Smart Drugs, A New Wave Of Supplements

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Smart drugs, a new wave of supplements that are supposed to improve cognitive abilities.  This is something to get the wheels in your head spinning a little faster, for people who are looking for a little extra edge in the workplace.

When corporate strategist Ben Sand wanted to improve his performance at work he looked to Nootropics, compounds designed to enhance cognition.  "It's sort of like coffee but a bit smoother… it's just a simple way to kind of get the alertness that I'm looking for," Ben says.

The supplements are available online, no prescription needed.  Ingredients include things like B vitamins and caffeine as well as some you may not know about like, bacopa monnieri and rodiala rosea.  Some of the supplements are made by Notrobox, a co-founder Michael Brandt says, "They affect your mental state, they affect your cognitive abilities, they can help with things like memory or focus or attention or clarity of mind."

Experts say there's some preliminary evidence that some supplements can  improve brain function, but more research is needed.  James Giordano, a professor of Neurology says, "To be able to demonstrate not only the effectiveness of these compounds in real world settings, but also the effects, side effects, and potential burdens and risks."

For Ben, he feels like the nootropics combined with a healthy lifestyle and meditation have made a big difference. He says, "I do feel like I have an edge in the workplace that, that comes from a kind of holistic approach in using these products in combination with, with everything else that I'm doing."

But there's a word of caution, more isn't better.  Experts say because the brain boosters are often stimulants, there's the potential for misuse or abuse. It's important to stick to the recommended instructions.