FOCUS

Clinical Applications: 
• Supports Healthy Brain Magnesium Levels*
• Promotes Concentration, Mental Clarity, and Focus*
• Supports Cognitive Health*
• Promotes Mental and Physical Energy and Motivation to Exercise*

FOCUS:
provides a unique blend of patented, stimulant-free, non-habit forming ingredients. Methylcobalamin supports cognition and contributes to healthy energy metabolism; magnesium L-threonate supplies highly bioavailable magnesium to the brain, which is vital to cognitive function; and theacrine promotes mental and physical energy, focus, and motivation.*

Discussion:
Cognition, including learning and memory, is dependent upon neurons in the human brain communicating with each other through synaptic connections. Age, genetics, diet, exercise, and environment may affect how efficiently neurons communicate and, thus, overall cognitive health. Individuals who desire improvement in focus and motivation often look for formulas that target cognitive health, and these often contain ingredients that promote brain stimulation. FOCUS contains a targeted blend of key ingredients designed to promote mental and physical energy and fuel motivation and clarity without overstimulation.*

Magtein™ (Patented Magnesium L-Threonate)
Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions, justifying the necessity of adequate magnesium levels to support overall health, including that of the brain. In the United States, dietary intakes of this mineral are consistently below age-specific minimum recommended levels.*[1]

More than ten years of research at MIT went into the development of Magtein, a highly bioavailable compound comprised of magnesium and L-threonate. When brain magnesium levels are not optimal, synapse function deteriorates, suggesting that magnesium plays a significant role in promoting synaptic plasticity in the brain. Ingesting conventional magnesium compounds does not appear to elevate brain magnesium, but animal studies have shown that Magtein crosses the blood-brain barrier, resulting in increased deposits in neural synapses, increased neural synaptic density, and improved brain function.[2-4] One particular study demonstrated that Magtein enhanced magnesium bioavailability and produced a significant increase (7%-15%) in rat cerebrospinal fluid when compared to other magnesium compounds.[2] These small but significant increases in brain magnesium levels produced profound effects on neurological function.*

Maintaining extracellular magnesium in the brain has been observed to help preserve synaptic density and synapse function.[2,5] Early research on Magtein suggested that increasing magnesium concentration in the extracellular fluid permanently enhanced synaptic plasticity in networks of cultured hippocampal neurons.[5] More recent studies have shown that magnesium increased signaling of the receptors in the hippocampus that play a pivotal role in memory processes. A 2016 study that explored magnesium L-threonate’s mechanism of action demonstrated that L-threonate is the only ligand to efficiently transport magnesium into the cerebrospinal fluid and then into neurons.[6] Data from these studies showed that Magtein enhances both short-term synaptic facilitation and long-term potentiation and thereby supports synaptic plasticity and learning and memory functions.[2,3,6,7] By delivering magnesium into synapses, Magtein supports cognitive function by helping brain cells respond to signals with clarity and vigor without being overactivated.*

The effects of Magtein were studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on human cognition (n = 51). Patients 50‒70 years of age who were administered a dose of 1.5 g/d to 2 g/d (25 mg/kg/d) of Magtein for 12 weeks demonstrated reduced cognitive declines compared to age-matched controls. Furthermore, the researchers calculated a particularly compelling impact of Magtein using normative TMT-B data from age-matched subjects. After six weeks of treatment, the average brain age of the Magtein group decreased from 69.6 ± 4.2 years to 60.6 ± 5.6 years, an improvement of 9.0 ± 3.5 years, and persisted after 12 weeks of treatment with 9.4 ± 3.5 years of improvement.[8] Although future larger trials studying the effects of Magtein on the human brain would be ideal, it is clear from the research to date that Magtein has a significant effect on cognitive well-being.*

TeaCrine® (Theacrine)
Theacrine is a purine alkaloid found in certain coffee and tea species that has a similar chemical structure to caffeine yet with very different physiological effects. Both caffeine and theacrine inhibit adenosine activity via the A1 and A2A receptors, but caffeine is known to act as an orthosteric inhibitor whereas theacrine is likely to act as an indirect, allosteric modulator of these receptors and contribute to differences in habituation. Inhibitory action of the adenosine receptors plays a role in the biochemical processes that prevent fatigue. Additionally, theacrine is a dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonist, and its actions help increase dopamine signaling associated with attention, movement, task initiation and completion, mood, learning, and the brain’s “reward center.”*

Whereas habituation typically occurs with caffeine in as little as five days of consumption, a significant attribute of theacrine is the lack of habituation or tachyphylaxis (decrease in response). Following an eight-week study with subjects (N = 60) receiving either 200 mg or 300 mg of Teacrine or placebo, participants demonstrated no signs of the rapid tachyphylaxis typically associated with caffeine and other stimulants. Baseline values for energy, focus, concentration, anxiety, motivation to exercise, and a Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire remained stable across the entire eight-week study period. Additionally, all values for clinical safety markers were within normal limits.

Methylcobalamin (B12)
Cogniquil contains high-potency MecobalActive™, a patented pure form of methylcobalamin that is the physiologically active form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 plays a role in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system; chronic insufficiency affects peripheral nerves, the optic nerve, and the brain. Methylcobalamin is a cofactor in myelin synthesis; in the methylation of homocysteine, a substance thought to damage neurons; and in the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters.[12-14] Studies have suggested supplemental B12 alone or in combination with folate supports healthy homocysteine levels already within the normal range.[15] Increased homocysteine levels have been associated with declining cognitive function.* B12 is also integral to the complex biochemical processes involved in energy metabolism. It is involved in the conversion of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates into glucose to fuel energy production and ATP for cellular energy.*

Directions:
Begin with two capsules daily to determine response. Increase to a maximum of two capsules twice daily, or take as directed by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professionals. Do not use it if tamper seal is damaged.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.