Vitabiotics Neurozan Original is a comprehensive multivitamin/nootropic supplement formulated to support your dietary intake of essential nutrients for all-round health and normal cognitive function.
While potent nootropics are challenging to find online, health stores or pharmacies, milder alternatives that claim to support cognitive function and brain health, such as Neurozan, can be found in most UK high street shops.
In the United States, Neurozan is available in several online stores, including Amazon, at competitive prices.
What Is Neurozan?
Neurozan Original is a nootropic and brain health supplement containing proven ingredients such as:
- Vitamin B6, Niacin (Vitamin B3), and Vitamin C for normal functioning of the nervous system;
- Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Folic Acid, and Magnesium contribute to normal psychological function;
- Iodine, zinc, and iron contribute to normal cognitive function;
- Pantothenic acid for normal mental performance.
There is also a Neurozan Plus version, which is slightly more expensive and contains added DHA and Omega-3.
Who Makes It?
Neurozan is made by Vitabiotics, a British nutraceutical company specializing in vitamin and mineral-based food supplements focused on various health categories, including vitamins based on national guidelines for infants, children, and pregnancy.
Vitabiotics was founded in 1971 by Kartar Lalvani. He was later joined by his former tutor, Professor Arnold Beckett. In July 2013, the company became the biggest vitamin company in the UK by sales value.
Besides Neurozan Original and Neurozan Plus, Vitabiotics also make popular supplements in the UK, like Organic Feroglobin Liquid (tiredness and fatigue), Pregnacare (fertility), Liverel (liver function), Wellwoman Energy (energy and reduced fatigue), Wellkid Peppa Pig (normal growth and development of bone in children), and Immunace (immune system).
Vitabiotics contact information:
- Phone: +44 (0)20 8955 2662 Mon-Fri, 9.00 am – 5.30 pm GMT
- Address: 1 Apsley Way, London, NW2 7HF, United Kingdom
- Website: vitabiotics.com
Neurozan Ingredients
Neurozan contains the following active ingredients per serving (1 tablet):
- Ginkgo Biloba Extract 120 mg
- 5-HTP 20 mg
- L-Arginine 40 mg
- L-Glutamine 10 mg
- L-Glutathione 5 mg
- Co-Q10 10 mg
- Phosphatidylcholine 10 mg
- Phosphatidylserine 10 mg
- Beta Carotene 2 mg
- Vitamin E 36 mg
- Vitamin D3 25 µg
- Vitamin C 80 mg
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 25 mg
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 3 mg
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) 32 mg
- Vitamin B6 10 mg
- Folic Acid 400 µg
- Vitamin B12 100 µg
- Pantothenic acid 36 mg
- Magnesium 75 mg
- Iron 8 mg
- Zinc 15 mg
- Copper 250 µg
- Manganese 2 mg
- Selenium 110 µg
- Chromium 40 µg
- Iodine 150µg
Inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate, potato starch, pregelatinized starch, magnesium oxide, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, anti-caking agents (stearic acid, silicon dioxide, purified talc, and magnesium stearate), tablet coating (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, ethylcellulose, propylene glycol) and natural source colors (titanium dioxide and red iron oxide).
What Is Ginkgo Biloba Good For?
Obtained from the leaves of the ginkgo tree – a tree that grows in China, Ginkgo biloba was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years because of its many healing benefits.
In modern supplementation, Ginkgo extract is used in a variety of dietary supplements. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow in the body – and this includes your brain, which is crucial for keeping the mind healthy and sharp.
However, research is notoriously mixed on the subject. A 2017 review of studies concluded that Ginkgo extract could support cognitive function for patients with dementia. On the other hand, a 2012 meta-analysis discovered no evidence to prove that Ginkgo offers brain benefits for healthy people.
Ginkgo may help lower inflammation by improving blood circulation, so the blood flow helps lower inflammation in some regions of the body, specifically the lower back, knees, and brain.
Ginkgo is used as an herbal remedy to treat other conditions like:
- Anxiety and depression
- Schizophrenia
- Blood pressure problems
- Altitude sickness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Asthma
- Neuropathy
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Macular degeneration
However, as it is the case with most herbs, Ginkgo isn’t well studied for most of the conditions it’s used for.
Why Supplementing with 5-HTP Is Important
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is often used as a supplement to boost serotonin levels in the brain. As serotonin is linked to mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and stress, 5-HTP is essential in many brain supplements.
5-HTP is not found in the foods we eat. However, 5-HTP dietary supplements, made from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds (a plant that grows in Africa), are widely available.
According to one study, taking a 5-HTP supplement of 50 to 300 mg daily might improve depression symptoms, chronic headaches, binge eating, and insomnia.
5-HTP is also used to alleviate symptoms of:
- Seizure disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s disease
A limited number of studies indicate that 5-HTP may prevent headaches and reduce the severity and frequency of migraines, however extensive randomized controlled trials are needed.
In one study, 124 people received 5-HTP (600 mg/day) or the drug methysergide.4 After 6 months, 5-HTP was found to be as effective as methysergide in reducing migraine severity and duration.
Other Worthwhile Ingredients
Iron, zinc, and iodine contribute to normal cognitive function plus pantothenic acid, contributing to normal mental performance.
Vitamin B6, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), and Vitamin C contribute to the nervous system’s normal functioning.
Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), folic acid, Vitamin C, and magnesium contribute to normal psychological function.
Neurozan advanced formula includes nutrients for all-round health and vitality, including:
- Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6 contribute to normal red blood cell formation;
- Zinc and selenium contribute to the normal function of the immune system;
- Copper, iron, and Vitamin C contribute to regular energy release.
Furthermore, Neurozan provides an optimum 25 mcg (1000 IU) of Vitamin D, contributing to normal immune system function. Vitamin D is present in the D3 form (cholecalciferol), the preferred form made naturally by the skin upon exposure to sunlight.
How Much Does Neurozan Cost?
Vitabiotics Neurozan costs $16.99 + shipping (30 tablets for 30 servings). Please note that, for the United States, packages are shipped from Greece.
Where To Buy Neurozan?
You can buy Neurozan from the official Vitabiotics website or from several online stores like:
- Holland and Barrett (one of the largest stores in the UK)
- Amazon (US and UK) – Customers who have Amazon Prime can get free next day delivery
- Boots
- OneBuy
- FeelUnique
Neurozan Review – Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Neurozan Side Effects & Warnings
According to Vitabiotics, Neurozan has no known side-effects when taken as directed. However, some of the ingredients used in the formulation may cause, in rare cases, mild adverse effects in some users.
Side effects of Phosphatidylserine can include stomach upset and insomnia, particularly at doses over 300 mg. Phosphatidylserine can be made from either animal or plant sources, so it may not be suitable for vegetarians.
Ginkgo Biloba is generally safe when taken as recommended but may cause some minor issues in some users: constipation, stomach upset, dizziness, headache, a pounding heart rate, and allergic skin reactions.
Side effects from supplementing choline include sweating, a fishy body odor, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and vomiting. The risk of side effects increases as the dose rises. Still, the amount provided in this supplement is low compared to commonly recommended dosages.
Customer Testimonials
This product is fantastic – I can actually feel the improvement in my brain chemistry immediately, and curse […] Read full review
Unlike the US FDA, the UK has a rigorous standard for testing its dietary supplements.
Excellent vitamins – I feel they have an effect on my performance […] Read full review
Similar Products
Before we conclude our Neurozan review, let’s take a quick look over several other similar brain supplements that could be good alternatives for those who are not convinced by this supplement.
Genius Mushrooms made by The Genius Brand – This can be an excellent choice for people who prefer more natural approaches to brain health. This simple formula consists of three organic herbal extracts (Cordyceps, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane) with known benefits for cognitive function, including attention, focus, stress relief, mood support, memory, and energy.
Genius Mushrooms has excellent user reviews and it’s produced in the United States by a reputable company. One 90 capsule bottle costs $23.99 and it should last you for about 30 days.
Prevagen made by Quincy Bioscience – Prevagen uses a patented Apoaequorin extract claimed to support cognitive function, healthy brain, clarity, focus, and memory. Apoaequorin’s benefits are supported by several clinical studies. Prevagen is available in a variety of variants and strengths. One bottle of Prevagen Regular Strength (30 capsules) costs $49.98.
Alpha Brain made by ONNIT – This premium nootropic supplement uses L-Theanine, Bacopa Monnieri, Alpha GPC, and several other potent ingredients to support focus, concentration, and memory.
One bottle of Alpha Brain 90 capsules (45 servings) costs $70.95, which is above the average price for a nootropic supplement of this type. However, the high price can be justified by the quality of the ingredients used in Alpha Brain, as well as by the complex manufacturing process that preserves the full benefits of each ingredient.
Neurozan Original vs Neurozan Plus
Vitabiotics Neurozan is available in two forms: Original and Plus DHA. The main difference between these two forms is the high-purity Omega-3 (300 mg DHA and 60 mg EPA) in the Plus Omega-3.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are crucial in preventing and managing heart disease, but that also have many other benefits:
- Lessen the possibility of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease;
- Help to protect against cognitive decline;
- Improve skin and hair quality;
- Reduce triglycerides;
- Lower blood pressure;
- Reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm;
- Slow the development of plaque in the arteries;
- Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.
Bottom Line
To conclude our Neurozan review, we believe that this multivitamin supplement genuinely does what it says on the tin, rare in the supplement industry. The price is very affordable, and there’s a relatively low chance of the product causing harmful side effects.
It’s definitely not the most advanced multivitamin we’ve reviewed. Still, it’s certainly something you may wish to consider if you’re not looking to spend too much money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Ginkgo Biloba – rxlist.com. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Vitabiotics official website. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Marco Canevelli, Nawal Adali, Eirini Kelaiditi, Christelle Cantet, Pierre-Jean Ousset, and Matteo Cesari – Effects of Ginkgo biloba supplementation in Alzheimer’s disease patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors: data from the ICTUS study. Published on May 15, 2014. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Keith R. Laws, Hilary Sweetnam, and Tejinder K. Kondel – Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta‐analysis. Published on September 24, 2012. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Giti Ozgoli, Elham Alsadat Selselei, Faraz Mojab, and Hamid Alavi Majd – A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Ginkgo biloba L. in Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome. Published on August 13, 2009. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Timothy C. Birdsall – 5-Hydroxytryptophan: A Clinically-Effective Serotonin Precursor. Published in 1998. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Pöldinger W., Calanchini B., and Schwarz W.- A Functional-Dimensional Approach to Depression: Serotonin Deficiency as a Target Syndrome in a Comparison of 5-Hydroxytryptophan and Fluvoxamine. Published in 1991. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Titus F., Dávalos A., Alom J., and Codina A. – 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus Methysergide in the Prophylaxis of Migraine. Published in 1986. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- I. Caruso, P. Sarzi Puttini, M. Cazzola, and V. Azzolini – Double-Blind Study of 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus Placebo in the Treatment of Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Published on May 1, 1990. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Jacob P. R. Jacobsen, Andrew D. Krystal, K. Ranga R. Krishnan, and Marc G. Caron – Adjunctive 5-Hydroxytryptophan Slow-Release for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Clinical and Preclinical Rationale. Published on September 28, 2016. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- The benefits of vitamin supplements – Harvard Medical School. Published in August 2015. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Is There Really Any Benefit to Multivitamins? – Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Omega-3 Supplements: In-Depth – The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Should you be taking an omega-3 supplement? – Harvard Medical School. Published in April 2019. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Danielle Swanson, Robert Block, and Shaker A. Mousa – Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
- Clemens von Schacky and William S. Harris – Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Published in January 2007. Retrieved on February 2, 2021. [Source]
