GMOs in Nootropics: Health Implications Evaluated

GMOs are a controversial topic in nootropics (and foods). But here's the thing: they're often fundamentally misunderstood, and many don't really know how and why they're produced.

But why are GMOs even a thing? In a nutshell, scientists seek out robust plants that can thrive in diverse environments and use their genetic strengths to bolster new plant breeds.

Do GMOs affect your health?

Take corn, for example, the poster child for GMOs. It's an excellent example of a genetically modified organism. However, several other staples, like cotton, soybeans, sugar beets, canola, potatoes, and papaya, are almost always genetically modified unless expressly stated otherwise.

In the United States, authorities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and USDA assert the safety of GMOs for human and animal consumption.¹

Given this safety assurance and their potential life-saving capabilities, it begs the question: why the controversy? Well, the real dilemma lies not in what GMO foods can do to your body, but rather in the environmental footprint of their most common agricultural practices.

So, I shouldn't be concerned about my favorite nootropic using GMO ingredients... right?

The health implications of GMO ingredients in nootropics or any other supplements are a topic of ongoing debate and research. And it's a bit more complex than, let's say, in foods.

Now, foods are generally safe if they're GMO and properly washed and cooked.² That's because your body doesn't 'discriminate' between the DNA of, let's say, genetically modified corn and its natural counterpart.*

Fact: GMO crops like golden rice have saved lives. How so? Golden rice is genetically enhanced rice, packed with more Vitamin A. It has been instrumental in fighting the perilous effects of Vitamin A deficiency in children in underdeveloped regions.* 

But let's get back to the safety of GMO ingredients in nootropics. Here are a few key points to consider:

Strict regulation practices.

In most countries, nootropics are regulated differently from food products.

For example, in the United States, the FDA regulates supplements under different regulations than those for conventional food and medical products. This means the approval process for supplements with GMO ingredients might differ from that for GMO foods.

May add value to certain formulations.*

In nootropics, GMO ingredients may be added for various reasons, such as enhancing nutrient content, improving stability, or making production more efficient.*³

Potential allergenicity.*

Because GMOs contain foreign genes, some worry they harbor genes from ingredients that may prompt an allergic reaction.

But, according to the FDA, that's not the case.⁴ Ingredients used in nootropics are typically tested to ensure no allergens are transferred from one nutrient to another. And the procedures are similar, regardless of whether we talk about GMO or non-GMO.*⁵

Fact: Most food allergies originate from only nine foods, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, sesame, and fish. For instance, if you're allergic to traditional soy (non-GMO), the same will hold for GMO soy.*⁵ 

Long-term studies & research.

Here's another myth about GMO ingredients in nootropics (and other dietary supplements): there isn't enough research to back up their safety and effectiveness.

We believe this myth to be only partially true. There isn't as much research on dietary supplements using GMO ingredients, at least not when compared to the amount of studies available on, let’s say, foods.

That means the long-term health impacts of taking nootropics that contain GMO ingredients haven't been thoroughly researched or understood. And not because of the lack of trying. It's mostly because the technology is relatively new and continuously evolving.

Still unsure which may be best for you? Non-GMO nootropics can be a good choice.

Here's a silver lining: Up to 2022, discerning the GMO status of nootropics was much more challenging without explicit labeling. If a product didn't expressly state it was non-GMO, it was safer to assume otherwise.

At HCF®, we've always adopted a no-compromise approach towards our three brains health and the quality of our nootropics. By steering clear of GMO ingredients, synthetic additives, and potentially harmful fillers, our advanced nootropics prioritize safety and efficacy.*