Focus Excel

Focus Excel Review

Focus Excel is a nootropic supplement that, as the name suggests, is designed to aid with focus, as well as mental clarity and general cognitive function.

Focus Excel is manufactured by a company called Hello Life, who primarily sell a range of homeopathic treatments for various ailments. Hello Life are based in the USA, in Michigan. Customers can contact the company using the information provided on the contact us page of the official Hello Life website. Customers outside of the USA are provided with different telephone numbers to call, based upon their location.

What Does Focus Excel Claim To Do?

The manufacturers provide the following description of the product’s benefits:

“With a power-house blend of B vitamins, medicinal-grade botanicals, and micronutrients, Focus Excel is the nutrient blend brains crave. With Focus Excel, enjoy safe, yet potent herbal + nutritive support for optimally healthy brain function, clarity, and focus.

B Vitamins: Known to support a healthy brain, nervous system, and emotional balance. Helps support healthy neurotransmitters.

Cordyceps: A medicinal mushroom that is commonly used to help support energy, immunity, and stamina.

DMAE: (aka Deanol) Essential to choline production and so, supportive of brain and nervous system function.

Eleuthero: (aka Siberian Ginseng) An adaptogen containing chemicals which support the brain and immune system.

Mucuna: (aka Cowhage) A bean-like plant containing L-dopa a precursor to dopamine (the feel good chemical) in the brain.

Gingko: A plant believed to support healthy circulation, support mental function, and help support healthy anxiety management.

Amino & Fatty Acids: Aminos and fatty acids are essential nutrients believed to support healthy brain function.”

Does Focus Excel Work?

There is an incredibly long list of ingredients used in Focus Excel, and whilst some have promising supporting evidence from human trials, other ingredients have little or no clinical support.

The other issue with nootropic ingredients is that much of the available research is geared towards patients with either degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, or patients with traumatic head injuries and memory loss; studies usually do not focus upon cognitive improvements in healthy patients, and so an ingredients effects are just inferred.

Vinpocetine could both help to improve mental energy and memory, but the clinical evidence is generally inadequate, as the trials that have been conducted are extremely limited, biased, and outdated.

There are numerous studies that suggest that Cordyceps could help both brain function and physical performance during exercise. Studies in mice suggest that it could help to improve learning memory. It appears to improve the body’s utilisation of oxygen, which could help the consumer to feel more focused, more awake, and more energetic.

The caffeine that is naturally occurring in guarana can increase energy levels and alertness.

Overall, it appears that Focus Excel could somewhat boost cognitive function, especially focus and alertness. However, this is assuming that the manufacturers have used sufficient doses of each active ingredient, which we cannot prove as the product contains a proprietary formula.

What Are The Ingredients of Focus Excel?

The ingredients found in Focus Excel are detailed below. The product contains a proprietary formula and so no individual ingredient quantities are listed. Ingredient quantities that are listed are per serving of two capsules.

• Niacinamide 10 mg (50% RDA)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) 10 mg (100% RDA)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL) 6 mg (300% RDA)
• Folic Acid 400 mcg (100% RDA)
• Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) 250 mcg (4175% RDA)

Proprietary Herbal Blend 1090 mg

• Cordyceps sinensis (whole plant, 7% cordyceptic acid): This ingredient is a parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillar larvae in some regions of India. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. There is limited evidence linking this ingredient with improved athletic performance and endurance. It may also boost the immune system, improve cognition and act as a mood enhancer. Source
• Guarana seed extract (22% caffeine): Guarana is a seed that naturally contains caffeine. Numerous studies have shown that caffeine boosts energy levels and alertness, as well as mildly boosting the metabolism. The effects shown in studies are small, and some studies are inconclusive. Source
• Phosphatidylserine: Several studies with phosphatidylserine indicate improved cognitive abilities and behaviours, but the studies focused on Alzheimer’s patients; it is possible that these effects could also benefit consumers in general, but there is no real clinical support to support this. The FDA has stated that Phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia in the elderly. Source
• DMAE bitartrate: This ingredient is marketed as a memory and mood enhancer. There is currently little clinical evidence to support this. Source
• L-glutamine: An essential amino acid, which is a building block of protein (muscle). Source
• L-tyrosine: An amino acid that is a building block of protein, this ingredient is found naturally in many foods including meat and dairy products. In existing trials, L-Tyrosine appears to effectively improve cognition and memory during stressful periods. Source
• Eleuthero root extract (8% eleutherosides): More commonly known as Siberian Ginseng. Unfortunately, the clinical trials that suggest that Siberian Ginseng has clear medicinal benefits are either low quality studies in humans, or are from testing in vitro or in animals. Some studies suggest that the plant can help to reduce cognitive declines and boost cognition in general, but the clinical support is far from conclusive, or well tested in human subjects. Source
• Alpha lipoic acid: Appears to suppress the appetite by inhibiting AMPK in the hypothalamus although little research has been conducted in humans at this point. This fatty acid also appears to boost fat burning slightly, although the effects are not as large as the noted suppression of appetite. Source
• Mucuna pruriens seed extract (15% L-DOPA): A bean like plant that has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used for treating anxiety, amongst other things. However, there is little clinical evidence to support its use: the active ingredient is levodopa (l-dopa), which can affect the levels of dopamine in the brain. However, most L-dopa is broken down in the body before it can reach the brain, unless combined with specific chemicals that are not present in Mucuna Pruriens. Source
• Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (8:1): Appears to improve circulation, and may help to kill bacteria in the body that could cause infections, although it is used as an herbal remedy to treat a range of ailments. Source
• 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract: 5HTP is used by the body to make serotonin, which primarily plays a role in regulating mood. Some studies, primarily in animals, have shown that 5HTP reduces the appetite, as well as boosting mood. Source
• White willow bark: Willow bark contains salicin, which acts a painkiller, and is thought to be as effective as aspirin. There is some evidence that when taken in conjunction with kola nut and ephedra, it can cause weight loss. It does not seem to have been tested on its own for weight loss properties. Source
• Glycine
• Vinpocetine (98%): Because it is an entirely synthetic chemical, that requires significant lab-work to produce, there is some debate as to whether this ingredient actually qualifies as a supplement under US and FDA guidelines. Vinpocetine may increase blood flow to the brain, and so may help to treat fatigue and improve memory; despite claims about research being extensive, most research is outdated and uses biased research methods. Source
• Choline bitartrate: Choline supplementation appears to improve attention, and could improve memory, although the dose was much higher than appears to be used here, and the relevant study focused upon the elderly. Choline is required to make increased levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter which is linked with improved learning, memory retention and recall. Source

Does Focus Excel Have Any Side Effects?

There are numerous ingredients used in Focus Excel that could cause a range of side effects.

Vinpocetine can cause some side effects including stomach pain, nausea, sleep disturbances, headache, dizziness, nervousness, and flushing of the face.

Although Tyrosine is tolerated generally in very high doses, it can cause some side effects including nausea, headache, fatigue, heartburn, and joint pain.

Guarana contains naturally occurring caffeine. Consuming large quantities of caffeine can lead to headaches, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, increased urination, dehydration, jitteriness, dizziness, and insomnia.

Side effects that can be caused by DMAE include constipation, itching, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, excitation, vivid dreams, confusion, depression, increased blood pressure, an increase in schizophrenia symptoms, and unwanted movements of the face and mouth.

Side effects of Phosphatidylserine can include insomnia and stomach upset, particularly at doses over 300 mg. It can be made from either plant or animal sources, and so may not be suitable for vegetarians.

Potential side effects of Siberian Ginseng include drowsiness, changes in heart rhythm, sadness, anxiety, muscle spasms, and, when used in high doses, increased blood pressure.

The safety and side effects of Cordyceps have not been well researched in human studies. Reported side effects from cordyceps supplements include nausea, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and mild stomach upset.

Are There Any Customer Reviews For Focus Excel?

There are numerous customer reviews for Focus Excel on the official website. However, many of them are reviewing it in conjunction with another supplement that the manufacturers offer, Synaptol. Therefore it is difficult to establish whether or not Focus Excel is responsible for the benefits noticed by consumers.

Focus Excel is the best. I don’t need to take the serving size – one pill lasts me the whole day. I look forward to being able to have my son use it as he gets older. I think it would be good for him to use in school.

Synaptol and Focus Excel are amazing individually, and even better together! My husband was recently diagnosed with severe adult ADHD. His condition got so bad he continually voiced that he felt like he couldn’t function. He then started having trouble doing basic, everday things. Not wanting to take drugs every day with nasty side effects, we began looking into alternative solutions. I found Synaptol effortlessly through Google, and although I loved the testimonies I was still hesitant. Lacking hope and choices, I purchased 3 bottles of Synaptol and 1 bottle of Focus Excel. Although it has proved to be a somewhat expensive endeavor, these products have proven themselves to be worth every saved penny! Within one day of taking both products my husband could function, focus, and be successful at his job and at home! These products are a God-send. I since then have made sure we have a year supply on hand! **

Excellent product and excellent customer service. Thank you!

Hello, Synaptol is performing wonderfully and the Focus Excel is great. I must apologize for saying that the Synaptol didn’t work – obviously, I had not given the supplements enough time to work. My grandson is taking his Synaptol daily. He says that he gets sleepy after about four hours, but I’m sure he and his parents will work out an energy booster for him to curb the slump. I will order more when I’m financially able. Thank you!”

Does Focus Excel Offer a Money-Back Guarantee?

The manufacturers of Focus Excel offer a 60 day satisfaction guarantee, but only on a customer’s first purchase. They state:

“We offer our first time customers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on their first order placed with us. Any follow up purchase of the same product(s) after your first purchase is not covered by the guarantee. Your second purchase is a clear and final indication that you accept the product(s) as-is.

Because we ask you to give our products a minimum of one month’s use, we do not accept returns until this 30-day period has been completed. If you are not totally satisfied after at least 30 days of using the product, you may request a refund.

You have 60 days from when your product was shipped to request a Return Merchandise Authorization for a refund. We do not issue RMA numbers past this 60 day period.

There is no fee for returns qualifying for our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Also, we do not refund any shipping charges.

Call our Customer Service at 866-504-7557 in the U.S. or 616-551-4246 outside of the U.S. to receive your RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number. Display this number visibly on the outside of the return package. Packages sent to us without a visible RMA number will not be accepted and will be discarded.”

Full terms and conditions can be viewed on the Hello Life official website. There are some restrictions and loopholes, so read through them carefully before contacting the company.

Where Can I Buy Focus Excel?

Focus Excel can be purchased from the official Hello Life website. A single bottle costs $29.95, whilst an order of two bottles costs $54.95. A ‘family pack’ containing four bottles costs $94.00.

Customers can also purchase a bulk deal of two bottles of Focus Excel and two bottles of Synaptol for $88.00.

Shipping charges may apply. Customers are given a choice between Saver $2.95 US, Standard $9.95 US, $29.95 Standard International (with Tracking) and $14.95 International Saver (No Tracking).