Experimental protocols
Experimental, clearly labeled.
These are protocols people are actually discussing or using. Some are promising, some are built around a biomarker, and some have already disappointed in better trials. We show the difference.
Not a recommendation list.A public protocol tells us what someone does. It does not tell us that the dose works—or that it is right for you.
How to read these notes: the left column describes the protocol and where it appears; the right column is our evidence check. Open the full ingredient guide for safety, formulation and every reviewed source.
Cognition and sleep-deprivation resilience
Creatine monohydrate
Narrow contextOur evidence checkCreatine is well supported at 3–5 g/day for strength and repeated high-intensity performance. Cognitive findings are promising, but a universal high-dose daily protocol is not established.
Read the primary research ↗ Mood, focus and brain health
Omega-3
Context-specificThe protocol1–3 g/day EPA discussed in brain and mood contextsA brain-and-mood protocol is discussed beyond omega-3's best-established triglyceride indication.
Where it appears: Huberman Lab ↗ Our evidence checkPrescription-level omega-3 has strong evidence for lowering elevated triglycerides. Mood and cognition effects depend on formulation, population and outcome and are not universal.
Read the primary research ↗ Sleep and cognition
Magnesium L-threonate
Limited evidenceThe protocol1–2 g/day compound in short human trialsL-threonate is frequently discussed as a brain- and sleep-focused magnesium form.
Where it appears: Huberman Lab ↗ Our evidence checkShort positive trials used branded material and reported mixed endpoints. Superiority over other magnesium forms has not been established.
Read the primary research ↗ NAD+ and longevity
Nicotinamide riboside
Biomarker onlyOur evidence checkNR reliably raises blood NAD+ metabolites. That biomarker change has not consistently produced better metabolic, muscle, cognitive or longevity outcomes.
Read the primary research ↗ Biological age and healthy aging
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate
InvestigationalOur evidence checkThe 1 g/day amount comes from a placebo-controlled study protocol. Completed human research does not yet establish an effective anti-aging dose.
Read the primary research ↗ Autophagy, cognition and longevity
Spermidine
Negative main trialOur evidence checkA 12-month randomized trial at 0.9 mg/day did not improve its primary memory outcome or secondary outcomes. Human lifespan benefit is not established.
Read the primary research ↗ Focus, memory and mitochondrial performance
Methylene blue
InvestigationalThe protocolLow-dose oral use is discussed online; Dose Radar does not publish a self-use doseMethylene blue is discussed as a mitochondrial nootropic even though it is a prescription dye with monoamine-oxidase activity, not a routine dietary supplement.
Where it appears: Biohacking and longevity media ↗ Our evidence checkA randomized imaging study included only 26 healthy adults and measured short-term brain and memory signals. That is far too small to establish a general cognitive protocol.
Read the primary research ↗ 