The Science behind FoodFor™
FoodFor™ is a science-driven formula that supports your cognitive performance and mental wellbeing.
Leveraging hard neuroscience to deliver the strongest possible effects in a convenient way. No waiting. No additional routines. No overdosing. No bullshit.
Our Philosophy
Our approach to support cognitive performance and mental wellbeing is unique: we target specific neuronal pathways in the brain (i.e. Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA, and ATP). These pathways regulate a specific function, like Focus (via Dopamine), Mood (via Serotonin), Calmness (via GABA), and Energy (via ATP).
Each ingredient in our shots is carefully chosen to support key activities like neurotransmitter production, storage, transmission and release. Our solutions therefore contain essential vitamins, minerals, botanicals and amino acids that your brain needs for you to get the job done now!
We are proud of our science, and so we are very transparent about our ingredients and our approach.
The dopamine pathway is the key neurotransmitter regulating attention and focus in the brain.
What happens when Dopamine levels are too low?
Reduced levels of dopamine have been linked to conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as it plays a vital role in the regulating focus, sustaining attention on tasks and maintain motivation to pursue that task. Within this scope, low levels can result in slower processing speeds, making it harder to think quickly and respond to information in a timely manner.
Production
Precursor: The amino acid tyrosine, obtained from the diet or synthesized from phenylalanine, is the precursor to dopamine.
Conversion: Tyrosine is converted into L-DOPA by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, and L-DOPA is then converted into dopamine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.
Storage and Transmission
Dopamine is stored in synaptic vesicles within the presynaptic neuron.
Upon stimulation, dopamine is released into the synaptic cleft.
Release
Receptors: Dopamine binds to dopamine receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. There are five main types of dopamine receptors (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5), which have different effects on the neuron.
Function: Adequate levels of dopamine release and receptor binding are essential for channeling attention and promoting motivation – both if which are key to memory formation. with a stable and positive mood.
Regulation
The availability of L-Tyrosin, the activity of enzymes like tyrosine hydroxylase, and the functioning of dopamine receptors all play a role in regulating dopamine levels and activity in the brain.
Dopamine fun fact
Dopamine also plays a surprising role in regulating movement and coordination during fine-tuning motor activity. Adequate dopamine levels are thus important to ensure the timely and smooth execution of fine motor tasks, such as writing, hand-eye coordination or using the appropriate amount of strength to move an object.
Understanding clinical relevance
The most common pharmacological treatments for ADHD are methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall). These medications increase dopamine levels in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine or promoting its release. By enhancing dopamine availability, these drugs help improve attention, focus, and behavioral control in individuals with ADHD.
What happens when serotonin levels are too low?
Reduced levels of serotonin have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The exact mechanism is complex, but it is believed that insufficient serotonin levels can lead to reduced communication between neurons in areas of the brain that regulate mood and emotion, contributing to symptoms of these disorders.
Production
Precursor: The amino acid L-tryptophan, obtained from the diet, is the precursor to serotonin.
Conversion: L-tryptophan is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. 5-HTP is then converted into serotonin (5-HT) by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.
Storage and Transmission
Serotonin is stored in vesicles within the presynaptic neurons.
Upon stimulation, serotonin is released into the synaptic cleft (the space between neurons).
Release
Receptors: Serotonin binds to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. There are several types of serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3, and others, each mediating different effects.
Functions: Serotonin is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter because of its role in promoting feelings of well-being and happiness. Adequate levels of serotonin release and receptor binding are associated with a stable and positive mood.
Regulation
The availability of L-tryptophan, the activity of enzymes like tryptophan hydroxylase and the functioning of serotonin receptors all play a role in regulating serotonin levels and activity in the brain.
Serotonin fun fact
Serotonin is not only found in the brain but also in the digestive system! This "gut serotonin" plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal movements and can influence how we digest food. This interesting brain-gut connection is part of why the gut is often referred to as the "second brain,“ and highlights the fascinating interplay between our digestive and nervous systems
Understanding clinical relevance
The most common class of antidepressant medications, known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This increased availability helps enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
What happens when ATP levels are too low?
Insufficient ATP production or ATP depletion due to excessive usage can lead to neuronal dysfunction and death as observed in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. ATP is additionally involved in the production of glutathione, a key antioxidant that protects neurons from oxidative stress and damage.
Production
ATP is produced through cellular respiration in the mitochondria of neurons.
Source: Nutrients obtained via your diet are broken down into pyruvate, which together with ADP are essential inputs for ATP generation.
Conversion: Pyruvate supports the conversion of ADP of ATP by the enzyme ATP synthase.
Storage and Transmission
Pyruvate and ADP are not stored in the brain in large quantities. Instead, they exist in a dynamic equilibrium constantly being converted back and forth depending on the neuron's energy needs.
Release
Function: ATP is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis in neurons, ensuring that energy supply meets the high demands of brain activity. By providing a rapid source of energy, ATP is essential for fueling the various processes involved in neuronal activity, including neurotransmitter synthesis, and the release and recycling of neurotransmitters at synapses.
Regulation
The availability of pyruvate, ADP and the activity of ATPS synthase play a role in regulating ATP levels and energy in the brain.
ATP fun fact
The brain consumes about 20% of the body's total energy, despite representing only about 2% of the body's weight.
Understanding Clinical Relevance
What happens when GABA levels are too low?
Reduced levels of GABA have been linked to insomnia and anxiety, as it functions to inhibit excessive neuronal firing. With low GABA levels, this inhibitory effect is diminished, leading to heightened neural excitability and increased arousal, which makes it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
Production
Precursor: The amino acids L-glutamic acid or L-glutamine, obtained from the diet, is the precursor to dopamine.
Conversion: L-glutamic acid or L-glutamine is converted to GABA by the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD).
Storage and Transmission
GABA is stored in synaptic vesicles within the presynaptic neuron.
Upon stimulation, dopamine is released into the synaptic cleft.
Action
Receptors: GABA binds to GABAergic receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. There are 2 main types of GABAergic receptors (GABA Type A and GABA Type B receptors), which have different effects on the neuron.
Function: The binding of GABA to its receptors results in the inhibition of activity in the postsynaptic neuron, thereby preventing over-excitation and exerting a calming effect on the brain.
Regulation
The availability of both GABA precursors, the activity of enzymes like enzyme glutamate decarboxylase, and the functioning of GABA receptors all play a role in regulating GABA levels and activity in the brain.
GABA fun fact
GABA not only plays a role in the brain but also in the pancreas! Here, GABA not only supports the health and function of pancreatic cells, but also helps to reduce insulin secretion. High insulin levels can cause symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and restlessness, which contribute to hyperactivity. This dual role highlights GABA's versatility thus not only relaxing your brain, but also your body.
Understanding Clinical Relevance
The most common pharmacological treatments for insomnia or anxiety are benzodiazepines. These medications enhance the effect of GABA at GABA Type A receptors, whereby increasing the inhibitory action of GABA. This effect enables the brain to effectively wind down and initiate & maintain sleep.
Improved long-term effects with consecutive use
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Stay Sharp Stay Steady
Consistent intake of amino acids that act as neurotransmitter precursors is essential, as the brain doesn’t store them for future use. Regular use ensures a steady supply to meet increased mental demands and support optimal brain function, especially during times of stress.
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Built Up To Last Long
Certain herbal ingredients, like valerian and sage leaf, need time to build up in the body for optimal effectiveness. Regular use allows these ingredients to gradually build up and support neuronal pathway function, creating lasting benefits.
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Stress-Proof Support
Some of our herbal ingredients, like ashwagandha and ginseng, are adaptogens that help the body gradually adapt to stress and maintain balance. Their effects build over time, working steadily to restore equilibrium.
The benefits of taking FoodFor™
Our team has selected each ingredient based on its proven efficacy in cognitive performance, while making sure your body can easily and quickly absorb them-
Vitamins
Vitamins protect from inflammation to support brain health and cognitive function
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Minerals
Minerals support neurotransmitter production and oxygen transport to the brain to enhance mental clarity
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Amino Acids
Amino Acid boost neurotransmitter production to optimize cognitive performance and mood
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Botanicals
Plant-based compounds that shield the brain from stress, fostering resilience and overall health
FAQs
Don't take it from us.
Hear it from our customers
Don't take it from us. Hear it from our customers
