What Are Nootropics? A Beginner's Guide to Smarter Brain Power

Meta Description

Curious about nootropics? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down what they are, how they work, and why fast-acting strips are changing the way we fuel brain power—backed by science.

What Are Nootropics, Really?

You’ve probably heard the term "nootropics" thrown around in podcasts, supplements, and startup circles. But what does it actually mean?

Nootropics are compounds—natural or synthetic—that are designed to support cognitive function. Think: better focus, improved memory, faster mental processing, and a more resilient brain. Often called "smart supplements" or "cognitive enhancers," they’re built to help you think more clearly and perform mentally at your best.

Dr. Corneliu Giurgea, the Romanian chemist who coined the term in the 1970s, defined nootropics as substances that:

• Enhance learning and memory

• Support brain health and function under stress

• Are safe and non-toxic when used responsibly

That last part is key. Real nootropics aren't about overstimulation or hype—they’re about smarter brain power, delivered cleanly and effectively.

The Most Common Types of Nootropics

Nootropics aren’t one-size-fits-all. They range from everyday compounds to highly specialized nutrients. Here are some you might already be familiar with:

• Caffeine – The world’s most consumed stimulant. Often paired with calming nootropics to smooth out the energy.

• L-Theanine – Found in green tea. Helps with relaxed focus, especially when combined with caffeine.

• Alpha-GPC – A choline source that supports acetylcholine production, critical for memory and learning.

• Paraxanthine – A metabolite of caffeine with cleaner energy, fewer jitters, and improved mood.

• Methylated B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) – Essential for energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and brain health.

How Do Nootropics Work?

Different nootropics work through different mechanisms, but they often target key parts of the brain’s performance engine:

• Neurotransmitters – Chemicals like dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin that affect how you feel, think, and focus.

• Cerebral Blood Flow – Some nootropics improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain.

• Neuroprotection – Ingredients like Alpha-GPC and B vitamins support long-term brain health by reducing oxidative stress.

Study Highlight: A 2016 review published in Nutrients found that ingredients like L-theanine, caffeine, and B vitamins have well-documented effects on attention, memory, and fatigue reduction (Kennedy, 2016).

Why Delivery Format Matters More Than You Think

Most supplements come in pills, powders, drinks, or gummies. But digestion slows absorption—and not all nutrients survive the gut.

Fast-acting strips, like those made by Melts, dissolve in your mouth and bypass the digestive system. This means:

• Faster onset (often within minutes)

• Higher bioavailability

• Lower required doses to feel the same (or better) effects

Your brain doesn’t have time to wait 60 minutes. Strips deliver nutrients at the speed of thought—directly through the mouth.

This breakthrough technology is why our dissolvable strips are trusted by students, executives, and athletes alike. They're precise, portable, and clinically informed.

Are Nootropics Legal and Safe?

Yes—and yes, when you use the right ones.

Many nootropics are designated GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. Others are certified by third-party labs for safety, purity, and athletic compliance.

At Melts, we only use ingredients that:

• Are supported by clinical studies

• Are widely used in the wellness and sports nutrition community

• Have no WADA bans or known toxicity in effective doses

Study Highlight: Alpha-GPC has been shown to be both effective and safe up to 1200mg/day in adults (Ziegenfuss, 2008).

Why Melts Is Built for Brain Power

We designed Melts around a simple question: What if brain power could be delivered faster, cleaner, and smarter?

Turns out—it can. By combining research-backed nootropics with our melt-in-your-mouth strips, we’re unlocking a new standard in cognitive performance:

• No pills to swallow

• No sugar crashes

• No sketchy blends

• Just rapid, targeted support for mental energy, focus, and clarity.

Final Thoughts: Brain Power for the Modern World

Whether you're deep in a workout, locked into a late-night study session, or gearing up for a high-stakes presentation, your brain is your edge.

And now, it has better tools.

Nootropics are more than a trend—they’re part of the next generation of human performance. When delivered through dissolvable strips, they work faster, cleaner, and smarter.

That’s brain power, upgraded.

Explore our formulas → Energy Focus Strips
Learn more about our ingredients → [Link to Ingredients page]

Sources:
Kennedy, D.O. (2016). Nutrients and botanicals for mental performance. Nutrients. PubMed
Ziegenfuss, T.N. et al. (2008). Effects of an Alpha-GPC supplement on physical and mental performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. PubMed