This phrasing is important as it implies both that more than one ingredient is better and also that just one is not quite enough in order to have the desired effects on mental performance (what nootropics claim to improve).<\/p>\n
To illustrate this, and more because this is one of the first supplements I have come across which fully embraces the word \u2018Stacks\u2019 in its branding, I\u2019m looking at CILTEP, a nootropic supplement from the company Natural Stacks.<\/strong><\/p>\n Natural Stacks are a company that produces supplements focused on customers achieving the mental edge. Products, like CILTEP claim to assist in<\/p>\n obtaining laser-like focus for hours and creating long lasting memories.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n They have a list of fans, including athletes, scientists, and World Poker winners. <\/p>\n Although they are by no means alone in promising that their products will boost brain performance, Natural Stacks stand out as being very true to their values in terms of sourcing and ensuring the quality of their ingredients.<\/strong><\/p>\n The founder, Roy Krebs, based his company ethos on full transparency. So I like the brand already! There\u2019s not a huge story on their website about how they formed the company and their personal \u2018Team\u2019 page isn\u2019t huge on the details, but I do gather from a little research that they formed with the intention of being the \u2018world\u2019s first open-sourced supplement company\u2019.<\/p>\n The company produces a number of supplements in various ranges, from \u2018Essentials\u2019 to brain brands. These include Dopamine Brain Food, Smart Caffeine, and BrainBiotic. In fact, looking at the blog and the pop-up brain tests that plague their site (hint: it\u2019s very annoying!!) much of their marketing suggests that they are your go-to brand for productivity and improved cognitive function.<\/p>\n Their branding is a cross between the natural form of a bee honeycomb and a scientific illustration of molecular structure. It\u2019s kind of cool and definitely portrays what they are about. <\/p>\n After I\u2019ve waded through all the sales pitches and marketing speak, this, for me, is the interesting part. I\u2019m already very happy to see that Natural Stacks are not hiding their ingredients behind a proprietary blend<\/strong> and have disclosed the amounts of each ingredient on the label. <\/p>\n The ingredients listed are as follows: <\/p>\n Artichoke extract (900mg), Forskolin (20mg), Acetyl-L-Carnitine (750mg), L-Phenylalanine (500mg), Vitamin B6 (5mg)<\/em><\/p>\n I want to look at a few of these ingredients, specifically the ones I\u2019ve never heard of, because I\u2019d like to know what the thinking is behind using these ingredients and whether they really would have any effect on my memory and brain function. <\/p>\n I\u2019ve looked at Examine.com<\/a> which is a source I frequently use for science-based information on supplements. What I discover about artichoke extract is that there is a little (but more research needed) evidence to suggest that it may have an effect on the blood glucose levels of diabetics, and may have a lowering effect on cholesterol. Other claims seem to be unsubstantiated, although it has been used traditionally for centuries for its supposed liver-protecting properties. There doesn\u2019t appear to be evidence that the main ingredient stated on the CILTEP site has any effect on brain function. <\/p>\n There is a lot of science talk on the CILTEP website about the ingredients and their effects on (specifically brain neuron transmission and the effects of enzymes on them) but I\u2019m mainly interested in whether these ingredients have been recognized in scientific trials, specifically measuring the outcome they claim to have. So this is a chin-scratcher for me. On to the next one.<\/p>\n Forskolin derives from the plant Coleus Forskohlii and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies have been done on its effect on cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) which is thought to have an effect on fat loss. It is still being researched. Although further research is needed it is thought that two 250mg supplements (so 500mg total) which contain 10% forskolin would be an effective dose. (Examine source<\/a>)<\/p>\n Acetyl L-Carnitine is an altered version of the amino acid L-Carnitine which is used (mostly in bodybuilding supplements) due to its effect on cell mitochondria. While the evidence doesn\u2019t support the use in a fat-loss function, researchers have been looking at a daily dosage of ALCAR of around 630-2500mg for cognitive performance (as outlined by Examine<\/a>).<\/p>\n L-Phenylalanine is an amino acid that the manufacturers claim is a building block for dopamine. I\u2019m going to have to put it out there that there is not much research on this having any effect on mood or cognition.<\/p>\n Because there is no caffeine present there is unlikely to be a \u2018rush\u2019 or jittery effect to taking this supplement which some people experience when caffeine or other stimulants are present, but it\u2019s recommended that you take the minimum dose initially and increase gradually. <\/p>\n The idea is that you take 1-3 capsules a day, in the morning and about 20 minutes before you eat. They also recommend that you have one or two days off per week (strangely they suggest this is on the weekend? Clearly they don\u2019t know what my weekends are like!!). <\/p>\n So three capsules would give me LOADs of artichoke (not much evidence to support)<\/strong>, 60mg Forskolin (recommended dose is around 50mg daily), and 2250mg ALCAR (almost the maximum daily dose recommended). <\/p>\n The idea behind this product is that if you take it you will \u2018think faster, remember more\u2019, which is indeed hugely appealing to a customer. However even looking through the scientific formulas to the amounts of each ingredient on the label, I can only see a couple that might have proven cognitive effects in trials.<\/p>\n The makers state on their website that they are testing the product through \u2018multiple placebo-controlled, double-blind University studies on its effectiveness\u2019 although of course, we have no idea when this statement was made, nor whether it is currently correct.<\/p>\n The reviews on Natural Stacks own website are all glowing. So I\u2019ll take a cross section from Amazon<\/a>. Of 355 reviews 56% are 5-star and 18% are 1-star.<\/p>\n One of the best nootropics available5-star review<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n smooth flow nootropic – noticeable when not taken5 stars review<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n groggy and depressed1 star review<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Gloomy brain fog1 star review<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The makers recommend that you take 1-3 capsules per day immediately upon waking on an empty stomach.<\/p>\n The manufacturers offer a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee on unopened products.<\/p>\n You can buy CILTEP at their online store<\/a> or from Amazon merchants<\/a>.<\/p>\n A jar of 60 capsules (20 doses of 3 capsules per day) costs $36.51, a two-pack is $72.03 (delivered every month), 3 packs are $99 and a six-pack is $183.60.<\/p>\n With a daily cost of $2.40 (as you would need to buy two jars – only 20 daily doses in one) <\/strong>it\u2019s the equivalent of a smoothie or a daily coffee (or daily super greens supplement<\/a>), which some might think is OK value. <\/p>\n![\"CILTEP](\"https:\/\/lifehackerguy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Ciltep-uncapped.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBackground on Natural Stacks<\/h2>\n
![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/lifehackerguy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/natural-stacks-supplements.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat Ingredients inside CILTEP?<\/h2>\n
![\"CILTEP](\"https:\/\/lifehackerguy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ciltep-supplement-facts.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSo, what\u2019s inside the CILTEP formula?<\/h3>\n
Are There Any CILTEP Side Effects?<\/h2>\n
Does CILTEP Actually Work?<\/h2>\n
CILTEP Customer Reviews<\/h2>\n
How to Take CILTEP<\/h2>\n
Any Money Back Guarantee?<\/h2>\n
Where to Buy CILTEP<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s the Cost of CILTEP?<\/h2>\n
My Verdict: CILTEP Nootropic<\/h2>\n
![\"CILTEP](\"https:\/\/lifehackerguy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ciltep-nootropic-bottle.jpg\")
<\/p>\n