Nootropics Are The Latest Wellness Obsession, But Can They Really Make You Smarter?

jenny van sommers A supplement that claims it can give mental clarity, laser-sharp focus and long-lasting energy sounds like the stuff of science fiction movies. But as fantastical as so-called "smart drugs" may seem, there’s a quiet revolution going on in wellness that claims to solve your 4pm energy slumps once and for all. "Interest in nootropics is starting to slowly build," said Shabir Daya , co-founder and head pharmacist at Victoria Health . "The science is not necessarily new, but people are starting to embrace them more." Nutritionist Alice Mackintosh echoed the sentiment, saying: "In the UK, I think we’re only at the beginning of their popularity, and it’s growing." First things first, a nootropic is any substance which can boost cognitive function and energy. "They can be any compound, natural or synthetic," explained Daya. Lots of things could technically be classed as a nootropic, including your morning flat white. "Caffeine is probably the oldest and most widely consumed nootropic," said GP Dr Martin Saweirs . "Then you have your prescription nootropics, which are the kinds of medications you might be given for ADHD, or something like modafinil." But the kinds of nootropics currently making waves are more likely to be found in a health boutique than a doctor’s office. Extracts such as Lion’s mane, Siberian gingseng, ashwagandha, goji berry and cordyceps mushroom are being uprooted from ancient wisdom and finding a home in modern supplements and boosters. Acolytes claim that they offer an energy lift and greater concentration without the "crash" associated with energy drinks, or the disruption to sleep that caffeine brings. Like many wellness movements, this wave can be traced right back to Silicon Valley. "They work hard and play hard out there, and the people who work in these environments are always looking for […]

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