Genetically Modified Nootropics: Is GMO Transparency Being Overlooked?

If you've done any snooping around for a quality nootropic, you likely encountered the buzzword 'GMO-free' popping up quite a few times. But what exactly is a GMO? And what difference does it make if you see it or not on a nootropic label?

GMOs: what are genetically modified organisms?

When looking for a nootropic free of 'genetically modified organisms,' you'll end up reading A LOT of labels.

You'll likely stumble upon nootropics marked as 'certified organic' or 'Non-GMO,' 'organic Non-GMO,' 'organic,' or 'GMO-Free.'

So, what does all these even mean? A bunch of nuances on these labels that can make you feel like Dorothy leaving Kansas and entering an overwhelming world of confusion and uncertainty about what's true.

Here's our advice that may help you shed some light on all these: start with the beginning :-).

What is a GMO? Well, simply put, GMOs are organisms whose DNA has been altered in a way that wouldn't happen naturally. This might sound like a heavy dose of science, but that's just the thing – it is science!

What are GMO ingredients?

How can you tell which ingredients are GMO and which are non-GMO?

Most nootropics feature complex blends, leading to long lists of nutrients. And there's always the risk that one or more of these nutrients can be derived from or treated with GMOs.

For brands, aiming for non-GMO status can be challenging because some of the most common and sought-after nutrients and additives are typically classified as 'high-risk' for GMOs (meaning that they are most likely to be derived from or processed with GMOs).

Organic vs. Non-GMO: what's the real difference?

Organic ingredients are inherently non-GMO, as non-GMO is a key criterion for organic certification.

However, 'organic' doesn't always equate to Non-GMO status.*

The primary distinction lies in farming methods—GMO relates to the genetic modification of the seed. At the same time, organic standards also regulate the use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and soil quality.

Remember: Nootropics labeled simply 'organic' might not have the 'certified organic' status, indicating they haven't undergone USDA verification—a process that can be very costly for smaller brands. 

If your assumption about non-GMO nootropics is that they're crafted from ingredients not genetically modified, you're spot on!

A nootropic earns the non-GMO label when every nutrient and additive comes from a non-GMO source. Just one genetically modified ingredient can strip the entire formulation of its non-GMO status.*

Now, here's an example: lanolin-sourced Vitamin D. We at HCF® get our Vitamin D from lichen, but many brands prefer the cheaper and more widely available lanolin.

So, let's say you're looking for a nootropic containing Vitamin D or a basic Vitamin D supplement that can be sourced from lanolin found in sheep's wool—a form of cholesterol obtained from lanolin and can be exposed to UV to create Vitamin D3, the body's preferred form of the sunshine vitamin.

(!) If the sheep are genetically modified, the supplement becomes a GMO product.

How can you tell if a nootropic is organic, GMO, or non-GMO?

Now that you have a better grasp of the distinctions between organic, GMO, and non-GMO nootropics, you're ready to make some informed decisions.

Start by carefully examining nootropic labels and look for logos that confirm non-GMO or organic authenticity.

Since January 1, 2020, the USDA has enforced new labeling standards for GMO products, with full compliance required by January 1, 2022.