The Building Blocks of Life: The Lifelong Impact of Nootropic Micronutrients

Global soils are deteriorating at a shocking rate. Studies suggest that about a third of the Earth's soils are currently degraded in some way, and this number could soar to 90% by 2050.¹

The fewer micronutrients in this more deficient soil, the lower the nutritional value of the food grown. If we keep going down this path, not only will we produce less food, but that food will also be less nutritious.*²

For example, just one tomato from the 1940s was rich in Copper. Now, you'd have to eat 10 tomatoes to get a similar intake of this mineral!*

So what does that mean?

It means that, unfortunately, we're dealing with the most micronutrient-depleted diet in history—as much as 50% of all Americans may be deficient in at least some critical micronutrients.*³

But it's not just about soil depletion. Our diets also may lack diversity, with around 75% of Americans not eating enough vegetables and fruits.*⁴

Instead, most of our calories come from refined forms of commodity crops like wheat, corn, and soy. These are typically low in essential micronutrients and may not be enough to support optimal brain health.*

Simply put, when we consider the overall health of our brain system (Head, Heart, and Gut), we may need to look beyond macronutrients—fats, proteins, and carbs—to consider other factors as well.*

How does this relate to getting more micronutrients?

Did you know your body has around 37 trillion cells? That's massive. And each cell contains thousands of mitochondria—the "batteries" that store proteins and produce ATP (the energy that powers all cellular activities).

But your body needs a constant supply of micronutrients to keep these molecular machines running smoothly. For example, vitamins and minerals are important for building and maintaining the proteins and enzymes within your mitochondria.*⁵

(!) Without enough micronutrients, your mitochondria may not function effectively. What may happen then? Likely reduced energy production and impaired cellular function.*

In other words, the quality and quantity of the micronutrients you get may directly affect how well your cells produce energy and perform their vital functions.*

So, getting enough of these nutrients is important to keep your body—and especially your brain system—working at its best.*

Organic foods? That might not be enough, either.

When nutrients aren't in the soil, they aren't in the crops we eat. So, even if you're loading up on vegetables and grains, they might not be as nutritious as you think.*

Plus, how our food is processed these days is a big factor.

Manufacturers often strip away nutrient-rich parts (like the bran in whole grains) to make food last longer and look more appealing. Instead, they may add preservatives (and other additives) to keep food fresh.*

However, these processes may degrade its nutritional value.*

High temperatures used in food processing can also destroy sensitive nutrients (such as Vitamin C, most B vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids, probiotics, and even some amino acids).*

Did you know?

Magnesium, an important micronutrient for cognitive health, is now often deficient in many common foods due to soil degradation. This deficiency may be linked to increased anxiousness challenges, emotional imbalance, and cognitive challenges.*

A potential solution? Some research suggests that only biodynamic farming (not just organic) can really address this problem because biodynamic practices actively replenish the soil.^6,7,8 While organic foods have fewer pesticides and herbicides, they aren't necessarily higher in nutrients.*

Your brain needs a steady supply of micronutrients to function properly.*

An important (and often overlooked) consequence of all these is the impact on our gut-brain axis. And how not getting enough micronutrients may affect gut health, which, in turn, may impact mental health.*^9,10

A healthy gut relies on a rich supply of micronutrients to maintain its complex ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms.*

(!) When our diet lacks essential nutrients (due to depleted soils or sterile manufacturing processes), it may disrupt the balance of our gut microbiome.¹¹ This disruption may lead to inflammation and a less effective gut barrier, both of which may contribute to mental health challenges.*

Even if you're eating what seems like a balanced diet, you might still be missing out on these essential nutrients due to how food is grown and processed today.

To potentially bridge this gap, many turn to nootropics (and dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, micro-elements, and antioxidants).*

But here's the thing: the content and quality of these products can vary. Significantly.*

Why bioavailable neuro-nutrients may help bridge the nutritional gap.*

At HCF®, we use bioavailable neuro-nutrient forms (including bioactive, methylated, coenzymatic, and chelated vitamins and minerals). Why? Because they are typically better absorbed and more effective.*

Plus, we use pioneering technologies (like time-release microbeads and oil infusions), which may improve nutrient absorption even further compared to traditional dietary supplements and nootropics.*

Oh, and one more thing: HCF®'s advanced nootropic technology is designed to do more than just support cognitive health.*

Our unique approach focuses on feeding and nourishing the entire brain system—the Head (cognitive functions), Heart (emotions), and Gut (digestion and overall well-being).*

We believe this more holistic approach is important because our brain system operates as an interconnected ecosystem, where each part can influence the others.*