dosages.
One of our favorites is NooCube, manufactured by the well-respected Scottish health supplement company Wolfson Brands. We recommend NooCube in preference to Quantumind, and in this section, we'll explain why.
Ingredients and Dosages
NooCube offers a well-rounded ingredient profile that is thoroughly validated by clinical research, guaranteeing that each component serves a defined purpose. The dosages that are recommended for each ingredient are also clearly stated. The cognitive benefits are maximized because the dosages adhere to the recommendations based on scientific research. On the other hand, Quantumind has been the subject of criticism for under-dosing numerous essential ingredients, which has the potential to reduce its impact.
One of the most important benefits of NooCube is that it does not have caffeine or any other stimulants; as a result, it is a more suitable option for people who are sensitive to chemicals of this type. This implies that you won't have to worry about feeling jittery or losing sleep even though your cognitive performance will be improved.
Supported by Research
NooCube contains substances such as Bacopa monnieri, L-Tyrosine, and Alpha GPC, all of which have been the subject of substantial research into their potential to improve cognitive function. Memory, focus, attentiveness, and mood are all known to improve with these ingredients.
Better Dosage Balance
NooCube ensures you enjoy the full cognitive enhancement advantages by providing well-dosed components that align with clinical standards. In contrast, the low doses of active components in Quantumind might not produce the desired improvements in cognitive function.
NooCube stands out as an alternative to Quantamind that is dependable, supported by research, and has earned an excellent reputation for its efficacy and safety.
Pros
- Clinically dosed
- Stimulant free
- Research supported ingredients
Cons
- Relatively expensive
NooCube works alongside your daily routine as a functional nootropic — allowing you to get more accomplished in a 24-hour period without feeling overwhelmed by...
Quantumind FAQs
Here are some answers to more of your questions on Quantumind.
Does Quantumind really work?
Based on our analysis of the ingredients and dosages, we are not confident that Quantumind will provide the claimed benefits. Even though it contains some promising ingredients, most are seriously underdosed, limiting their ability to produce similar results to those reported in clinical studies.
How long does it take for Quantumind to work?
Our examination of the dosages and ingredients in Quantumind suggests that you will get minimal beneficial cognitive effects from this supplement. Any positive effects you may receive will vary in terms of how long they kick in. You may experience some slight mental energy and focus benefits within an hour of taking the supplement. Other effects, such as preventing cognitive decline, will take longer to evidence themselves.
What are the best nootropics on the market?
Based on our extensive research into the nootropic brain supplements market, two standout supplements are NooCube and Hunter Focus, each offering unique features and benefits to enhance cognitive function.
NooCube separates itself from the competition with a comprehensive component profile that includes Bacopa Monnieri, L-Tyrosine, and Alpha GPC. Scientific studies for memory enhancement and increase in attention support these three ingredients. Because it does not include any stimulants, it is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to steer clear of the negative effects that are associated with coffee consumption. The ability of NooCube to improve mental clarity and improve cognitive performance has been confirmed by positive feedback from users.
The cognitive-enhancing effects of Lion's mane mushroom, ashwagandha, and citicoline are some of the reasons why Hunter Focus is so effective. Users looking for focus and concentration without the jitters caused by caffeine may find Hunter Focus an appealing option because it does not include any stimulants.
What can I expect from a nootropic?
You should expect a nootropic supplement to boost cognitive abilities, focus, memory recall, and mental clarity. Nootropics are designed to support brain health and improve brain function. They may also help you remain alert and focused, making activities that demand concentration easier to handle. Nootropics may also decrease sensations of mental tiredness and provide greater levels of motivation, which may contribute to increased productivity.
Summary
From our Quantumind nootropic review, it's become clear that, while the product may have received attention with its promising ingredient profile, it falls short in terms of dosage, which is essential for achieving meaningful cognitive benefits. .
Despite its attempt to revamp the formula and reduce stimulant content, Quantumind still lacks the necessary ingredient levels supported by clinical research. The majority of ingredients are dosed at levels well below the clinically recommended levels. As a result, you're not going to see the beneficial effects that are reported on in the research. The one ingredient above clinical levels, Vitamin B12, produces no extra cognitive benefits.
In contrast, there are much better alternatives out there with more realistic ingredient dosages, such as NooCube and Hunter Focus that offer a well-rounded formula with carefully dosed ingredients backed by scientific research.
Check out our full NooCube review and Hunter Focus Reviews for more information.
References
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Steve Theunissen
Author