Nootroo vs Thrivous Clarity

Nootroo is a nootropic that competes with Thrivous Clarity. Nootropics are substances that support brain function and promote mental performance – improve focus, memory, mood, or other cognitive features. This is a review of how the Nootroo and Clarity products compare, based on third-party assessments of nootropic ingredient evidence and effect. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a physician before and during use of these and other nootropics.

Of course you'd expect us, at Thrivous, to think our product is better. But I think you'll agree with us after looking at this comparison. Here's an outline:

1. Ingredient List – List all ingredients and dosages in each product.
2. Ingredient Evidence – Score each ingredient based on its level of scientific evidence, and score each product based on the average of its ingredient evidence scores.
3. Ingredient Effect – Score each ingredient based on its magnitude of nootropic effect weighted by its ingredient evidence score, and score each product based on the average of its ingredient effect scores.
4. Formula Effect – Score each ingredient based on its dosage weighted by its ingredient effect score, and score each product based on the sum of its dosage scores.
5. Product Value – Calculate the relative value of each product by dividing its formula effect score by its price.

The end result of the comparison is two scores – one score for each product. Together, the scores show the relative nootropic effect you may reasonably expect per dollar spent. And you'll see that Thrivous is clearly the better value.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients in Thrivous Clarity and Nootroo:

Clarity (30 days for $30)		Nootroo (30 days for $54.95)
This information is updated from Thrivous and Nootroo websites on 22 February 2017.
Bacopa Monnieri extract (25% bacoside)	600 mg
		Proprietary Blend (Noopept and Gold Flakes or Phenylpiracetam and Silver Flakes, Citicoline, L-Theanine, Caffeine, Pterostilbene)	675 mg
Rhodiola Rosea extract (2% salidroside)	300 mg
Vitamin B Complex	51 mg
Zinc (from Zinc Sulfate)	11 mg

Ingredient Evidence

Let’s look at the level of scientific evidence for nootropic effects from ingredients in these products. Some ingredients may have multiple nootropic effects. In those cases, we'll take into consideration only the effect with the strongest supporting evidence.

To score the ingredients, we’ll use evidence ratings from Examine.com, an independent and unbiased encyclopedia on supplementation and nutrition that is not affiliated in any way with any supplement company. In cases when Examine.com does not provide an evidence rating, I'll flag the ingredient and estimate the rating.

In the table below, for each ingredient, the “evidence” column indicates the level of evidence on a scale of 0 to 4 for the nootropic effect with the strongest supporting evidence. For example, Bacopa is rated 3 because multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies support its effect on memory.

Ingredient	Evidence	Clarity	Nootroo
This information is updated from Examine.com, Thrivous, and Nootroo websites on 22 February 2017. *My estimates of the ratings for Gold Flakes and Silver Flakes correspond to the Examine.com rating for ingredients with no evidence. **My estimate of the rating for Vitamin B Complex corresponds to the Examine.com rating for ingredients with multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
Bacopa	3	X
Caffeine	3		X
Citicoline	2		X
Gold Flakes*	0		X
Noopept	1		X
Phenylpiracetam	2		X
Pterostilbene	0		X
Rhodiola	4	X
Silver Flakes*	0		X
Theanine	3		X
Vitamin B Complex**	3	X
Zinc	3	X

Clarity Ingredient Evidence: 3.3

Nootroo Ingredient Evidence: 1.4

In this comparison of ingredient evidence, Clarity beats Nootroo by a wide margin. The product ingredient evidence scores are averages of individual ingredient evidence scores. They reflect the Examine.com evidence scale of 0 to 4, where 0 is practically no evidence, and 4 is strong evidence.

Clarity includes only ingredients that provide nootropic effect according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Don't just take my word for it! Please look at the studies yourself, and ask your physician to look at them with you.

Nootroo includes ingredients with varying levels of evidence for nootropic effect. Two of its ingredients, Caffeine and Theanine, have substantial support in peer-reviewed studies. Three of its ingredients, Citicoline and Noopept and Phenylpiracetam, appear not to have as much support in scientific studies, but they do have some support. And three of its ingredients, Gold Flakes and Pterostilbene and Silver Flakes, may have little to no evidence for nootropic effect.

Nootroo contains two ingredients, Gold and Silver Flakes, for which there is relatively little research in general. While it's important to consult a physician before and during use of any supplement, I recommend additional caution when using under-studied ingredients.

Nootroo contains two ingredients, Noopept and Phenylpiracetam, which may not be clearly classified as either drugs or dietary supplements. Both of these substances are legally available in the United States, but the FDA does not allow vendors to market Piracetam as a dietary supplement. Accordingly, Nootroo markets its product for "neuroscience research" -- and not as a dietary supplement.

Ingredient Effect

Now, let’s look at the magnitude of nootropic effect from ingredients in these products. Some ingredients may have multiple nootropic effects. In those cases, as above, we'll take into consideration only the effect with the strongest supporting evidence.

To score the effects, we’ll use effect ratings from Examine.com. In cases when Examine.com does not provide an effect rating, I'll flag the ingredient and estimate the rating.

In the table below, for each ingredient, the “effect” column indicates the magnitude of nootropic effect on a scale of 0 to 3 for the effect with the strongest supporting evidence. For example, Bacopa is rated 2 because it may provide a notable increase to memory.

Ingredient	Effect	Clarity	Nootroo
This information is updated from Examine.com, Thrivous, and Nootroo websites on 22 February 2017. *My estimates of the ratings for Gold Flakes and Silver Flakes correspond to the Examine.com rating for ingredients with no effect. **My estimate of the rating for Vitamin B Complex corresponds to the Examine.com rating for ingredients with subtle effect.
Bacopa	2	X
Caffeine	2		X
Citicoline	1		X
Gold Flakes*	0		X
Noopept	2		X
Phenylpiracetam	1		X
Pterostilbene	0		X
Rhodiola	2	X
Silver Flakes*	0		X
Theanine	2		X
Vitamin B Complex**	1	X
Zinc	2	X

Clarity Ingredient Effect: 1.4

Nootroo Ingredient Effect: 0.6

In this comparison of ingredient effect, Clarity beats Nootroo. The product ingredient effect scores are averages of individual ingredient effect scores, weighted by individual ingredient evidence scores (from the “Ingredient Evidence” section above). They reflect the Examine.com effect scale of 0 to 3, where 0 is practically no effect beyond placebo, and 3 is strong effect.

Clarity includes ingredients that may provide notable improvement to focus, memory, and mood. Multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies support these effects.

Nootroo includes ingredients that may provide notable improvement to focus and energy. Judging from the individual ingredient evidence and effect scores, the most reliable nootropic ingredient in Nootroo for daily supplementation is probably Theanine.

Nootroo contains Caffeine, which may not be appropriate for daily supplementation without cycling. Daily use of Caffeine may lead to tolerance, which may dull its nootropic effects. So it may be best to take regular breaks from supplementation. If you want occasionally to use a nootropic that contains Caffeine, check out Thrivous Surge.

Formula Effect

Next, let’s look at the effective dosages of ingredients in the formulas for these products. To measure them, we’ll compare each ingredient dosage against a recommended dosage. And we'll approximate the recommended dosage from the middle of the recommended range of dosage per serving for nootropic effect from Examine.com, taking into account both concentration and amount. In cases when Examine.com does not provide a recommended dosage, I'll flag the ingredient and estimate the recommended dosage.

Keep in mind that this is a simplified comparison, which does not account for factors like possible benefits from more servings per day, complementary interactions between ingredients, nonlinear relations between dose and effect within recommended ranges, and of course under-studied ingredients.

In the table below, for each ingredient, the "dosage" column indicates the recommended dosage. And the product columns indicate the percentage (capped at 100%) of the recommended dosage provided by their respective formulas.

Ingredient	Dosage	Clarity	Nootroo
This information is updated from Examine.com, Thrivous, and Nootroo websites on 22 February 2017. *My estimate of the dosage for Vitamin B Complex is double the summed RDIs for B Vitamins.
Bacopa	300 mg (55% bacoside)	91%
Caffeine	300 mg		33% (100 mg) ?
Citicoline	1250 mg		32% (400 mg) ?
Gold Flakes	0		N/A
Noopept	20 mg		100% (20 mg) ?
Phenylpiracetam	350 mg		6% (20 mg) ?
Pterostilbene	0		N/A
Rhodiola	450 mg (1% salidroside)	100%
Silver Flakes	0		N/A
Theanine	150 mg		100% (150 mg) ?
Vitamin B Complex*	51 mg	100%
Zinc	7.5 mg	100%

Clarity Formula Effect: 5.6

Nootroo Formula Effect: 2.7

In this comparison of formula effect, Clarity beats Nootroo by a wide margin. The product formula effect scores are sums of individual ingredient effect scores (from the “Ingredient Evidence” section above), weighted by individual ingredient evidence scores (from the “Ingredient Effect” section above) and product ingredient dosages.

Clarity has an open formula that clearly indicates ingredient concentrations and amounts. Together they show that Clarity provides approximately full dosages of Bacopa, Rhodiola, Vitamin B Complex, and Zinc.

Nootroo has a proprietary formula that hides ingredient concentrations and amounts. However, based on the amount indicated for its blend, we can make some reasonable guesses. Nootroo may provide approximately full dosages of Noopept and Theanine, approximately one third dosages of Caffeine and Citicoline, and a small dosage of its remaining effective nootropic ingredient, Phenylpiracetam.

Product Value

Finally, let’s look at the value of these products. One bottle of Clarity (30-day supply) sells for $30 ($40 without a subscription). And one bottle of Nootroo (30-day supply) sells for $54.95 ($64.95 without a subscription). These prices are updated from Thrivous and Nootroo websites on 22 February 2017.

Clarity Value: 187

Nootroo Value: 49

Thrivous Clarity is more than 3 times more valuable than Nootroo, judging from the combined metrics of this comparison. The product value scores are product formula effect scores (from the “Formula Effect” section above) divided by product prices and multiplied by 1000 (just to make them easier to read). Basically, they show the relative nootropic effect you may reasonably expect per dollar spent on these products.

Clarity is clearly the better value. If you’re currently using Nootroo, please talk to your physician about all the good reasons to switch to Thrivous Clarity.

By the way, if you happen to prefer placebo pricing, we can make a special arrangement to sell Clarity to you for $54.95. ;) Otherwise, get Clarity now for an effective price of $30.