Full ingredient transparency is the minimum bar any nootropic supplement should clear. Sharper Human discloses every one of its 20 ingredients with the exact dosage per serving — no proprietary blends, no hidden amounts. Here is the complete formula breakdown with the research rationale behind each compound and how each dosage compares to clinical study levels.
Key Takeaways
Cognitive Performance Ingredients
Lion's Mane Extract 5:1 — 1000mg
Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production, supporting neuron growth, maintenance, and repair. The 5:1 extraction ratio means 5kg of raw Hericium erinaceus mushroom is concentrated into 1kg of extract powder, concentrating the bioactive hericenones (from fruiting body) and erinacines (from mycelium). Clinical studies have used 500-3000mg of raw Lion's Mane daily; Sharper Human's 1000mg of 5:1 extract delivers the equivalent of 5000mg raw — well within the effective range and at the upper end of studied dosages. Research from Tohoku University demonstrated improved cognitive function scores in older adults with mild cognitive impairment after 16 weeks of supplementation.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — 300mg
Increases acetylcholine availability for focused attention and supports phospholipid synthesis for brain cell membrane formation. Citicoline's dual mechanism — providing both choline and cytidine (which converts to uridine for RNA/membrane synthesis) — makes it more comprehensive than alternative choline sources like Alpha GPC. Clinical research published in Food and Nutrition Sciences and Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition supports the 250-500mg daily range for cognitive benefits. Sharper Human's 300mg sits within this proven window.
L-Tyrosine — 350mg
Amino acid precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine — the catecholamine neurotransmitters that drive motivation, focus under pressure, and cognitive performance during stress. Research from Leiden University demonstrated L-Tyrosine's particular effectiveness under conditions of stress and cognitive load, when catecholamine reserves are depleted. Clinical dosages range from 150-2000mg daily; 350mg represents an appropriate daily supplementation level.
Phosphatidylserine — 301mg (from Soybean Extract 15:1, 430mg)
Critical phospholipid making up approximately 15% of the brain's phospholipid pool. Essential for cell membrane fluidity, neurotransmitter signalling, and cortisol regulation. One of the few supplements with an FDA-qualified claim relating to cognitive function and dementia risk reduction. Clinical research uses 100-400mg daily; Sharper Human's 301mg is three times higher than Mind Lab Pro's 100mg and sits firmly in the therapeutic range that studies have used to demonstrate benefits for memory, attention, and processing speed.
Adaptogenic and Stress Management Ingredients
Rhodiola Rosea Extract 5:1 — 150mg
Adaptogen acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to modulate the stress response and prevent cortisol from impairing cognitive function. The 5:1 extract concentrates the active rosavins and salidroside, delivering the equivalent of 750mg raw root. Clinical trials published in Phytomedicine have demonstrated reduced mental fatigue, improved attention, and enhanced cognitive function under stress conditions within the 100-600mg raw (or equivalent extract) dosage range.
Bacopa Monnieri — 150mg (as Bacosides 84mg)
Ayurvedic herb with over 3000 years of traditional use and extensive modern clinical evidence for memory consolidation enhancement and information processing speed improvement. The active bacosides require 8-12 weeks of consistent daily use for full cognitive benefits to manifest. Sharper Human's 84mg bacosides from 150mg extract (~56% bacoside content) falls within the 50-150mg bacoside range shown effective in randomised controlled trials published in Psychopharmacology and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Neuroprotection and Brain Longevity Ingredients
Acetyl L-Carnitine — 500mg
Modified amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier to support mitochondrial energy production (shuttling fatty acids for ATP synthesis) and provides secondary cholinergic support (donating acetyl groups for acetylcholine synthesis). Clinical dosages range from 500-2000mg. Particularly well-studied for age-related cognitive support.
L-Taurine — 500mg
Abundant brain amino acid with neuroprotective, antioxidant, and GABAergic signalling modulation effects. Crosses the blood-brain barrier. A landmark 2023 study published in Science identified Taurine deficiency as a driver of biological ageing, with supplementation extending healthy lifespan in animal models. Clinical dosages range from 500-2000mg. Vegetarians and vegans may be particularly deficient as Taurine occurs primarily in meat and fish.
Algae Powder — 500mg (as DHA 50mg)
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a structural omega-3 fatty acid comprising approximately 25% of total brain fat. Essential for cell membrane fluidity and neural signal transmission. Algae-derived — providing the same DHA molecule as fish oil but without heavy metal contamination risk, making it vegetarian-friendly and more environmentally sustainable.
European Bilberry Extract 15:1 — 120mg
Concentrated source of anthocyanins and anthocyanidins supporting visual processing speed and antioxidant neuroprotection. The 15:1 extract ratio delivers the equivalent of 1800mg raw European bilberry. Particularly relevant for professionals spending extended hours on screens.
Lutein (from Marigold Extract 10:1) — 21mg
Neuroprotective carotenoid that accumulates in brain regions involved in visual processing. Emerging research suggests broader cognitive benefits beyond the well-established visual function role. Most people are deficient in Lutein from diet alone, according to nutritional survey data.
Foundational Nutrition
Zinc Bisglycinate — 15mg (150% NRV)
Essential mineral cofactor for over 300 enzymatic processes including neurotransmitter synthesis. Bisglycinate chelation provides superior bioavailability compared to cheaper zinc oxide forms. The NHS acknowledges zinc's role in immune function and wound healing; its cognitive role operates through enzymatic support for neurotransmitter metabolism.
Complete B-Vitamin Complex
Nine B-vitamins providing the metabolic cofactors that every cognitive process depends on at the enzymatic level. Notable features: Folate provided as L-5-MTHF (the bioactive methylated form, not synthetic folic acid) — effective for individuals with MTHFR gene variants that impair folic acid processing. B12 provided as Methylcobalamin (the bioactive form, not cyanocobalamin). B12 at 400% NRV and B1 at 909% NRV ensure adequate supply even for individuals with absorption challenges. The NHS guidance on B12 deficiency notes that low B12 can cause neurological symptoms including cognitive impairment — making adequate B-vitamin intake foundational to brain health.
Focus for Founders.
An all-natural brain performance supplement. 20 research-backed ingredients. No caffeine. No stimulants.
Buy on Amazon UKThe Dosing Philosophy: Minimum Effective for Decades
Focus for Founders.
An all-natural brain performance supplement. 20 research-backed ingredients. No caffeine. No stimulants.
Buy on Amazon UKSharper Human positions its dosages at the "minimum effective level for decades of daily use" — a deliberate philosophy that deserves examination. Clinical trials typically use higher dosages over shorter periods (8-16 weeks) because trial design optimises for detecting statistically significant effects within the study timeframe. These trial dosages aren't necessarily optimal for daily supplementation over years and decades, where cumulative exposure, long-term safety, and sustainable efficacy become the primary considerations.
Sharper Human's approach calibrates each dosage to the lower bound of the clinically effective range — high enough to produce real, measurable cognitive effects (as demonstrated in published research at these dosage levels), conservative enough for safe indefinite daily use without accumulation concerns or diminishing returns. This philosophy explains why some individual dosages may appear lower than what a custom stacker might choose for a 3-month experiment — the design horizon is 30+ years, not 30 days.
The practical implication: Sharper Human is designed to get better over time, not worse. Compounds like Lion's Mane (NGF stimulation) and Bacopa (synaptic strengthening) produce progressively greater benefits with sustained use. The B-vitamin complex maintains homocysteine management continuously. The neuroprotective layer builds cumulative defence against oxidative damage. This long-game design philosophy is distinctly different from products optimised for acute, noticeable short-term effects — and more aligned with the evidence on how brain health supplementation actually works.