8 Best Nootropics For Bodybuilding & Bodybuilders In 2024

Updated November 13, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 13 minutes)

In this article, I'll take a closer at the 8 best nootropics for bodybuilding and bodybuilders. I'll also cover the potential risks and side effects you may run into, as well as the benefits you can expect.

Are you a bodybuilder looking to get an edge in the gym? Nootropics are becoming increasingly popular among athletes and bodybuilders alike, as they can help improve focus, energy, and muscle growth.

Today, I'll cover what each nootropic does and how it can help you reach your goals faster. I'll also provide links to external sources so that you can do your own research and make an informed decision about which nootropic is right for you.

So without further ado, let's dive right in!

The best nootropics for bodybuilding and bodybuilders, according to scientific evidence, are:

  • Nooceptin
  • Creatine
  • Theacrine
  • Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack
  • Phosphatidylserine
  • Ashwagandha
  • Rhodiola Rosea
  • Citicoline

1. Nooceptin

Nooceptin (FDG-117) is a nootropic blend. A nootropic blend combines multiple ingredients that can help improve cognitive performance, energy, and focus.

Nooceptin contains 7 clinically-proven nootropic ingredients:

  1. Citicoline (as CDP Choline aka cytidine 5'-phosphocholine, sodium)
  2. Rhodiola Rosea 150 mg Extract (3% rosavins & 1% salidroside) 
  3. Bacopa Monnieri Extract - 150 mg (40% bacosides)
  4. L-Theanine (L-γ-glutamylethylamide) - 200 mg 
  5. Ginkgo Biloba Extract - 100 mg (24% ginkgo flavone glycosides & 6% terpene lactones) 
  6. Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract - 400 mg (30% polysaccharides)
  7. Panax Ginseng Extract - 200 mg

These ingredients work synergistically and boost cognitive performance and energy when combined (or stacked) together. Ginkgo Biloba is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress[1], while L-Theanine is used for relaxation. Citicoline and Rhodiola Rosea have been proven to improve focus and concentration.

This combination makes it a great nootropic blend for bodybuilding and bodybuilders. It can help you focus better on the task at hand while supporting your body's adaptation to the increased physical stress of intense workouts.

So if you’re looking for a nootropic blend that combines multiple ingredients that will give you an edge in the gym and beyond, Nooceptin is worth considering.

Nooceptin Pros

  • Combines 7 clinically-proven nootropic ingredients
  • Provides an edge with intense workouts
  • All-natural blend that helps your body cope with stress
  • You get more bang for your buck

Nooceptin Cons

  • Not ideal for people on a tight budget

Nooceptin in Summary

Nooceptin combines multiple clinically-proven nootropic ingredients to help bodybuilders and athletes reach their goals faster. It offers an edge with intense workouts by helping your body cope with stress and adapt to the increased physical demands. Containing 7 all-natural ingredients in one blend, it's a great value for your money and an overall great choice for bodybuilding.

2. Creatine

Creatine Monohydrate is synonymous with bodybuilding. It's one of the most popular supplements athletes and bodybuilders use to get an edge in the gym. Creatine helps increase strength, power, and muscle growth. What most people don't know is that it's a nootropic! It's been shown to improve alertness and focus while providing a mild energy boost.

Creatine is an amino acid derivative that occurs naturally in vertebrate tissues and urine. In muscle tissue, creatine is usually found as phosphocreatine. It plays a key role in recycling adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cells.[2]

This process helps to maintain energy levels during physical activity, making it a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes. When taken as a supplement, creatine increases the water content within muscle cells, causing them to swell and increase their volume.

This cell volumization effect help to stimulate muscle growth and strength gains by providing more space for proteins to be synthesized. Additionally, studies have shown that creatine can improve exercise performance by helping muscles produce more ATP during high-intensity activities such as weightlifting or sprinting.

Creatine has also been linked to improved cognitive function and brain health, particularly in elderly individuals at risk for cognitive decline. Research suggests that taking creatine supplements can help protect against age-related neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.[3]

Creatine Pros

  • Improves exercise and brain performance
  • It helps to build muscle mass and strength
  • Protects against age-related cognitive decline
  • Affordable and widely available

Creatine Cons

  • People with kidney or liver problems should not take creatine

Creatine in Summary

Creatine is one of the most popular and widely used sports supplements. It has been found to improve alertness, focus, and exercise performance while also helping to build muscle mass and strength. It's an affordable supplement that can help protect against age-related cognitive decline and boost cognitive function, making it a great choice for bodybuilders looking to get an edge in the gym and beyond.

3. Theacrine

Theacrine, also known as 1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid, is a purine alkaloid found in plants such as Camellia Kucha and the Chinese tea plant known as kucha.

It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments. Recently, it has gained popularity among bodybuilders and athletes due to its potential benefits as a nootropic and performance supplement.

Theacrine is structurally similar to caffeine and activates similar signaling pathways in the brain. It works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS) and increasing energy levels without causing jitters or other side effects associated with caffeine.[4]

Bodybuilders are particularly interested in Theacrine because it can help them increase their performance during workouts. Studies have shown that Theacrine can also reduce fatigue, promote neurogenesis and improve endurance during exercise.[5]

Additionally, it helps reduce muscle soreness after workouts, allowing bodybuilders to recover faster and get back into the gym sooner.

Theacrine Pros

  • Can help improve exercise performance
  • Enhances alertness and focus without causing jitters
  • Improves endurance during exercise
  • Reduces muscle soreness after workouts

Theacrine Cons

  • Not much is known about its long-term effects on the body

Theacrine in Summary

Theacrine is an effective nootropic supplement that can provide numerous benefits for bodybuilders looking to maximize their performance in the gym. Its ability to increase energy levels without causing jitters makes it an attractive option for those looking for an edge in their workouts without compromising their health or well-being.

4. Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack

Caffeine combined with L-Theanine is one of the most popular nootropic stacks. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and energy levels, while L-Theanine is an amino acid with calming effects. Combining the two can provide a synergistic effect that enhances focus and improves cognitive performance without causing jitters like caffeine alone.[6]

L-Theanine benefits bodybuilders as it can help reduce stress and anxiety often experienced before and after workouts.

The combination of caffeine and L-Theanine also helps to boost energy levels during workouts without the risk of crashing afterward. This makes it a great choice for those looking to improve their performance in the gym while avoiding the annoying side effects of caffeine or pre-workout alone.

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack Pros

  • All-natural nootropic stack
  • Improves focus, physical and cognitive performance
  • It helps reduce stress and anxiety
  • Boosts energy levels without the crash of caffeine alone

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack Cons

  • L-Theanine can cause drowsiness in high-dosages

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack in Summary

Considered one of the most effective nootropic stacks, the combination of Caffeine and L-Theanine is a great choice for bodybuilders looking to maximize their performance in the gym. It provides an energy boost without the risk of crashing later, helps reduce stress and anxiety often experienced before or after workouts, and improves focus and cognitive performance. I

5. Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that plays an important role in the body, especially in the brain. It helps to transmit messages between nerve cells, and it is found in high concentrations in the brain.

PS has been studied for its potential nootropic benefits for bodybuilders, as it may help with cognitive performance, improve perceived muscle soreness and exercise capacity.[7]

Studies have shown that PS helps improve memory, focus, and concentration and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.[8] It also helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage caused by intense exercise.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a beneficial supplement for bodybuilders looking to optimize their performance and recovery. It can help improve cognitive function, reduce stress levels, and promote muscle recovery after intense workouts.

Phosphatidylserine Pros

  • Improves memory, focus, and concentration
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Reduces oxidative damage caused by intense exercise
  • It helps with muscle soreness and recovery

Phosphatidylserine Cons

  • Limited data on long-term use

Phosphatidylserine in Summary

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a beneficial supplement for bodybuilders looking to optimize their performance and recovery. It can help improve cognitive function, reduce stress levels, and promote muscle recovery after intense workouts. It also helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage caused by intense exercise. Therefore, PS may be a great choice for bodybuilders looking to get the most out of their training.

6. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It has been studied for its many potential health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety.[9]

Ashwagandha has become popular among bodybuilders for its potential to improve muscle strength and size. A recent 8-week, randomized study showed that Ashwagandha supplementation was associated with significant increases in muscle strength during bench-press and leg-extension exercises, as well as increases in muscle size at the arms and chest.[10]

In addition, Ashwagandha was linked to reductions in exercise-induced muscle damage, increased testosterone levels, and decreased body fat percentage.

These findings suggest that Ashwagandha is a beneficial nootropic supplement for bodybuilders looking to increase their performance and optimize their results.

While more research is needed on its long-term effects, current evidence suggests that Ashwagandha could play an important role in supporting the goals of those interested in increasing their physical fitness.

Ashwagandha Pros

  • Increases muscle strength and size
  • Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage
  • It helps the body cope with stress
  • Increases testosterone levels
  • All-natural nootropic

Ashwagandha Cons

  • Some people may be allergic to it

Ashwagandha in Summary

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It has become popular among bodybuilders for its potential to improve muscle strength and size, reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, increase testosterone levels, and decrease body fat percentage.

7. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is an herb native to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat fatigue, depression, anxiety, and other ailments.

Recently, a study on competitive athletes was conducted to analyze its effects during endurance exercise to assess the potential of Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogenic plant. The results suggested that this herbal remedy has promising benefits for physical performance and increased tolerance to strenuous activities.[11]

Parisi et al. discovered that Rhodiola Rosea supplementation was an effective remedy for reducing lactate levels and skeletal muscle damage post-exercise and increasing fatty acid consumption. Moreover, the supplement did not affect heart rate or VO2 max - nor did it alter antioxidant status or inflammatory parameters. Furthermore, the testing duration remained unaffected by this product's use.

These findings suggest that Rhodiola Rosea is beneficial in increasing physical performance capacity and the body's adaptability to physical activity.

Rhodiola Rosea Pros

  • Shown to improve physical performance capacity
  • Shown to improve the body's adaptability to physical activity
  • Reduces lactate levels and skeletal muscle damage post-exercise
  • Does not affect heart rate or VO2 Max
  • Natural adaptogen

Rhodiola Rosea Cons

  • More research is needed on its long-term effects
  • It can be hard to find high-quality Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea in Summary

Rhodiola Rosea is an herb native to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia with potential benefits for physical performance and increased tolerance to strenuous activities. Its supplementation improved physical performance, reduced lactate levels and skeletal muscle damage post-exercise, and increased fatty acid consumption. There are some concerns about its long-term effects and the difficulty of finding high-quality Rhodiola Rosea. Still, the evidence is promising for its use as a beneficial nootropic supplement for bodybuilders.

8. Citicoline

Citicoline (CDP Choline) is a natural compound in the brain and muscles that help to protect and rebuild cells, build new connections between neurons, enhance cognitive performance, and improve energy levels.

Recent research has indicated that citicoline may be advantageous in the initial stages of cerebrovascular accidents due to bleeding or other causes.[12] To examine how efficacious citicoline is at amplifying muscular strength for patients with non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage, this study consisted of a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

The study included 32 patients divided into two groups and matched according to age, sex, and amount of bleeding. The first group was given 250 mg intravenously twice a day for 14 days, while the second group was given a placebo.

Physical examination measured muscular strength before and 3 months after treatment. The results showed a meaningful difference between the two groups, with 4 being the mean muscular strength in the group receiving citicoline and 3.12 being the mean muscular strength in the group receiving placebo.

These findings suggest that citicoline can increase muscular strength in patients with nontraumatic cerebral hemorrhage making it a potentially beneficial supplement for bodybuilders and strength athletes.

Citicoline Pros

  • Shown to increase muscular strength
  • Potential benefits for physical performance and energy levels
  • A natural compound found in the brain and muscles

Citicoline Cons

  • No data on bodybuilders (more research is needed)

Citicoline in Summary

Citicoline is a natural compound in the brain and muscles that help to protect and rebuild cells, build new connections between neurons, enhance cognitive performance, and improve energy levels. Research suggests that citicoline can increase muscular strength in patients with non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage making it a potentially beneficial supplement for bodybuilders and strength athletes.

What Are the Best Nootropics for Bodybuilding & Bodybuilders?

best nootropics for bodybuilders

According to market research and personal experience, the 8 best nootropics for bodybuilding & bodybuilders are:

  1. Nooceptin
  2. Creatine
  3. Theacrine
  4. Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack
  5. Phosphatidylserine
  6. Ashwagandha
  7. Rhodiola Rosea
  8. Citicoline

My list contains a blend of nootropics that will help you improve your physical performance, increase your energy levels, and ultimately reach your desired fitness goals.

Taking the right dosage of each nootropic can differentiate between mediocre and great results. Experiment with combinations until you find the perfect formula for your bodybuilding journey.

If you're just starting out, I highly recommend looking into a blend like Nooceptin. Not only do you get more bang for your buck, but you also have the added benefit of combining multiple nootropic ingredients for synergistic effects.

How to Choose the Right Nootropic Supplement for Bodybuilding & Bodybuilders?

Choosing the right nootropic supplement for your bodybuilding goals requires research and understanding the ingredients. Check the label for dosage and safety information when looking for a supplement.

In addition, it is important to focus on nootropics that have been tested in clinical trials and have proven effective. This will help ensure you are making an informed decision about the best nootropics for bodybuilding & bodybuilders.

Nootropics that boost physical performance, increase energy levels, and improve cognitive function are great options for bodybuilding and strength athletes.

Nootropics like Nooceptin, Creatine, and Theacrine are great for improving muscle growth and increasing strength.

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack, Phosphatidylserine, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and Citicoline can increase energy levels while reducing stress.

What Are the Benefits of Nootropics for Bodybuilding & Bodybuilders?

The benefits of nootropics for bodybuilding & bodybuilders are numerous. They can help increase muscle mass, promote strength gains, and improve physical performance.

Nootropics can also reduce stress, boost energy and cognitive function, improve focus and concentration, increase motivation and alertness, and support post-workout recovery times.

Nootropics are the way to go if you're looking for that extra edge when it comes to bodybuilding and strength training.

Combining the right nootropic ingredients in the right dosage can improve your physical performance and help you reach your desired fitness goals faster than ever before.

What Are the Side Effects of Nootropics for Bodybuilding & Bodybuilders?

Like most supplements, nootropics can have some side effects. Most of these side effects are minor and temporary, such as headaches, nausea, and insomnia.

It is important to research the ingredients before taking any supplement and consult your doctor if you experience any adverse effects.

In general, nootropics are considered safe when taken in proper doses. However, it is important to be mindful of any supplement's potential side effects.

There's also a big difference between natural vs. synthetic nootropics. Generally, natural nootropics are considered to be safer and have fewer side effects than synthetic ones.

Do Nootropics Really Work for Bodybuilding & Bodybuilders?

So do I personally think nootropics work for bodybuilding and bodybuilders? Yes, absolutely!

When combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine, nootropics can be an effective tool to help you reach your desired fitness goals.

By boosting physical performance, increasing energy levels, improving cognitive function, and reducing stress levels, nootropics can help you maximize your gains and get the most out of your workouts.

Nootropics may be just what you need if you're looking for that extra edge! So don't hesitate to try them and see how they can benefit your bodybuilding journey.

If you're brand new to the world of nootropics, I recommend starting out with nootropics blends like Nooceptin and then exploring more targeted nootropics if needed.

Final Thoughts

What do we know so far about nootropics and bodybuilding?

Nootropics can be an effective tool for helping bodybuilders reach their desired fitness goals through improved physical performance, increased energy levels, cognitive function, and reduced stress levels.

Nootropics like Nooceptin, Creatine, Theacrine, Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack, Phosphatidylserine, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and Citicoline are all great for boosting muscle growth and increasing strength.

While most nootropics are safe when taken in proper doses, it is important to research the ingredients and consult your doctor if any adverse effects occur.

So if you’re looking for that extra edge in bodybuilding and strength training, nootropics may be just what you need! With the right combination of nootropic ingredients in the right dosage, you can maximize your gains and take your bodybuilding journey to the next level.

Good luck!

References
  1. Gerontakos, Sophia E et al. “A Critical Review to Identify the Domains Used to Measure the Effect and Outcome of Adaptogenic Herbal Medicines.” The Yale journal of biology and medicine vol. 93,2 327-346. 29 Jun. 2020 ↑
  2. Farshidfar, Farnaz et al. “Creatine Supplementation and Skeletal Muscle Metabolism for Building Muscle Mass- Review of the Potential Mechanisms of Action.” Current protein & peptide science vol. 18,12 (2017): 1273-1287. doi:10.2174/1389203718666170606105108 ↑
  3. Avgerinos, Konstantinos I et al. “Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.” Experimental gerontology vol. 108 (2018): 166-173. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.013 ↑
  4. Ziegenfuss, Tim N et al. “A Two-Part Approach to Examine the Effects of Theacrine (TeaCrine®) Supplementation on Oxygen Consumption, Hemodynamic Responses, and Subjective Measures of Cognitive and Psychometric Parameters.” Journal of dietary supplements vol. 14,1 (2017): 9-24. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1178678 ↑
  5. Ouyang, Shu-Hua et al. “Theacrine, a Potent Antidepressant Purine Alkaloid from a Special Chinese Tea, Promotes Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Stressed Mice.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry vol. 69,25 (2021): 7016-7027. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.1c01514 ↑
  6. Owen, Gail N et al. “The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 11,4 (2008): 193-8. doi:10.1179/147683008X301513 ↑
  7. Jäger, Ralf et al. “Phospholipids and sports performance.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 4 5. 25 Jul. 2007, doi:10.1186/1550-2783-4-5 ↑
  8. Benton, D et al. “The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 4,3 (2001): 169-78. doi:10.1080/1028415x.2001.11747360 ↑
  9. Speers, Alex B et al. “Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 19,9 (2021): 1468-1495. doi:10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556 ↑
  10. Wankhede, Sachin et al. “Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 12 43. 25 Nov. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 ↑
  11. Parisi, A et al. “Effects of chronic Rhodiola Rosea supplementation on sport performance and antioxidant capacity in trained male: preliminary results.” The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness vol. 50,1 (2010): 57-63. ↑
  12. Iranmanesh, Farhad, and Alireza Vakilian. “Efficiency of citicoline in increasing muscular strength of patients with nontraumatic cerebral hemorrhage: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.” Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association vol. 17,3 (2008): 153-5. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2008.01.006 ↑