The Cognitive Formula — Memory, Focus & Brain Health at Studied Doses
Nine ingredients with documented nootropic and neuroprotective effects. Selected forms cross the blood-brain barrier; doses match published clinical protocols — not the micro-doses on most labels.
Customize this formulaThe Formula
9 ingredients · 20 capsules/day · Each dose is study-attributed — see citations in line.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
A 2009 randomized placebo-controlled trial (PMID 18844328, n=30) used 3,000 mg/day of Hericium erinaceus fruiting body and found significant cognitive function improvement over 16 weeks; a 2023 RCT (PMID 38004235, n=41) found 1.8 g/day improved Stroop task speed acutely in healthy adults. FF uses 1,500 mg/day as a practical daily maintenance dose (half the 2009 trial dose). Dual-extracted fruiting body delivers both hericenones and erinacines. (PMID 18844328)
Citicoline (CDP-choline)
A 2021 randomized trial (PMID 33978188, n=100) found 500 mg/day citicoline improved episodic and composite memory in healthy older adults; 250 mg/day is approximately half that dose and is often used in longer-term protocols. (PMID 33978188)
Bacopa Monnieri Leaf Extract (50% bacosides)
A 2001 randomized double-blind trial (PMID 11498727, n=48) found 300 mg/day of standardized Bacopa monnieri significantly improved visual information processing speed and memory consolidation over 12 weeks; 50% bacoside standardization is the reference clinical extract concentration. (PMID 11498727)
Phosphatidylserine (Soy-Derived)
A 2010 randomized trial (PMID 21103034, n=78) found phosphatidylserine (PS) at 100–300 mg/day improved delayed verbal recall in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment over 6 months; 100 mg/day represents the minimum effective dose studied. (PMID 21103034)
AvailOm® — Omega-3 EPA/DHA (AvailOm® High EPA)
A 2024 randomized three-way crossover study (PMID 39781273, n=21) found AvailOm®'s L-lysine salt FFA form delivered 9.3× higher EPA+DHA absorption than ethyl ester and 1.57× higher than triglyceride form over 12 hours; the FFA-bound form is selected for superior EPA+DHA blood levels. (PMID 39781273)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Leaf Extract (24% ginkoflavonglycosides)
A 1997 double-blind randomized trial (PMID 9343463, n=309) found EGb761-standardized Ginkgo biloba at 120 mg/day improved cognitive assessment scores and caregiver ratings over 52 weeks; EGb761 standardization specifies 24% flavone glycosides / 6% terpene lactones. (PMID 9343463)
Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin)
Methylcobalamin is a bioactive form of vitamin B12 that circulates in the central nervous system and does not require enzymatic conversion. Adequate B12 status supports normal homocysteine metabolism; this form is included to help maintain B12 sufficiency.
Magnesium (as Magnesium L-Threonate)
A 2025 randomized trial (PMID 41601871, n=100) found 2 g/day Magtein (magnesium L-threonate) improved cognitive scores, reduced cognitive age by approximately 7.5 years, and improved reaction time over 6 weeks in healthy adults. This form was specifically engineered for CNS penetration. Note: PN weight is ELEMENTAL magnesium (144 mg); the compound dose is 2000 mg. (PMID 41601871)
CognatIQ® — CognatIQ® (Coffee Fruit Extract)
A 2013 randomized trial (PMID 23312069, n=10) found 100 mg whole coffee fruit concentrate raised plasma BDNF levels by 143% above baseline (more than placebo or matched green-coffee/grape-seed doses) in fasted healthy adults after a single dose; BDNF supports neuroplasticity and long-term cognitive health. (PMID 23312069)
Why One Formula Beats the Stack
Sourcing these ingredients separately requires 8 bottles and 29 pills per day — vs. 20 capsules in this formula.
29
pills/day (separate bottles)
20
capsules/day (this formula)
Form Quality Gaps
The commodity versions most single-ingredient bottles use — and why they fall short.
| FormulaForge Form | Commodity Default | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium L-Threonate (brain-penetrating form) | Magnesium oxide or citrate | Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) was specifically engineered to cross the blood-brain barrier; a 2025 randomized trial (PMID 41601871) found 2 g/day compound dose improved cognitive scores over 6 weeks — standard mineral forms do not achieve the same CNS tissue concentration. |
| Lion's Mane at 1,500 mg/day | Lion's Mane at 500 mg/day | The published randomized controlled trial (PMID 18844328) used 3,000 mg/day; FF uses 1,500 mg/day as a practical daily maintenance dose. Most retail products contain 500 mg/serving — well below trial doses. |
| Bacopa standardized to 50% bacosides | Non-standardized Bacopa powder | Clinical trials use Bacopa standardized to 40–55% bacosides (PMID 11498727); unstandardized Bacopa powder has no guaranteed bacoside content and is the dominant form in budget supplements. |
| CognatIQ® whole coffee fruit concentrate (100 mg) | Standard coffee fruit extract (unstandardized polyphenols) | In a small industry-funded, randomized controlled comparison (PMID 23312069, n=10/arm), a single 100 mg dose of whole coffee fruit concentrate raised plasma BDNF approximately 143% above baseline (more than placebo or matched green-coffee/grape-seed doses). BDNF supports neuroplasticity. The effect was acute; commodity coffee fruit extracts vary in polyphenol content and are not equivalent to the studied standardized concentrate.See the evidence → |
Pricing context
Eight separate nootropic products from premium brands typically cost $160–$200/month. This formula uses ingredients like Mag L-Threonate and CognatIQ® that command premium prices individually — quality and bioavailability are the differentiators, not price.
Exact pricing is quoted live in the builder based on your personalized formula. Example figures are illustrative only and reflect in-one example market research — not a guaranteed price or saving.
This is a starter — you customize it
Every ingredient and dose is adjustable. Add ingredients, swap forms, change doses, or remove anything that doesn't fit your situation. The builder gives you a live price quote as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Magnesium L-Threonate listed as 2000 mg compound but only 144 mg elemental?
Magnesium L-threonate is a salt: threonate is the carrier molecule, magnesium is the active mineral. The 2000 mg is the total compound weight; only 144 mg is elemental magnesium. The dosing is intentional — this specific compound at this compound dose is what was used in the randomized trial (PMID 41601871).
How long does it take for cognitive supplements to show effects?
Most nootropic ingredients in this formula have study timelines of 6–16 weeks. Bacopa in a 2001 trial (PMID 11498727) showed measurable memory improvements at week 12; Lion's Mane in the 2009 trial (PMID 18844328) showed improvement at week 16. Expect a multi-week timeline rather than acute effects.
Is CognatIQ® the same as whole coffee fruit concentrate?
Yes. CognatIQ® (also known as NeuroFactor® in some markets) is a standardized extract of the whole coffee fruit — including the pulp and skin, not just the bean. The 2013 study (PMID 23312069) specifically studied this extract's effect on BDNF levels.
Can I adjust the Lion's Mane dose down if 1,500 mg seems high?
Yes, any dose is adjustable in the builder. 500 mg/day is a common starting point. The 2009 randomized trial (PMID 18844328) used 3,000 mg/day; FF uses 1,500 mg/day as a practical daily maintenance dose. Lower doses have even less direct trial support for cognitive endpoints.
References
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
- Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed