Welcome to the iQ Lab
Where Science Meets Cognitive Performance
At iQ Health, every decision from the ingredients we choose to the way we formulate our products is grounded in science. The iQ Lab is where we break down the research, share the evidence, and show you exactly how our products help you think clearer, focus longer, and perform at your peak.
We don’t follow trends. We follow data.
Our commitment to research-backed innovation comes from experience. iQ Health was founded by two industry veterans who’ve spent their careers building some of the most successful and cutting-edge sports nutrition brands in the world.
Now, we’re bringing that expertise to a new challenge: developing next-generation health solutions designed to enhance Productivity and Cognitive Performance.
This is the iQ Lab.
Effective Ingredients
Every iQ HEALTH formulation begins with a fundamental principle: only include what works, at the correct dosage.
Our approach is grounded in nutritional neuroscience, human performance research, and a deep understanding of ingredient pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Each compound is selected based on its mechanism of action, its clinical efficacy in peer-reviewed trials, and its ability to function synergistically within our product matrix.
We prioritise:
- Clinically validated dosages
- Bioavailable forms for maximum absorption
- Cognitive effect size in healthy populations
- Complementary interactions across compounds
We avoid underdosed ingredients, filler compounds, or anything included for label appeal alone. From nootropics to adaptogens, electrolytes to neural modulators, every element in our formulations plays a precise, evidence-backed role in supporting cognitive performance, mental clarity, hydration, stress regulation, memory, and focus.
The profiles below outline the ingredients featured in our first product, HYDRATiQ, along with the scientific rationale behind their inclusion.
Each one contributes meaningfully to our goal: helping high-performing individuals unlock their cognitive potential.
ELECTROLYTE
Potassium (300mg)
Function:
Supports cellular hydration, neuromuscular function, and mental performance under stress.
Scientific Rationale:
Potassium is a key intracellular electrolyte that regulates osmotic balance, fluid distribution, and neuronal excitability. It plays a vital role in maintaining resting membrane potential and enabling signal transmission between neurons and muscle fibers. In conditions of dehydration or cognitive fatigue, suboptimal potassium levels can impair cognitive clarity, focus, and physical coordination.
Formulation:
Included to support efficient hydration and neurological stability, particularly under cognitive or physical stress.
ELECTROLYTE
Sodium (250mg)
Function:
Drives optimal hydration, fluid balance, and supports rapid cognitive response.
Scientific Rationale:
Sodium is the principal extracellular electrolyte responsible for maintaining plasma volume, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. It is essential for sodium-potassium ATPase activity, which powers neuronal function and supports fast, accurate signal transmission in the brain. Inadequate sodium intake—especially post-sweat loss or during prolonged focus—can result in brain fog, reduced cognitive speed, and decreased reaction time.
Formulation:
Precisely dosed to replenish sodium lost through mild dehydration, without excess sodium load.
ELECTROLYTE
Magnesium (100mg)
Function:
Regulates neurotransmitter activity, energy metabolism, and stress resilience.
Scientific Rationale:
Magnesium acts as a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, many of which are critical to brain function. It modulates glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling, making it essential for maintaining mental balance, sleep quality, and cognitive control. Magnesium also contributes to ATP production, influencing neuronal energy supply and synaptic plasticity. Deficiency has been associated with fatigue, irritability, and reduced mental stamina.
Formulation:
Used in a bioavailable form to support calm energy and cognitive endurance.
ENERGY
Natural Caffeine (75mg)
Function:
Enhances alertness, cognitive processing speed, and sustained mental energy.
Scientific Rationale:
Caffeine acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist, reducing perceptions of fatigue and increasing neuronal firing. This leads to improvements in reaction time, sustained attention, and working memory, particularly during periods of low arousal or sleep deprivation. Caffeine from natural sources such as green tea may also co-deliver polyphenols that modulate its absorption and reduce jitter-related side effects.
Formulation:
Selected for its clean stimulation profile and synergistic interaction with L-Theanine for balanced, focused energy.
NOOTROPIC
L-Theanine (150mg)
Function:
Promotes calm focus, reduces cognitive stress, and improves attention regulation.
Scientific Rationale:
L-Theanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid known to increase alpha brain wave activity, associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. It modulates the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, resulting in improved mood, focus, and resilience to stress. In combination with caffeine, L-Theanine has been shown in human trials to reduce mental fatigue and increase task accuracy without sedation.
Formulation:
Included to create a balanced cognitive experience, counteracting overstimulation and enhancing flow state performance.
NOOTROPIC
Citicoline (250mg)
Function:
Supports memory, focus, mental clarity, and neuroprotection.
Scientific Rationale:
Citicoline is a choline donor and uridine source involved in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a key component of neural membranes. It also enhances acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter critical for learning, attention, and executive function. Clinical studies have demonstrated its role in improving cognitive speed, memory recall, and brain energy metabolism.
Formulation:
Included at an efficacious dose to support neurostructural integrity and cognitive enhancement across demanding mental tasks.
NOOTROPIC
Bacopa Monnieri (Standardised Extract)
Function:
Improves memory retention, learning speed, and processing efficiency.
Scientific Rationale:
Bacopa is an adaptogenic herb used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to support intellectual function and stress adaptation. Modern studies have shown that its active compounds, bacosides, enhance synaptic transmission and neural communication, while also providing antioxidant neuroprotection. Long-term supplementation has been linked to improvements in delayed recall, information retention, and mental clarity.
Formulation:
Standardised for active bacosides to deliver consistent, clinically supported cognitive effects.
Supporting Science Studies
At iQ Health, every product we create is built on a foundation of published research and clinical data.
Our goal isn’t just to use ingredients that sound good; we select compounds that are proven to enhance cognitive performance in real-world settings, and we formulate them at doses that reflect what works in the literature.
Each ingredient that goes into our products has been chosen based on peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses that support its role in mental performance.
We don’t rely on outdated data or marketing-driven science; we use findings from current, high-quality studies in human populations. Below, we’ve outlined the core ingredients in HYDRATiQ and the research that underpins them.
EXPLORE SCIENCE STUDIES
HYDRATiQ
HYDRATION
Hydration and cognitive function
INGREDIENT:
Water
SUMMARY:
In 12 young men, 36 hours without water (∼2% body weight loss) impaired mood and short-term memory. After drinking 1.5 L of water, fatigue decreased and cognitive test scores (digit span, symbol substitution, mental work) improved
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Improved attention, short-term memory, reaction time; reduced fatigue
DURATION:
Acute (36 h dehydration, then immediate rehydration)
Read the full study here:
Rehydration effects of Electrolyte Solution
INGREDIENT:
Electrolytes
SUMMARY:
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition compared the rehydration effects of water, a sports drink, and an oral rehydration solution (ORS) in athletes who had lost approximately 2.6% of their body mass through exercise. The results indicated that both the sports drink and the ORS were more effective than water in promoting fluid retention over a 3.5-hour recovery period. Notably, the ORS suppressed urine production more significantly in the first hour post-ingestion, suggesting a more rapid rehydration effect.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Electrolyte Solutions promote greater re-hydration which supports cognitive function
DURATION:
Immediate
Read the full study here:
Dehydration impairs Mood & Cognitive Function
INGREDIENT:
Electrolytes
SUMMARY:
In 26 young men, ~1.6% dehydration via exercise impaired vigilance and working memory (more errors, slower responses). Dehydration also increased fatigue and anxiety.
Maintaining hydration prevented these cognitive lapses, highlighting that even mild water loss degrades mental performance.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Maintained vigilance and working memory speed; lower fatigue/anxiety
DURATION:
Acute (exercise dehydration)
Read the full study here:
Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance and mood of men
Hydration & Cognitive Function after exercise
INGREDIENT:
Electrolytes
SUMMARY:
A study had men dehydrated ~2.8% by heat or exercise, then rehydrated with an electrolyte–glucose drink equal to lost fluid. Dehydration impaired perceptive discrimination and short-term memory, and increased fatigue. Rehydration restored cognitive scores within ~3 hours, suggesting electrolyte fluids rapidly normalize brain function.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Restored short-term memory and perceptual attention; reduced fatigue
DURATION:
Acute (post-dehydration rehydration)
Read the full study here:
Effects of fluid ingestion on cognitive function after heat stress or exercise-induced dehydration
Silicon-rich water & Alzheimer's Disease
INGREDIENT:
Bamboo Silica
SUMMARY:
In Alzheimer’s patients, drinking 1 L/day of silica-rich mineral water for 12 weeks helped remove aluminum via urine and led to clinically relevant cognitive improvements in 3 of 15 patients. No adverse effects on essential minerals were noted. Hydration with silicon-rich water might slow cognitive decline via toxin reduction.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Slight improvement in memory/communication in some Alzheimer’s patients
DURATION:
Chronic (12 weeks)
Read the full study here:
COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
Citicoline & Memory Function
INGREDIENT:
Citicoline
SUMMARY:
12-week RCT in 100 older adults with age-related memory issues showed citicoline significantly improved memory. Episodic memory scores (paired recall) and a composite memory index increased more in the citicoline group than placebo. No serious side effects occurred, suggesting citicoline safely enhances memory in aging.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Improved episodic memory (recall of word pairs); higher overall memory performance
DURATION:
Chronic (12 weeks daily)
Read the full study here:
Citicoline & Motor Speed and Attention
INGREDIENT:
Citicoline
SUMMARY:
This study on adolescents observed that supplementation with Citicoline improved attention, psychomotor speed, and reduced impulsivity compared to adolescent males who received placebo.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Improved attention and psychomotor speed.
DURATION:
Chronic
Read the full study here:
The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males
Citicoline & Memory Performance
INGREDIENT:
Citicoline
SUMMARY:
Results indicated that citicoline in comparison with placebo improves memory in free recall tasks. A significant improvement in word recall, immediate object recall and delayed object recall was observed after citicoline treatment.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Suggest that this compound may improve memory by acting on mechanisms of brain neurotropism and cerebrovascular regulation. According to the present results, showing that citicoline improves memory performance in elderly subjects, we concluded that this molecule is suitable for the treatment of memory deficits in old people.
DURATION:
4 weeks
Read the full study here:
Bacopa Monnieri & Attention, Cognitive Processing and Function
INGREDIENT:
Bacopa Monnieri
SUMMARY:
A 12-week trial in 60 elderly (mean 62y) found Bacopa enhanced several cognitive domains. The Bacopa group showed better working memory and faster information processing (shorter P300 brain wave latency) than placebo. Bacopa also inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, indicating a possible mechanism for its nootropic effect.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Improved working memory accuracy; faster cognitive processing (quicker neural responses)
DURATION:
Chronic (12 weeks daily)
Read the full study here:
Bacopa Monnieri & Cognitive Performance
INGREDIENT:
Bacopa Monnieri
SUMMARY:
In a 12-week placebo-controlled study of 54 adults (mean age 73.5), those taking Bacopa had significant gains in memory. They improved delayed recall of word lists and had quicker Stroop test reaction times, whereas the placebo group did not. Bacopa users also reported less anxiety and depression than placebo.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Improved long-term memory retention (delayed recall); faster attention/executive processing (Stroop reaction)
DURATION:
Chronic (12 weeks)
Read the full study here:
ENERGY
Caffeine & Cognitive and Occupational Performance
INGREDIENT:
75mg Caffeine
SUMMARY:
In rested adults, as little as 75 mg caffeine increased alertness. A classic study found both 75 mg and 150 mg doses made people feel more awake whether or not they were sleep-deprived. This established that even a small cup of coffee can significantly boost subjective energy and vigilance.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Increased alertness and wakefulness
DURATION:
Acute (single dose)
Read the full study here:
A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance
Caffeine & Cognitive Performance and Mood with Sleep Deprivation
INGREDIENT:
Caffeine
SUMMARY:
U.S. Army research on sleep-deprived soldiers showed 200 mg caffeine restored reaction speed and vigilance to near-rested levels. Caffeine significantly reduced fatigue-related performance decline during overnight operations. This evidence underpins caffeine’s use as a safe stimulant to maintain cognitive performance when tired.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Maintained reaction time, vigilance; reduced fatigue
DURATION:
Acute (overnight sleep deprivation)
Read the full study here:
Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans
Caffeine & Cognitive Performance
INGREDIENT:
Caffeine
SUMMARY:
A 2021 trial in e-sports athletes found caffeine (~3 mg/kg) improved both cognitive function and motor performance. Players who took caffeine had faster target detection and improved accuracy in a shooting task, with effects lasting at least 3 hours. They also reported feeling less mentally fatigued during play.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Faster reaction time and decision-making; sustained alertness under prolonged task
DURATION:
Acute (single dose in competition)
Read the full study here:
Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on hit accuracy and reaction time in professional e-sports players
Caffeine + L-Theanine & Cognitive Performance
INGREDIENT:
Caffeine + L-Theanine
SUMMARY:
Young adults given 40 mg caffeine plus 97 mg L-theanine showed heightened alertness and reduced tiredness during cognitive testing. The combination significantly improved task-switching accuracy and self-reported alertness compared to placebo. L-theanine blunted caffeine’s jitteriness, resulting in smooth energy and focused mental energy.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Increased alertness, reduced mental fatigue; improved focus with calm energy
DURATION:
Acute (20–70 min post-dose)
Read the full study here:
Magnesium + Vitamin B6 on Mental Energy
INGREDIENT:
Magnesium + Vitamin B6
SUMMARY:
An 8-week trial in 264 adults with fatigue found magnesium (100 mg) plus vitamin B6 reduced subjective tiredness by ~50% vs. placebo. Magnesium is pivotal in ATP energy production, and supplementation in those with low magnesium improved their physical and mental energy levels.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Reduced fatigue, improved subjective energy levels
DURATION:
Chronic (8 weeks)
Read the full study here:
MENTAL FOCUS
Citicoline & Attention
INGREDIENT:
Citicoline
SUMMARY:
In a 28-day trial with 60 women (40–60y), daily citicoline significantly improved attention on a Continuous Performance Test. Women taking 250 mg made fewer omission errors (missed targets) and commission errors (false alarms) than placebo. Citicoline boosted their ability to sustain focus and inhibit impulsive responses.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Fewer attention lapses; better accuracy on focus task (CPT)
DURATION:
Chronic (4 weeks daily)
Read the full study here:
Improved Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women
L-Theanine and Attention & Response
INGREDIENT:
L-Theanine
SUMMARY:
A study on anxiety-prone adults showed L-theanine (found in tea) sharpened attention. Participants had quicker reaction times and improved attention task performance after taking 200 mg L-theanine, especially those with high anxiety. Theanine’s calming effect likely reduced mind-wandering, allowing better focus without sedation.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Faster reaction time; improved attention in high-anxiety individuals
DURATION:
Acute (single dose)
Read the full study here:
Effects of l-theanine on attention and reaction time response
Caffeine + L-Theanine and Alertness
INGREDIENT:
Caffeine + L-Theanine
SUMMARY:
In a double-blind trial, the caffeine+theanine combo enhanced focus during demanding mental work. Volunteers given ~40 mg caffeine plus 97 mg theanine showed superior task-switching accuracy and mental focus compared to placebo. They also felt more alert and less tired, demonstrating synergy in promoting clear concentration.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Greater focus/accuracy on multi-tasking; increased alertness, reduced mental fatigue
DURATION:
Acute (within 1 hour post-dose)
Read the full study here:
Bacopa Monnieri and Multitasking & Mood
INGREDIENT:
Bacopa Monnieri
SUMMARY:
Besides memory benefits, Bacopa aids attention. In one crossover study, a single 320 mg dose of Bacopa reduced cognitive stress reactivity and improved performance on an attention-switching task. Participants had lower cortisol and better accuracy under a multitasking test after Bacopa, suggesting acute focus enhancement via anxiety reduction.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Improved accuracy on attention-switching; lower stress (cortisol) during tasks
DURATION:
Acute (single dose, 1–2 h)
Read the full study here:
B Vitamin Supplements and Stress & Anxiety
INGREDIENT:
Vitamin B6, B12, Folic Acid
SUMMARY:
A 2019 trial on healthy adults found 4 weeks of daily B6, B12, and folate improved executive attention. Volunteers showed better verbal fluency and mental flexibility on cognitive tests post-supplement. B-vitamins likely aided neurotransmitter synthesis and reduced homocysteine, translating to sharper focus and planning ability.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Enhanced executive function (verbal fluency); improved mental flexibility/attention
DURATION:
Chronic (4 weeks)
Read the full study here:
MENTAL CLARITY
Bacopa Monnieri and Memory
INGREDIENT:
Bacopa Monnieri
SUMMARY:
Another trial in healthy adults noted improved mental clarity with Bacopa. After 90 days, the Bacopa group reported better ability to comprehend and recall information and had higher cognitive test scores, whereas placebo showed no change. This aligns with traditional use of Bacopa for mental sharpness.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Subjective and objective improvement in clarity of thought and recall
DURATION:
Chronic (90 days)
Read the full study here:
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract
Magnesium and Cognition
INGREDIENT:
Magnesium
SUMMARY:
In a pilot study, older adults with cognitive complaints took magnesium L-threonate for 12 weeks. They showed significant gains in executive function and cognitive screening scores vs. placebo. Participants described “clearer thinking,” potentially from increased synaptic density. This suggests magnesium can restore some cognitive clarity in aging.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Better executive function (planning, mental flexibility); self-reported clearer mind
DURATION:
Chronic (12 weeks)
Read the full study here:
Citicoline and Cognition
INGREDIENT:
Citicoline
SUMMARY:
A small 9-month trial in individuals with mild cognitive impairment found citicoline improved overall cognitive status. Memory and orientation scores rose in the citicoline group, giving patients a greater sense of mental clarity in daily activities. No similar improvement occurred in the placebo group.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Improved overall cognition (memory/orientation); better subjective mental clarity
DURATION:
Chronic (9 months)
Read the full study here:
Role of Citicoline in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
L-Theanine and Brain Health
INGREDIENT:
L-Theanine and Caffeine in a 2:1 ratio
SUMMARY:
A neuroimaging study found this combo increased frontal alpha brain waves associated with clear, relaxed thinking. Subjectively, volunteers reported feeling mentally “sharp” yet calm. On cognitive tests, the combination improved accuracy without jitteriness. This indicates enhanced mental clarity (focused alertness) from synergizing caffeine’s alertness with L-theanine’s calm.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Increased relaxed alertness (alpha waves); improved accuracy with clear focus
DURATION:
Acute (within 1 hour)
Read the full study here:
B Vitamin Complex and Mood & Performance
INGREDIENT:
Multivitamins with B12, C minerals
SUMMARY:
In a study of women >50, a daily multivitamin over 8 weeks improved “mental clarity” self-ratings and multitasking performance. Women on multivitamins felt they had less “brain fog” and performed complex tasks (like Stroop test while walking) with fewer errors than before, whereas placebo showed no change.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Reduced self-reported brain fog; improved multitasking cognitive performance
DURATION:
Chronic (8 weeks)
Read the full study here:
STRESS MANAGEMENT
L-Theanine and Stress & Cognitive Function
INGREDIENT:
L-Theanine
SUMMARY:
A 4-week placebo-controlled trial in 30 adults found L-theanine significantly reduced stress-related symptoms Self-reported anxiety and depression scores dropped, and sleep quality improved (faster sleep latency, fewer disturbances). Additionally, cognitive tests showed enhanced executive function (verbal fluency) after L-theanine, likely due to its anxiolytic effects.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Reduced anxiety and stress; improved sleep quality and executive mental function
DURATION:
Chronic (4 weeks daily)
Read the full study here:
L-Theanine and Acute Stress
INGREDIENT:
L-Theanine
SUMMARY:
In an acute stress study, subjects took 200 mg L-theanine before a multitasking challenge. L-theanine blunted the rise in cortisol and heart rate vs placebo, indicating a calmer physiological response. They also made fewer errors under pressure. This demonstrates L-theanine’s immediate stress-reducing and focus-enhancing effect during demanding tasks.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Lowered cortisol and heart rate under stress; improved task performance under pressure
DURATION:
Acute (single dose, pre-stressor)
Read the full study here:
Bacopa Monnieri and Multitasking Stress Reactivity
INGREDIENT:
Bacopa Monnieri
SUMMARY:
An acute crossover trial showed Bacopa’s adaptogenic potential. A single 320 mg dose reduced stress reactivity on a multitasking test. Participants reported feeling less stressed, and salivary cortisol levels were lower than placebo. Bacopa also slightly improved mood post-task, suggesting it helps the brain stay calm during stress.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Reduced acute stress (lower cortisol); calmer mood during cognitive strain
DURATION:
Acute (single dose)
Read the full study here:
Bacopa Monnieri and Memory & Coginitive Skills
INGREDIENT:
Bacopa Monnieri
SUMMARY:
In a 12-week study of 80 adults, Bacopa significantly lowered anxiety and stress scores by trial’s end. The Bacopa group’s cortisol levels dropped and sleep quality improved relative to baseline. These findings support Bacopa’s traditional use as an adaptogen that helps manage chronic stress and anxiety while boosting mood.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Decreased anxiety and cortisol; improved sleep and mood under chronic stress
DURATION:
Chronic (12 weeks)
Read the full study here:
B Vitamins and Subjective Mood & Performance
INGREDIENT:
Vitamin B Complex (High Dosage), Vitamin C, Minerals
SUMMARY:
A 2014 RCT in 60 employees with work stress showed that high-dose B-complex vitamins led to marked reductions in personal strain and confusion compared to placebo. Treated individuals had lower perceived stress (−20% on PSS) and improved mood (higher vigor, less fatigue), highlighting B vitamins’ role in stress resilience.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
Lower perceived stress and confusion; improved mood and energy under work stress
DURATION:
Chronic (8 weeks daily)
Read the full study here: