Jarrow Formulas Neuro Optimizer is promoted as a “Comprehensive Brain Health Capsule” that contains 7 neuro-nutrients and protectants.
Neuro Optimizer is a safe and natural formula that is stimulant-free. It contains phosphatidylserine, citicoline, phosphatidylcholine, and l-glutamine – four ingredients that serve as precursors for improvement brain messengers.
According to the manufacturer, this supplement contains ingredients that have neuroprotective activity and “Addresses areas that affect age-related cognitive decline.”
Neuro Optimizer is also said to support brain energy metabolism, improve neuro-transmission, support blood flow to the brain and support nerve growth and neuroplasticity. This supplement contains ingredients that have been tested for memory and cognition.
In this Neuro Optimizer review from Jarrow, we’ll look at the ingredients, side effects, and cost of the brain supplement plus check in with what user reviews have to say.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Neuro Optimizer Ingredients List
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Of course, the first stop in our Neuro Optimizer review from Jarrow is the list of ingredients in the product. The product contains 7 basic nootropic supplements which have well-documented value when taken on their own.
CDP Choline or Citicoline (listed on the packaging as “Cognizin”) – This is a powerful, bioavailable choline supplement which synthesizes into acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is the vital neurotransmitter relating to cognition. Choline supplements can improve mental focus, sharpen memory, and support healthy neural tissue. CDP Choline also assists in maintaining healthy cerebral metabolism.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) – This phospholipid is important for cell membrane integrity and other basic cellular functions. PS can protect the production of various neurotransmitters well into old age. It is often used to prevent age-related memory decline.
Acetyl L-Carnitine – This powerful antioxidant protects brain cells from oxygen damage, helping prevent many degenerative neurological conditions. It is also a cholinergic supplement which boosts functionality of acetylcholine in the brain, and thus enhances cognition.
L-Glutamine – This amino acid is the pre-cursor to GABA in the brain. GABA is responsible for cutting stress reactions and soothing over-excited nerve cells.
Alpha Lipolic Acid (ALA) – This omega 3 fatty acid works as an antioxidant in the brain. It also boosts cellular metabolism, providing a sense of mental energy.
Taurine – This amino acid, derived from sulfur, helps the overall health of cells. It improves nerve cell signaling and has a positive effect on blood pressure.
These are all fine supplements on their own, but what happens when they are added into one formula in the doses used by Jarrow? The effects of many of these ingredients are believed to synergize with each other such that the sum is greater than the whole.
However, if you compare Neuro Optimizer with Alpha Brain, Brain Stack or other nootropics on the market, you will find that there is lacking an element of power in the supplement. These are just not the strongest cognitive enhancers on the market when it comes to memory, focus and mood.
Side Effects and Headaches
A common complaint in user reviews centers around one side effect: headaches. While we don’t usually see intense headaches associated with the individual ingredients listed above, this combination does seem to create severe headaches in many people.
The headache is frequently described as “migraine-strength,” and lasts for the duration of the pill’s period of efficacy in the body. So, gains to focus and concentration can be accompanied by a debilitating headache which negates the benefits of the supplement entirely.
While some people did find success with the Jarrow blend, more than half of customer reviews on Amazon indicate that the product did not live up to expectations, or did not produce any effects at all. It is very likely that the Neuro Optimizer side effects and/or lack of effects is due to dosing issues.
The problem with well-intentioned combo pills like Jarrow’s is that dosage is mostly fixed, and in ratios that cannot be altered. So, if a person has a special sensitivity to one of the ingredients, it is impossible to reduce just that compound, while possibly increasing another.
The amount of Acetyl L-Carnitine in the product, 500 mg, constitutes a basic “entry-level” dose. For max cognitive benefits, many people take 1000 mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine, twice a day. If you try that with Jarrow Formula Neuro Optimizer, you’ll also be getting a quadruple dose of Taurine, which has caused – you guessed it – headaches in many users.
This lack of flexibility makes the product difficult to recommend, when it is just as easy to buy the individual components and set dosages to personal needs.
Should You Buy Neuro Optimizer Ingredients Separately?
Taking a choline supplement is a great idea for anyone interested in boosting all kinds of cognition. It’s a fantastic place to start an exploration of what nootropic supplements can do. Each of the choline-related ingredients found in Neuro Optimizer would be best tried on their own first. Then, as you fine tune the dosage and note the effects, it will become easier to add additional supplements into your stack to alter benefits.
CDP Choline is frequently used as just such a gateway nootropic. It has no significant side effects and is extremely inexpensive when purchased as a bulk powder. Our Neuro Optimizer Review concludes that while Jarrow Formulas makes quality supplements, their entry into nootropic stacks has not yet been fully refined enough to warrant recommendation.
Consumers are advised to explore individual nootropic supplements as a stand-alone remedies first or to purchase stronger products like Alpha Brain, CILTEP or Brain Stack.
Article last updated on: April 25th, 2018 by Nootriment