Nootropic Supplements and Exercise: Patterns and Perceptions of Cognitive Enhancer Use in Physically Active Individuals

'Nootropic' describes compounds that enhance cognition. Dietary supplement companies leverage this concept as a descriptor for product marketing. Given that half of all American adults, as well as many active individuals, use a dietary supplement, the purpose of this study was to explore nootropic use in physically active individuals. Nootropic use was evaluated <i>via</i> an online survey. Preferred nootropics, dose, frequency, reasons for use, and perceived effects were evaluated. In total, 152 individuals (men <i>n</i> = 86, women <i>n</i> = 64, other <i>n</i> = 2; mean ± SD age = 27.42 ± 7.66) were eligible for analysis. Means, standard deviations, and percentages were determined, and chi-square (χ²) tests of independence were used to determine significant associations related to nootropic type, exercise characteristics, use tendencies, and perceived positive or negative effects (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Thirty-six nootropics were reported, with caffeine (21.7%, <i>n</i> = 122), creatine (9.8%, <i>n</i> = 55), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, Omega 3) (7.0%, <i>n</i> = 39), L-theanine and nicotine (both 6.6%, <i>n</i> = 37), and ashwagandha (6.1%, <i>n</i> = 34) the most frequently used. The most common reason for use was to increase energy and motivation (34.8%, <i>n</i> = 81). Those who predominantly engaged in weight training were more likely to use amino acids, peptides, and their derivatives (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Those who use their respective nootropics more frequently perceived the nootropic to be more effective (<i>p</i> < 0.001). This survey suggests that nootropic use is common in active individuals for diverse reasons that go beyond cognition enhancement.