Smart X is a nootropic supplement produced by American company Cerebral Success.
It claims to be able to boost focus, improve memory and enhance overall brain health. It is designed for and marketed towards students who are looking to become more mentally efficient.
In 2014 the supplement’s creator, Trevor Hiltbrand, appeared on US TV show Shark Tank and secured a $75,000 investment. Since then, the product was renamed to ‘Smart X’.
» See the #1 Nootropic This Year «
Ingredients Label
Active Ingredients
Many of the ingredients in Smart X are combined as a proprietary blend.
This means that there is no information about the amount of each ingredient.
Huperzine A
Huperzine A is natural compound that comes from a Chinese herb.
It has been found to prevent the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from destroying acetylcholine, which is a vital neurotransmitter (1).
Vinpocetine
An extract of the periwinkle plant, vinpocetine speeds up blood flow to the brain.
This provides more oxygen to enhance memory and improve overall function (2).
Phosphatidylserine
The human body makes Phosphatidylserine.
It is part of the building materials of brain cells. But the more we have the better. Smart X have used a soy based vegan source (3).
Bacopa Monnieri
This ancient Indian herb is a popular stress relieving ingredient.
It reduces mental stress and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been seen to have a powerful effect on the memory (4).
B Vitamins
A full range of B Vitamins have been included. The B Vitamins have been shown to improve cell metabolism in the brain (5).
DHA
DHA is an Omega-3 fatty acid that is abundant in oily fish.
It makes up a large portion of the fatty part of the brain. DHA has been shown to improve brain fluidity, which helps to improve mental functioning (6).
Caffeine + L-Theanine
Caffeine is the most studied of all nootropic ingredients.
It has been proven to improve focus and concentration, while L-theanine relieves anxiety (7, 8). When taken together, the two compounds synergistically boost each other’s performance.
Caffeine also has powerful stimulant properties.
Citicoline
Citicoline improves communication between neurotransmitters.
It also boosts brain energy. Research shows that it can improve memory and attention task performance (9).
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine has been shown in a number of military sponsored trials to improve attention and learning (10).
When given to sleep deprived subjects it significantly improved focus, while decreasing mental and physical fatigue.
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body.
It is involved in many bodily processes, including the strengthening of the synapses between nerve cells. This helps to improve memory and learning ability (11).
Is It Effective?
Smart X has a 43% 5-Star rating on Amazon.
Most user reviews report a noticeable improvement in focus and concentration, but not to the level described in the advertising.
Cerebral Success actually commissioned an independent study on Smart X, which included 20 test subjects.
Results showed a 55% improvement in alpha brain wave magnitude after just 7 days of supplementation. However, researchers concluded that “all data should serve as only the foundation of future studies and not be generalised to the public”.
Dosage
Cerebral Success recommend starting with one capsule per day.
Progress to two if you feel you need even more mental boost. The official website states “never take more than four in a day or sixteen in a week.”
Smart X can be taken at any time of the day, depending on when you need a brain boost.
Side Effects
Smart X contains completely natural ingredients, lessening the likelihood of side effects.
However, the product does increase brain blood flow, which may lead to headaches. Some users have also reported sleeplessness.
Cerebral Success Smart X Pros
- Some clinically proven ingredients
- Independent study conducted
Cerebral Success Smart X Cons
- Proprietry blends mean ingredient quantities are not specified
- May lead to headaches
- May cause sleeplessness
- Only available through manufacturer’s website
- Some ingredients not clinically supported
Summary
Smart X is a nootropic made up of some clinically proven ingredients, and some questionable ones.
Additionally, they do not reveal the individual ingredient doses, which makes it impossible to know if you are getting the clinically recommended amount.
There’s much higher quality products out there. For the very best nootropic blends, check out our giant review of nootropic ingredients.