2EXCIPIENTS
Not All Oils Are Equal: Why Hydrogenated Oils Don't Belong in Your Daily Nootropic
2 min read
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Essentials
- Hydrogenated Oils are often used in softgels, coated tablets, and time-release supplements to achieve desired effects.
- Trans fats have been linked to negative impacts on brain health, potentially affecting memory and other cognitive functions.*
Hydrogenated Oil may spell trouble for the health of your brain network (head, heart, and gut). Why? Because these oils often contain trans fats, which are considered one of the least healthy types of fats. Unlike other dietary fats, trans fats can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL).*
This imbalance may negatively impact your overall health, including the interconnected systems of your brain, heart, and gut.*
Recognizing these potential health hazards, the food industry has proactively phased out trans fats from many products. It's an evident shift towards healthier alternatives. And today, many brands proudly advertise 'zero trans fats' on their labels (which, to be fair, doesn't ALWAYS mean 'zero trans fats,' but it's still a first step in the right direction).*
But if trans fats are being phased out of foods, why do many nootropics still contain Hydrogenated Oils?
That's a great question. To us, it's puzzling why the nootropic industry doesn't follow the food industry's lead.
For example, Hydrogenated Oils can act as fillers in certain softgels, helping to maintain their shape and consistency. In coated tablets and capsules, these oils improve texture and appearance, making the products more palatable and easier to swallow.
Additionally, some time-release nootropics incorporate hydrogenated oils to slow the dissolution rate of the capsules or tablets. This allows for a controlled release of the active nutrients over time.*
Did you know?
While Vitamin E has been extensively studied for its antioxidant properties, some Vitamin E supplements may contain Hydrogenated Oils. It's ironic since many Vitamin E benefits can be exacerbated by the trans fats found in these oils.*1,2,3
Don’t get us wrong. The functional benefits of Hydrogenated Oils in nootropics are clear. But the associated health risks may also be significant.*
That’s why at HCF® we focus on purity, transparency & safety you can trust. We believe the potential long-term impact on health VASTLY outweighs the potential benefits in terms of manufacturing costs.
Here's why Hydrogenated Oils don't belong in your daily nootropic.
Our advanced nootropics are formulated to support not just cognitive function as part of a balanced lifestyle. What we do is a comprehensive approach (as part of our 7 Advances® principles) for optimal brain health that encompasses the interconnected trio of our all three intelligence centers—the head, heart, and gut.*
But, including ingredients like Hydrogenated Oils seems counterproductive. Here's why:
- Potential heart-health concerns: Trans fats have been linked to increased LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, posing heart risks. They can also lower HDL (good cholesterol).*4,5
- Cognitive impact: There's data suggesting that trans fats might negatively impact head-brain health, potentially affecting memory.6 For a quality nootropic, that can be a red flag.*
- Global health recommendations: Big names like the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging a reduction in trans fat intake. That’s some serious 'food for thought' (pun intended)!.*
Why settle? Clean nootropics are the future.
Let's face it: nobody wants to pop a nootropic (or dietary supplement) that can do more harm than good. And definitely, health-conscious consumers don't want their loved ones to be exposed to potentially dangerous additives and excipients either.*
At HCF® we are committed to exploring and utilizing only the best neuro-nutrients with consideration for our customers' diverse wellness journeys. That's why we always strongly advocated for clean-label and transparency when it comes to nootropics. We have done this for many years. Because you deserve to know exactly what you put in your body.
* 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. The contents of this website do not constitute advice and are provided for informational purposes only. See our full medical disclaimer
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Meet Our Experts

Chrissy Arsenault MBA, RDN, CPT
Author, Linkedin
Author, Linkedin
Chrissy Arsenault is a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience specializing in the integration of high nutrient absorption and clean label innovation, surpassing conventional industry standards. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University, an MBA from Indiana University, and is a Certified Personal Trainer and powerlifting athlete. As a nationally recognized nutrition expert, she has been interviewed by top news outlets and counsels clients on a variety of health issues.