What Are Nootropics and Should Athletes Use Them?
June 16, 2025
What Are Nootropics?
Common Nootropics
Several nootropics are frequently used, some of which athletes might already be familiar with:
- Caffeine: Known for its stimulating effects, caffeine is perhaps the most widely used nootropic, enhancing focus and energy.
- L-Theanine: Found in tea, this compound promotes relaxation without sedation and is often paired with caffeine for smoother non-jittery energy.
- Ginkgo Biloba: A plant extract used to enhance memory and cognitive speed.
- Rhodiola Rosea: An adaptogen that may reduce fatigue and improve mental endurance.
- Creatine: While known for muscle-building, also has cognitive benefits, aiding in mental clarity and energy production.
- Synthetic Nootropics (e.g., modafinil, racetams): These are man-made substances designed to boost cognitive function, but they often come with more risks and lack long-term safety studies.
Pros
- Increased Focus and Mental Clarity: Many athletes, especially those in endurance sports, may benefit from better mental focus during prolonged periods of activity.
- Reduced Mental Fatigue: Certain nootropics, such as caffeine and Rhodiola, may help stave off mental exhaustion after hours of physical activity.
- Potential Recovery Benefits: Some nootropics can reduce stress and support recovery after intense training sessions by balancing the body’s stress response.
Cons
- Potential for Contamination: For athletes who get drug tested, there is a potential for nootropic containing foods to be cause for a positive test. Ensure your product meetings your regulating body’s guidelines if considering adding nootropics to your diet.
- Limited Research: While some nootropics, like caffeine and creatine, are well-researched, many others lack robust, long-term studies, particularly in athletic populations.
- Placebo Effect: Many people experience a boost in cognitive performance simply because they believe the nootropic is working, rather than the compound itself delivering results.
- Potential Side Effects: Depending on the nootropic, side effects can range from headaches and nausea to more serious issues like increased anxiety or disrupted sleep.
- Dependence or Tolerance: Some nootropics, especially caffeine, can lead to tolerance or dependence, requiring higher doses for the same effect, which may impact long-term health
Busting Myths Around Nootropics
- Myth 1: They Will Make You Smarter: Nootropics don’t inherently raise IQ or make you more intelligent. Instead, they work to enhance specific brain functions like focus or memory.
- Myth 2: All Nootropics Are Safe: Just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s harmless. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Myth 3: They Are a Shortcut to Success: No amount of cognitive enhancement can replace consistent training, proper nutrition, and rest when it comes to athletic performance.
Nootropics in the Market
The growing interest in this topic has led to their inclusion in sports gels and beverages marketed as cognitive enhancers. Some products gaining popularity include:
- SIS Beta Fuel + Nootropics: A high carbohydrate energy gel that alos contains Cognizin® Citicoline, L-Taurine, caffeine and L-Theanine to improve both your physical and mental performance.
- Moment: This drink contains adaptogens like ashwagandha and L-theanine, which aim to reduce stress and improve focus.
- Hiyo: A sparkling social tonic that includes nootropics such as lion’s mane and L-theanine, designed to provide mental clarity and relaxation.
- Kin Euphorics: Featuring nootropics like GABA, 5-HTP, and Rhodiola, Kin drinks are marketed to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance mental focus without alcohol.
While these beverages are an appealing, non-caffeinated option for athletes seeking a mental edge, they should be used with awareness of potential side effects and the understanding that results vary.
Final Thoughts
While some supplements may offer cognitive benefits for athletes, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and rewards — and recognize there’s no magic pill. True mental performance starts with smart fueling, recovery, and daily habits.
Thinking about adding nootropics to your routine? Let’s talk first — I’ll help you assess what actually supports your goals.
Thank you to Dietetic Intern Jenna Lemon for helping to write this post!
Eleanor Baker MS, RD, CSSD
Hello! My name is Eleanor and I am a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), founder of Elevated Nutrition and Wellness and the Sports Nutrition Consultant for UC Santa Barbara Athletics. Since 2016, I have helped athletes and active individuals fuel smarter, recover faster, and heal through simple and sustainable nutrition and lifestyle interventions. I combine my clinical expertise with a personalized, high-performance approach to help clients achieve lasting results so they can live happier and healthier lifestyles.
2 Comments
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Eleanor Baker MS, RD, CSSD
you’re welcome! thanks sharing your feedback and what is working for you
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Dee Coleman
I take l-theanine as a part of my gaba supplement https://www.amazon.com/GABA-Supplements-Relaxation-AminoButyric-L-Theanine/dp/B0BZQBB3CX, and I can say it works great. I didn’t know it is called nootropic. Thank you for this interesting article.