PROS
CONS
SUMMARY
Koios contains a long list of ingredients. A few of them like Bacopa, Lion’s mane mushroom, and L-theanine are promising nootropics that help to optimize the brain functions. But, besides this, the supplement also contains ingredients that are not backed by sufficient scientific studies for either efficacy or long-term safety. In one instance, there is evidence that suggests Chaga mushroom can lead to blood thinning and lower blood sugar levels. Our recommendation is to stay away from any supplement that arises any doubts. It’s best to go for a clinically proven nootropic stack from a trusted company.
In the fast-paced competitive world today, the need for nootropics is on the rise. Resultant being, several brands are trying to grab a piece of the pie.
Nootropics with scientifically backed ingredients will give you great benefits with minimal side-effects.
But with so many products around, which one to choose?
Let’s take a look at one such high promising product - KOIOS.
What is Koios?
Koios is a natural brain-boosting supplement available in ready-to-drink beverage and powdered form.
The company claims its products to improve your focus, clarity, mental drive, and energy. Koios uses only natural and vegan ingredients backed by clinical research.
About Manufacturer
KOIOS Beverage Corp is a Colorado-based company. It is the brainchild of its CEO Chris Miller who has ADHD. During his quest to find a natural solution, he created Koios.
Koios Claims
Koios Ingredient Analysis
Koios supplement is fraught with plenty of ingredients claimed as natural and effective.
Our research team has studied the ingredients closely and here’s what we found out.
Their beverage is a workout drink made with a blend of vitamins and minerals to boost daily productivity. It’s made up of:
Koios powder supplement contains a longer list of ingredients.
Lion’s mane mushroom
One of the main ingredients in both products is Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Clinical studies confirm this mushroom to be an effective cognitive enhancer (1). It contains Hericenones and Erinacines- two unique compounds that stimulate brain cell growth (2).
MCT oil
MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil is commonly derived from coconuts. It acts as a fast fuel for the body and brain because of its quick digestion. Koios claims it leads to an increase in brain function and energy.
Recently there has been an increased interest in the use of oil for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. However, according to research made by the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, there’s limited evidence to confirm the same.
In the absence of proper scientific research, it’s difficult to ascertain the actual benefits. A high dose or long term usage of this oil may lead to fat build-up on the liver -a risky condition to develop (1).
Electrolytes
Electrolyte supplements are essential during intense workouts. People living in high humidity areas may also find the need due to excessive sweating.
Electrolyte imbalance, resulting in both a high or low level, is harmful to the body. Opting for an electrolyte supplement daily may not be a great idea if you don’t sweat profusely.
A high level of electrolytes in the system can cause dizziness, faster heartbeat, and high blood pressure. It may also cause swelling of feet, puffy eyelids, and vomiting, says Drugs.com
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is known to increase acetylcholine in the brain, a chemical known to improve memory and learning functions. It contains neuroprotective attributes that enhance learning (1).
What needs to be known is that Alpha-GPC is used as prescription medicine in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Some studies prove it to be an emerging supplement in improving sports performance. However, there’s no clinical research to validate the effects on healthy people not suffering from a brain disorder.
When it comes to Choline, Citicoline is a better source than Alpha GPC. Scientific studies are backing the same.
Ciwuija
Ciwujia, also referred to as Siberian Ginseng, is a Chinese herb that some athletes use to enhance performance. Koios’ website claims that Ciwujia increases endurance and stamina.
Upon investigation, we found no correlation between the two (1).
There’s a lack of comprehensive clinical research on the positives and negatives of using this herb. When it comes to natural ingredients, it’s necessary to know their background. Only then one can establish any interference it might cause with other medicines.
Green tea
Koios has added caffeine in its formula to provide an extra boost to the brain. Caffeine helps with mental alertness and improving mood. Green tea is also a rich source of antioxidants. If you already consume caffeine in your daily diet, there is a chance of over-stimulation.
L-Theanine
It is an amino acid that helps in eliminating anxiety, elevating mood, and reducing stress. It is commonly found in tea, but for medical benefits, it requires a concentrated extract. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry supports these claims.
It is also proven to relax the mind without causing drowsiness (1).
L-Tyrosine
Tyrosine promotes mental alertness and focus. It improves mood and stress response. Studies confirm this supplement enhances working memory and improves mental alertness (1) (2) (3).
B-06 & B-12
The benefits of B-vitamins are plentiful. Vitamin B-06 helps in regulating mood and preventing mental fatigue. It helps the brain to produce serotonin.
B-12 assists with memory and focus. These essential vitamins help in safeguarding brain-health in the longer run.
Agmatine Sulfate
This is a natural chemical produced by plants, animals, and humans. It helps in maintaining healthy blood circulation. The right dose helps to maintain healthy levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Koios claims that Agmatine Sulfate protects the brain against toxins and anxiety. There’s limited scientific research that supports this statement. Some of the side-effects of agmatine include – diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. It might lead to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, says WebMD.
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga is a fungus that grows on the bark of birch trees. It is known to boost immunity and slow cancer growth. A clinical study published in Heliyon proves the latter claim.
Koios states that mushroom restores acetylcholine – a substance that promotes learning and memory. Folks may find some immediate benefit after consumption. But there are no conclusive studies to gauge the correct dosage for humans and its long term effects.
Huperzine A
Although derived from the Chinese club moss plant, the final product is highly processed. Some consider it as a drug and not a natural dietary supplement. It increases acetylcholine levels and boosts mental ability.
Based on the research done by Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, it is mainly used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
Again, no scientific studies are present to back the correct usage of this chemical. The drug is considered as ‘possibly safe’ if consumed for a limited time. It is also known to slow the resting heart rate.
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Commonly known as GABA, it is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter. Gaba prohibits stress-related brain signals. It induces calmness and relaxation and is used to treat anxiety and hypertension.
Bacopa
Bacopa is a plant known to enhance memory, relieve stress, and improve focus. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant (1).
It should be consumed in a controlled manner and for a limited time as there are a few side-effects attached. It may slow the resting heart rate and worsen ulcers. The dosage of Bacopa depends on age and health conditions.
Phosphatidylserine
It is an important chemical produced by the brain that aids the maintenance of cellular brain function. It assists in thinking, enhances memory, and mood. It is also known to help with age-related mental decline.
Are Koios Ingredients Safe And Effective?
The Koios official website touts their products as natural and safe for consumption. A more in-depth look at the ingredients necessitates practising some caution. Some of the natural ingredients lack scientific research on the use and dosage.
The efficacy of natural products depends on the source, grade, and quality. The website does not contain any information on the origins, so it's difficult to verify the effectiveness.
Natural does not mean safe. Most natural herbs have potent attributes and, if not tested well for side-effects, may cause severe allergies.
Some common side-effects of the ingredients in question include:
Warnings for Koios Users
How to Take Koios?
Powder supplement: Take one scoop mixed with water on an empty stomach. Consume it in the morning or after the morning workout.
The beverage can be taken as it is since it comes in a ready to drink format.
Does Koios Provide 100% BrainPower?
At first glance, Koios comes across as a power-packed formula with an exhaustive ingredient list. Upon investigation, there are no authentic studies present that support these ingredients.
The Koios beverage is a pre-workout drink. The ingredients listed target the hydration rather than brain function.
The powder supplement does carry some ingredients that boost cognitive abilities. These include Lion’s mane mushroom, B-vitamins, L-Theanine, and tyrosine. A few others like Ciwujia, Chaga mushroom, and Alpha GPC do not have studies backing them. These ingredients can interfere with each other or re-enforce the effects.
There might be short-term benefits of using Koios. But in the absence of proper scientific studies, it’s hard to say if Koios is as promising in the long run as the website claims.
Customers Reviews
The Koios website has listed testimonials of people from the health industry. There are no reviews from regular consumers. We researched the reviews shared on various other platforms. Here are the ones that give us some insights:
These drinks are Keto, No sugar, No caffeine, no carbs, only 10 calories and taste great. The MCT oil and nootropics formula really helps me focus and keeps me powered throughout the day with no gitter feel at all. Highly recommend you try this.
Jeff
Their website describes the ingredients as through you are not complete without them in your body, but its mostly just caffeine, a terrifyingly huge amount of Vitamin B12, and then various magical herbs and spices. As for the taste, it reminds me of that children's liquid pink antibiotic that takes like metallic bubblegum.
Silversurfer
Not expecting this to be a miracle drink by any means. It tastes good, is low calorie, and has some health benefits which is more than I could say for most sodas.
B Smith
Where to Buy Koios?
You can buy Koios products online from their official website, Amazon & GNC. The products are also available in Walmart stores.
Is Koios A Good Nootropic For You?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with over the top claims made by various nootropics available in the market. With the wrong product, it’s not just the money you lose but your health, which has to undergo the side-effects.
We want the best for our readers, and we ensure to conduct a thorough study of each product. We have reviewed many nootropics, but the confidence level delivered by Mind Lab Pro is by far the best.
With this nootropic, you won't have to worry about the side-effects. There are no unnatural additives or stimulants present in the Mind Lab Pro supplement. It uses simple, universally known ingredients that prove to boost cognition. Each ingredient has been extensively tested in clinical trials.
The positive effects have been validated by thousands of happy customers around the world.
For details on Mind Lab Pro, do read our detailed review here.
Comparison Table
Enter your text here... | Koios |  Mind Lab Pro |
|---|---|---|
Support Memory? Encoding, Storage, Recall, Learning, Test Taking | ||
Support Brain Energy? Mental agility, quick thinking and focus | ||
Supports Mindset Mood balance, Stress resistance, Relaxation, Creativity, Motivation | ||
Supports Focus | ||
Supports Brain Protection Fights toxins and unhealthy structural changes that degrade the brain over time. | ||
Supports Performance Speed, Process, Attention, Focus, Verbal | ||
Supports Structural Injury repair, Fluid membranes, Neurogenesis, Anti-aging, Fight depression | ||
Meets mental performance demand From day to day and hour to hour | ||
Helps with immediate and long-term brain health and function | ||
Free from stimulants and additives | ||
Side Effects | Nausea, Allergies, Caffeine addiction, etc. | No Potential Side Effects |
Price Per Bottle | $49.95 (Powder), $39.95 (Beverage) | $65 |
Free Shipping | Free For Purchase Over $50 | |
Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
Money Back Guarantee | 30 Days | 30 Days |
Conclusion
Nootropics have shown impressive benefits. However, we should be careful about the things we feed our bodies (in this case, brain, too).
While choosing a supplement, practice the same caution you do when buying medicines. Always research your product well and check for the ingredients.
Use only the best products that come from the most reliable brands.
We hope you make a better choice!
If you're looking for a stack for total cognitive optimization and really want to invest in your mental health, then give Mind Lab Pro a try, the most potent nootropic on sale right now.
Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2022