What's Holding It Together? The Hidden Binders in Nootropic Capsules

When we browse the grocery store aisles, many of us take a few seconds to glance at the ingredient list of the items we select. But do you give your nootropics the same level of scrutiny?

Many of us assume that when we pick up our nootropics, we're just getting the nutrients we want (like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.) Unfortunately, that's not always the case.

When it comes to the 'Other ingredients' added to our nootropics, what we don't know or recognize might actually harm us.*

Lifting the lid on this topic we find a full range of options from the good and the not-so-good. Binders (alongside other additives and excipients) can be one great example.

Why are binders used in the first place?

Binders are inactive substances used in the manufacturing process to help hold the active ingredients (nutrients) together.

Think of them as the 'glue' that helps form a compact mass when pressure is applied (that the capsules or tablets maintain their shape and integrity from production all the way to storage and, ultimately, to you, the consumer).

Without binders, tablets and pressed nootropics can easily break apart, chip, crack, or crumble.

And now, for the tricky part: not all binders are made the same. In fact, many traditional binders have been extensively researched—and some raised valid concerns:

How about alternatives? Can clean label binders offer advantages over traditional binders?

Natural and clean label binders are becoming popular as potentially safer alternatives to many of the traditional binders commonly used in nootropics for decades.*

How so? Simple. As mentioned, ongoing research has associated conventional binders with some potential drawbacks.

For instance, a 2015 study published in Gut Microbes suggests that Maltodextrin may reduce the number of good bacteria and increase the quantity of harmful bacteria in the gut.⁹ This could potentially lead to gut damage and a higher risk of inflammation.*

Natural and clean label binders, on the other hand, are generally safer and less likely to cause these concerns.*¹⁰

Plus, certain clean label binders may enhance the bioavailability of nootropic ingredients, potentially enhancing the efficacy of nootropics.* (Bioavailability is just a fancy term that refers to how well and quickly a nutrient is absorbed into the bloodstream.)

So, binders are the only thing I should look for when choosing a nootropic?

Quick answer: "No." Ever wonder why you would typically pay more for a respected brand instead of opting for a cheaper version?

The truth is, the higher price isn't always just due to marketing expenses. Different nutrient forms have varying degrees of absorption and utilization. In most cases, a quality nutrient will likely cost more.

But here's the catch: unless you know what to look for, it can be challenging to tell if a nootropic contains superior or inferior nutrient forms.

A good rule of thumb is to start by checking a few key nutrients, even if you're not familiar with the entire label. Here's a little something to help you out:

At HCF®, our choices reflect our commitment to delivering the highest quality nootropics.

It's our dedication to the 7 Advances® and clean label principles that drives us to prioritize not only the exclusion of unnecessary fillers, binders, and additives but also the optimal delivery of neuro-nutrients. This commitment is why we have chosen the natural, vegan-friendly Gellan Gum.

Our Compact size 0 Gellan Gum capsules go beyond being mere containers—they are an important component in enhancing the efficacy of our nootropic and nutrient formulations.*