Thesis Motivation Review
Motivation is a Thesis nootropic product sold on the Thesis website. The page presents it as a formula for energy and productivity, designed to optimise dopamine signalling and support neurotransmitter balance, the processes the brand says keep the brain energised and heighten awareness. The page offers a one time purchase at $129 and subscription options for one, two and three month supplies, with the three month supply marked as the best value at a lower monthly rate. Shipping is free, there is a 30 day money back guarantee, and subscribers receive free gifts. The page lists a set of key ingredients, including Dynamine (Methylliberine) which it says enhances energy, TeaCrine Theacrine which supports focus, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine which supports mental resilience, Fermented Salidrosides which support mitochondrial function, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6) which assists neurotransmitter synthesis, Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) which is essential for mitochondrial energy metabolism, Camellia sinensis L-Theanine which reduces jitters, and Caffeine Anhydrous which promotes focus and energy. The brand lists its quality claims as quality guaranteed, third-party tested, no unnecessary fillers, non-GMO and game-changing results. The page describes a timeline of effects, from an initial boost in energy and drive in week one, to more momentum and less procrastination by month one, to staying motivated under pressure by month three, and sustained motivation by month six, with a note that results may vary. The page also presents a customer survey, stating that 84 percent of people were more likely to start or complete a task and that 79 percent felt more ambitious and able to take on a difficult task. The page notes that these claims are based on a previous version of the formula, that the formula has since been updated, and that a new study of the current formula is planned. The brand states that every formula is tested for microorganisms, active ingredient amounts, heavy metals and pesticide residues, and that all results are shown as passed on the page. The page is part of a wider Thesis range and invites visitors to take a quiz to find their best formula.
Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only77 human studies · 47 improved
8 of these 77 human studies gave the ingredient by drip, injection or inhaler, not by mouth.
The energy evidence for this product rests mostly on caffeine, which is present at a full dose of 100 milligrams. In a controlled trial, a single 86 milligram dose raised energetic mood and sped reaction time [1]. Reviews of many trials found that caffeine improved self-reported energy, mood and attention during exercise [2] and helped endurance [3][4][5]. Larger doses of 200 to 400 milligrams reduced boredom and fatigue during repetitive tasks [6]. Dynamine, also at its studied dose of 100 milligrams, raised feelings of energy, concentration and mood in one small, short trial, without changing heart rate or blood pressure [7]. L-theanine on its own did not reduce fatigue [8], but when paired with caffeine it lowered tiredness and raised alertness [9][10]. For vitamin B12, the strongest studies found no benefit for energy or mood in people without a deficiency [11]. L-phenylalanine is here at 500 milligrams, far below the 12.5 grams that helped exercise endurance in a small study [12]. Forskolin showed only a non-significant trend toward less fatigue in one small trial [13]. Artichoke extract has no human studies for energy. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 77 studies →Hide the studies
- Across 16 randomized trials with 6276 people without severe deficiency, vitamin B12 did not improve thinking or depression, and only one study looked at fatigue so it could not be analyzed.Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Met…
- Across 31 randomized trials with 1168 people, L-theanine (a single 200 mg dose) improved attention and choice reaction time but had no significant effect on fatigue compared with placebo.Cognitive and affective effects of L-Theanine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials.
- In a meta-analysis of 21 trials involving 254 recreational and trained runners, acute intake of 3 to 9 milligrams per kilogram of caffeine improved running time to exhaustion and reduced the time needed to complete endurance running time trials compared to placebo.Effects of Caffeine Intake on Endurance Running Performance and Time to Exhaustion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysi…
- Across 11 trials with 234 participants, taking caffeine combined with taurine improved time to exhaustion, increased peak anaerobic power, and reduced perceived exertion compared to placebo.Effects of Caffeine-Taurine Co-Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- A meta-analysis of 40 double-blind studies found that caffeine ingestion improved overall exercise test outcomes by 12.3 percent compared to placebo, especially during endurance and time-to-exhaustion tests.Effects of caffeine ingestion on exercise testing: a meta-analysis.
- A review of 13 crossover studies found that taking a low to moderate dose of caffeine before or during exercise improved attention, accuracy, speed, mood, and self-reported energy compared to placebo.Caffeine and Cognitive Functions in Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- In a review of 55 trials on combat sports, taking 5 to 10 milligrams per kilogram of caffeine improved energy production, time to exhaustion, power, handgrip strength, reaction time, and the number of attacks.Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- A systematic review of 23 articles examining beetroot juice for endurance in athletes noted that its positive effects on cardiorespiratory endurance could potentially be undermined when combined with caffeine.Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review.
- In a systematic review of 12 randomized controlled studies, consuming energy drinks with alcohol counteracted alcohol-related fatigue, weakness, and simple cognitive deficits, though it increased impulsivity.Acute impact of caffeinated alcoholic beverages on cognition: A systematic review.
- In a systematic review of 17 studies, caffeine consistently improved marksman reaction time and showed some evidence of reducing fatigue-related accuracy declines, though it did not improve overall marksmanship accuracy.The effects of caffeine on marksmanship accuracy and reaction time: a systematic review.
- A review of 16 studies found that shift workers frequently consume caffeine as a fatigue-management strategy, though this practice conflicts with standard sleep hygiene recommendations.Sleep hygiene in shift workers: A systematic literature review.
- In a review of 33 studies on countermeasures against mental fatigue, taking caffeine before a mentally fatiguing task was found to be one of the most promising interventions to combat mental fatigue compared to control or placebo.How to Tackle Mental Fatigue: A Systematic Review of Potential Countermeasures and Their Underlying Mechanisms.
- In a systematic review of 8 studies in basketball players, taking 3 to 6 milligrams per kilogram of caffeine before exercise improved vertical jump height, running time, agility, and simulated game performance, had mixed effects on aerobic capacity, and did not change perceived exertion.Acute Effects of Caffeine on Overall Performance in Basketball Players-A Systematic Review.
- In 2,029 heart disease survivors given low-dose B vitamins including 0.02 mg B12 for about 3 years, quality of life did not improve, and activity limits due to emotional problems were slightly worse.B vitamin and/or n-3 fatty acid supplementation and health-related quality of life: ancillary findings from the SU.FOL.O…
- In 172 dialysis patients taking a multinutrient drink with B12 for 12 weeks, fatigue and quality of life scores did not differ from placebo, though some heart rate variability measures and a herpes virus level improved.Effects of nutritional supplementation on fatigue, and autonomic and immune dysfunction in patients with end-stage renal…
- In 162 smokers quitting tobacco and tracked for up to one year, those who continued using caffeine avoided the increased fatigue and decreased stimulation experienced by those who abstained from caffeine during the first 3 days of quitting.The impact of caffeine use on tobacco cessation and withdrawal.
- In 138 people with multiple sclerosis, 24 weeks of L-phenylalanine (1,000 mg a day) plus lofepramine and vitamin B-12 injections gave a small extra benefit of 0.6 disability points over B-12 alone, but fatigue was one of several outcomes and groups did not differ significantly at follow up.A randomised placebo controlled exploratory study of vitamin B-12, lofepramine, and L-phenylalanine (the "Cari Loder reg…
- In 95 healthy young adults, a single oral dose of 200 or 400 mg of caffeine decreased boredom and fatigue during repetitive tasks while 200 mg facilitated performance on difficult math cancellation tasks.Effects of caffeine on mood and memory.
- In 64 moderate caffeine consumers after overnight abstinence, a single 86 mg dose of caffeine increased energetic mood and improved reaction time just as much as two or three spaced doses totaling 172 mg or 258 mg compared to placebo.Mood and psychomotor performance effects of the first, but not of subsequent, cup-of-coffee equivalent doses of caffeine…
- In 54 resistance-trained men, taking a single 300 milligram dose of caffeine from anhydrous caffeine or coffee 30 minutes before exercise prevented drops in sprint power across repeated sprints, but did not improve strength or repetitions to fatigue more than placebo.Effects of coffee and caffeine anhydrous on strength and sprint performance.
- In 54 physically active men, taking 300 milligrams of caffeine daily from anhydrous caffeine or coffee alongside creatine for 5 days did not improve strength, repetitions to fatigue, or sprint power compared to placebo.Effects of Coffee and Caffeine Anhydrous Intake During Creatine Loading.
- In 44 young adults, a single dose of 40 mg of caffeine combined with 97 mg of L-theanine increased alertness, reduced tiredness, and improved task-switching accuracy within 70 minutes compared to placebo.The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness.
- In 41 trained cyclists taking a carnitine, lipoic acid and B vitamin blend (with 2.5 mcg B12) for 4 weeks, performance and fatigue measures did not differ from placebo, though blood lactate was lower after sprints.l-Carnitine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Fail to Improve Anaerobic and Aerobic Performance in Trained Cyclists Despite a Reduct…
- Forty-one patients with advanced cancer receiving a med therapy were given 200 milligrams of intravenous caffeine or placebo daily for two days, resulting in reduced drowsiness after the first day and slightly lower pain after the second day.Read the study on PubMed (23498965) →
- In 30 prostate cancer survivors, a single dose of about 6 mg per kilogram of body weight of anhydrous caffeine 1 hour before testing increased exercise capacity by 3% without changing postexercise fatigue or perceived exertion compared with placebo.Effect of caffeine on exercise capacity and function in prostate cancer survivors.
- In 30 chronically sleep-restricted young drivers, 100 mg of caffeinated gum improved driving performance compared with placebo, while subjective sleepiness improved only when caffeine was combined with bright light.Bright light alone or combined with caffeine improves sleepiness in chronically sleep-restricted young drivers.
- In 28 trained young adults doing resistance training for 6 weeks, taking 3 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight daily before workouts did not improve strength, endurance, or fatigue compared to placebo.Effects of Creatine and Caffeine Supplementation During Resistance Training on Body Composition, Strength, Endurance, Ra…
- In 26 healthy older adults, 4 weeks of a daily blackcurrant drink containing 200 mg L-theanine and pine bark reduced attention-task false alarms, but the reduction in mental fatigue was only a borderline trend compared with placebo.Four-week supplementation with a blackcurrant formulation enhances cognitive performance, reduces mental fatigue and mod…
- In 25 healthy adults, a single dose of a pre-workout blend including 70 mg methylcobalamin raised self-reported vigor and energy and thinking scores versus placebo, but did not improve lifting or sprint performance.Effects of acute ingestion of a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without p-synephrine on resting energy expenditu…
- In 25 healthy men and women, 100 mg of methylliberine daily for 3 days (tested on day 4) raised feelings of energy, sustained energy, concentration and mood more than placebo, but did not change thinking test scores or vital signs.Methylliberine Ingestion Improves Various Indices of Affect but Not Cognitive Function in Healthy Men and Women.
- In 25 resistance-trained adults taking a pre-workout drink with 200 milligrams of caffeine for 7 days, acute intake increased leg press repetitions to fatigue and lifting volume compared to placebo, but did not improve cycling time-trial performance.Short-Term Effects of a Ready-to-Drink Pre-Workout Beverage on Exercise Performance and Recovery.
- In 23 mildly overweight women given 250 mg of a 10% forskolin extract twice daily for 12 weeks, the forskolin group tended to report less fatigue (not clearly significant) and less hunger, with no clinically significant side effects, but no clear weight loss.Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women.
- In 23 rugby league players, 7 days of a blackcurrant drink containing pine bark and L-theanine improved mental performance scores and accuracy compared with placebo, and participants felt less distracted.Improving Mental Performance in an Athletic Population with the Use of Ārepa®, a Blackcurrant Based Nootropic Drink: A R…
- In 22 men, a single dose of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight of caffeine 60 minutes before exercise enhanced peak power and lowered perceived exertion during upper body anaerobic exercise compared to placebo.The effect of acute caffeine ingestion on upper and lower body anaerobic exercise performance.
- In 22 elite traditional jiu-jitsu athletes, a single dose of 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight taken 60 minutes before testing decreased fatigue perception, increased perceived power and endurance, and improved throwing fitness test performance compared to placebo.Effects of 3 mg/kg Body Mass of Caffeine on the Performance of Jiu-Jitsu Elite Athletes.
- In 20 singers with mild voice fatigue, a single 1000 mcg B12 injection did not improve voice symptoms more than a placebo injection.Effect of Vitamin B12 Injection on the Vocal Performance of Professional Singers: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Co…
- In 20 active adults who regularly consume caffeine, a single dose of Turkish coffee providing 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight increased subjective feelings of energy and improved reaction time compared to decaffeinated Turkish coffee.The effect of an acute ingestion of Turkish coffee on reaction time and time trial performance.
- In 20 middle-aged adults drinking at least 300 ml per day of green tea for 7 days, standard caffeinated green tea resulted in higher accumulated fatigue, higher stress markers, and lower sleep quality compared to low-caffeine green tea.Reduced Stress and Improved Sleep Quality Caused by Green Tea Are Associated with a Reduced Caffeine Content.
- In 18 men taking a single dose of 6 mg per kilogram of body weight of caffeine, jump height improved and those who had better exercise performance reported a lower sense of effort during fatiguing exercise.Effects of caffeine on neuromuscular function in a non-fatigued state and during fatiguing exercise.
- In 16 physically active adults, a single dose of caffeine at 6 mg per kg of body weight increased peak muscle torque compared to placebo, but had no effect on relative fatigue or muscle soreness after exercise.Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Quadriceps Performance After Eccentric Exercise.
- In 12 skilled male golfers playing a 2-day tournament, taking about 1.9 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight before and during rounds increased perceived energy, reduced fatigue, and improved golf scores and drive distance compared to placebo.Effect of Caffeine on Golf Performance and Fatigue during a Competitive Tournament.
- In 12 trained male runners, a single 300 mg dose of caffeinated chewing gum improved running exercise tolerance by 18%.Effects of Caffeine Chewing Gum on Exercise Tolerance and Neuromuscular Responses in Well-Trained Runners.
- In 12 healthy participants, a single dose of 3 mg per kilogram of body weight of caffeine before 1 hour of cycling decreased self-perceived fatigue during exercise and increased feelings of vigor afterward compared with placebo.Caffeine increases whole-body fat oxidation during 1 h of cycling at Fatmax.
- Twelve healthy young adults took a single dose of 5 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight during exercise in the heat, which lowered perceived exertion and prolonged high-intensity cycling duration compared to placebo.In-Exercise Caffeine Improves Exercise Performance in the Heat without Exacerbating Hyperventilation and Brain Hypoperfu…
- In 11 trained male cyclists, a single dose of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight of caffeine improved 4-kilometer cycling performance and blunted the increase in perceived exertion without altering muscle fatigue compared to placebo.Caffeine ingestion increases endurance performance of trained male cyclists when riding against a virtual opponent witho…
- Ten male volunteers taking a single capsule of 6 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight 1 hour before exercise increased their time to muscle fatigue by an average of 20.5 percent compared to placebo, with 7 of the 10 participants responding.Caffeine increases time to fatigue by maintaining force and not by altering firing rates during submaximal isometric con…
- In 9 trained men, a single dose of 6 milligrams of anhydrous caffeine per kilogram of body weight taken 60 minutes before a workout did not change workout performance, muscle power, strength, or perceived exertion compared to placebo.Effect of caffeine supplementation on exercise performance, power, markers of muscle damage, and perceived exertion in t…
- In 9 healthy men taking creatine for 6 days, adding 5 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight daily completely eliminated the muscle torque improvements seen with creatine alone during an exercise fatigue test.Caffeine counteracts the ergogenic action of muscle creatine loading.
- In 8 healthy trained men, a drink without tyrosine and phenylalanine shortened cycling time to exhaustion in the heat (about 60 vs 66 minutes) compared with a drink containing 12.5 g each, so having these amino acids supported longer exercise.Acute oral administration of a tyrosine and phenylalanine-free amino acid mixture reduces exercise capacity in the heat.
- In eight men given a single dose of 6 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight, caffeine increased central excitability before and during a muscle fatigue protocol compared to placebo, but did not enhance maximal voluntary muscle activation during fatigue or recovery.Central excitability does not limit postfatigue voluntary activation of quadriceps femoris.
- Eight resistance-trained college-age men taking a pre-workout supplement containing caffeine 10 minutes before exercise performed more repetitions with greater power than placebo, but reported no differences in subjective feelings of energy, focus, or fatigue.Effect of a pre-workout energy supplement on acute multi-joint resistance exercise.
- In 8 male Olympic-level boxers, a single dose of 6 mg per kilogram of body weight of caffeine improved peak and mean anaerobic power and jump height without altering lower limb fatigue compared to placebo.Caffeine Supplementation Improves Anaerobic Performance and Neuromuscular Efficiency and Fatigue in Olympic-Level Boxers…
- In 7 adult men cycling in low-oxygen conditions, a single dose of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight of caffeine improved time to exhaustion by 12% and reduced subjective fatigue and perceived effort compared to placebo.Effects of caffeine on neuromuscular fatigue and performance during high-intensity cycling exercise in moderate hypoxia.
- In five male rugby athletes, taking caffeine combined with carnitine improved exercise endurance time more than water, caffeine alone, or carnitine alone.Effects of carnitine coingested caffeine on carnitine metabolism and endurance capacity in athletes.
- In a placebo-controlled trial, a combination of lofepramine, L-phenylalanine and vitamin B12 relieved multiple sclerosis symptoms, including fatigue, within 2 to 4 weeks; the effect cannot be attributed to phenylalanine alone.Treatment of multiple sclerosis with lofepramine, L-phenylalanine and vitamin B(12): mechanism of action and clinical im…
- In a crossover trial, a single 150 mg dose of caffeine reduced mental fatigue and improved visual information processing and reaction time, while combining it with 250 mg of L-theanine also increased alertness and reduced tiredness compared to placebo.The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood.
- In a pilot randomized controlled trial of healthy men, taking caffeine improved sustained attention compared to placebo.Read the study on PubMed (33201262) →
- In 36 people with anxiety disorders or no disorder, single doses of 250 mg and 500 mg of oral caffeine altered physical tiredness reactivity in panic disorder patients while increasing anxiety and sweating in generalized anxiety patients.Anxiogenic effects of caffeine in patients with anxiety disorders.
- In 24 young men, a single 100 mg dose of caffeine in a beverage significantly decreased lethargy and fatigue and increased vigor.Effects of theobromine and caffeine on mood and vigilance.
- In 21 sleep-restricted adults with treated sleep apnea, consuming two cans of coffee containing 255 mg of caffeine mitigated driver sleepiness more than a single can containing 127.5 mg of caffeine.Optimising the caffeine nap for counteracting driver sleepiness in CPAP treated obstructive sleep apnoea patients.
- In 13 healthy male military reservists, a single 300 mg dose of caffeine alleviated tiredness and cold stress during a 2.5-hour outdoor shooting session compared to placebo, though it did not affect marksmanship.Effect of caffeine on target detection and rifle marksmanship.
- Thirteen male field hockey players taking a single dose of 5 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight had lower perceived exhaustion, greater readiness to invest physical and mental effort, and better post-fatigue skill performance than with placebo.The effect of caffeine ingestion on field hockey skill performance following physical fatigue.
- In 11 male volunteers, a single dose of 6 mg per kilogram of body weight of caffeine increased time to muscle fatigue by 25.8% and increased maximal voluntary knee activation compared to placebo.Effects of caffeine on neuromuscular function.
- In seven women with adrenal failure, a 24-hour cortisol withdrawal did not change whole-body phenylalanine turnover; no phenylalanine was given, and energy expenditure fell by 10% during withdrawal.Effects of cortisol on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism: studies of acute cortisol withdrawal in adrenocortic…
- In 6 adults doing a simulated night shift, a single 200 mg dose of caffeine taken immediately before a 30-minute nap improved vigilant attention and subjective fatigue compared to decaffeinated coffee.A pilot study investigating the impact of a caffeine-nap on alertness during a simulated night shift.
- Young adults who consumed caffeine in a beverage perceived preserved mental energy throughout a two-hour testing period, although cognitive performance did not improve.Feeling smart: Effects of caffeine and glucose on cognition, mood and self-judgment.
- In 351 Bangladeshi schoolchildren eating fortified biscuits daily, blood B12 and other nutrient levels rose, and teachers and children reported less tiredness and better energy, though energy was not measured objectively.Impact of fortified biscuits on micronutrient deficiencies among primary school children in Bangladesh.
- In a cross-sectional study of 135 adolescents aged 16 to 17 years, consuming caffeinated beverages was correlated with increased fatigue, insomnia, and feelings of a lack of rest.[Energy drink consumption patterns and its adverse effects on adolescent health.].
- In a survey of 38 people with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia who had vitamin B12 injections at least weekly for six months or longer, the good responders (15 people) had received more frequent and higher-dose injections for longer than the mild responders.Response to vitamin B12 and folic acid in myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia.
- In a retrospective review of 38 children with neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, including fatigue and concentration difficulty, all patients recovered within one month of vitamin B12 supplementation, though the fatigue subgroup was not reported separately.Neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency: analysis of pediatric patients.
- Among 32 helicopter pilots studied over 4 to 5 day work trips, daily caffeine consumption increased by 42 percent while subjective fatigue and negative mood still worsened by the end of trip days.Flight crew fatigue III: North Sea helicopter air transport operations.
- In 24 people with COPD and 25 healthy adults, phenylalanine was used only as a measurement tracer, not as a supplement, and resistance exercise did not change whole-body phenylalanine production.Prolonged disturbances in citrulline metabolism following resistance exercise in COPD.
- Five patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who received methylcobalamin injections described more energy, less fatigue, and better balance in interviews, though tracking the effect was hard because the disease progresses.Patients' experiences with methylcobalamin injections in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Normal young adults taking 400 milligrams of caffeine three times daily for one week experienced poor sleep, increased anxiety, and increasing fatigue despite heightened physiological activation.Insomnia, metabolic rate and sleep restoration.
- In an animal study of 32 dogs with fatigued diaphragms, an infusion of colforsin daropate, a forskolin derivative, increased diaphragm contractility in a dose-related way, and a calcium channel blocker abolished this effect. This study was retracted and was not done in people.Colforsin daropate improves contractility in fatigued canine diaphragm.
- In an animal study of 24 dogs with fatigued diaphragms, inhaled colforsin daropate, a forskolin derivative, increased diaphragm contractility in a dose-related way compared with vehicle. This study was retracted and was not done in people.The effect of inhaled colforsin daropate on contractility of fatigued diaphragm in dogs.
- In a rat study, a 21-day forskolin infusion after free muscle grafting increased regenerating muscle fiber size, capillary density, and fatigue resistance. This was an animal study, not a study in people.Recovery of free muscle grafts in rat: improvement is associated with an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate conc…
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only1,971 reviews · 90% positive
Thesis Motivation has garnered about 1971 ratings across various stores, with customers generally reporting a positive experience. The product is frequently praised for its ability to enhance focus, energy, and overall productivity. **What it did for them** Many customers report a significant improvement in their ability to focus and maintain motivation. Users describe a noticeable lift in energy, focus, and follow-through, helping them to remember tasks and get out of distraction faster. The capsules are said to help individuals start work they had been avoiding and feel more capable of handling challenging situations. Some reviewers found they could still exercise or study after long shifts, where previously they would have been too tired. The effect is often described as subtle yet powerful, making hard or unpleasant tasks easier to start and sustain, and even making fun activities feel more enjoyable. One user stated it "completely changed my focus and motivation," while another found it "The boost I need for my productivity." **Complaints** The primary complaint among users centers on the caffeine content of the capsules. Some customers, particularly those who have cut caffeine from their diet for better sleep, express a strong wish for a stimulant-free version. They suggest alternatives like paraxanthine instead of caffeine anhydrous. This recurring criticism highlights a desire for Thesis Motivation to offer an option without caffeine for those sensitive to stimulants. As one reviewer noted, their "main complaint is the caffeine." **Form and Experience** Reviews specifically for the capsules do not mention details regarding their taste, smell, or size. This summary focuses exclusively on the capsule form of Thesis Motivation, omitting feedback on other product forms like gummies or powders. **Value for Money** Customer feedback does not explicitly address the product's value for money. **Who it seems to suit and who it did not** Thesis Motivation appears particularly beneficial for individuals seeking assistance with focus, including those with adult ADHD-related focus challenges. It is also favored by users who pair it with exercise, finding it helps them maintain their drive and keep going. Conversely, the product may not be suitable for individuals sensitive to stimulants or those actively trying to reduce or eliminate caffeine from their diet, as the caffeine content could interfere with their goals, such as improving sleep.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only0 of 10 recommend it
The panel is split on caffeine, the main ingredient, but most of them use it, and several recommend it for focus, mood, training and fat burning. Doses they give run from 100 to 150 mg up to 400 mg, with 100 to 200 mg before focused work and 300 mg slow release in the morning for jet lag. Three of them pair it with L-theanine, and one adds Alpha GPC and MCT to coffee for long stretches of mental work. Cautions are common: many say to stop by noon or after lunch to protect sleep, two warn it can raise stress, anxiety or restlessness, one warns it can make fatigue worse, and one stopped caffeine for a year. Artichoke is a smaller ingredient in this product, and the few who mentioned it eat it for gut health.
See all 10 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Dave Asprey · Caffeine · uses
- Loves coffee, has the caffeine molecule tattooed on his arm, drinks it every morning, and says it does amazing things for your brain and for how long you can live, but it can't clear most brain fog on its own.
- Created Danger Coffee, a mineral-enriched, lab-tested, mold-free coffee that delivers rich flavor and clean caffeine without all the junk, and recommends it to others.
- Dave Asprey's lab proved that caffeine is a flow hack and the only known substance to actually make you flow prone. Coffee will make you more flow prone.
- Dave explains why the 1:2 ratio of caffeine to L-theanine beats coffee alone for working memory, accuracy, and calm, sustained concentration.
- States that his entire career started on caffeine and he uses it every morning, but notes it's like a loan from your future self, leading to an afternoon crash.
- Dave Asprey's company used caffeine, which is a safe ingredient, but they stopped using it because it doesn't provide the type of results and change in the skin that newer ingredients do.
- States that caffeine is one of his superpowers and increases the rate of ketone formation, which fuels neurons.
- Once I’ve hydrated and taken my creatine, I reach for Danger Coffee for caffeine and essential minerals in one cup.
- Uses caffeine, noting it blocks adenosine to increase norepinephrine and dopamine signaling, fueling the prefrontal cortex for focus. He mentions it got him through business school and is part of his longevity journey.
- Does not believe caffeine is a nootropic, considering it just a stimulant.
- Mentions forskolin as a compound that can behave as a Yamanaka factor, contributing to cellular rejuvenation.
- Researched what could upregulate the tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme and found that Forskolin, another nootropic, didn't really do it to a great extent.
- Mentions phenylalanine as a precursor and building block for dopamine, and that the brain synthesizes dopamine from precursors like phenylalanine.
- Mentions artichokes as a real food source of soluble fiber.
Thomas DeLauer · Caffeine · neutral
- Explains that caffeine from green tea mobilizes fatty acids, which can be converted into ketones, providing a ketone boost, especially in a fasted or low-carb state.
- Warns that treating brain fog with caffeine without addressing underlying inflammation is ineffective and likely to make the situation worse.
- Notes that caffeine significantly increased fat metabolism and fat oxidation during exercise, especially at lower intensities, and that adding coffee around an exercise bout led to more calories and fat burned.
- Says that caffeine significantly increased fat metabolism and that at low intensity cardio or exercise caffeine works better at mobilizing and utilizing fat.
- Might have some caffeine before fasted training.
- Recommends caffeine as a must on the fasting day to create a low-grade energy demand that forces the body to favor lipolysis.
- Recommends drinking 150 to 200 mg of caffeine immediately before a 20-minute nap to enhance alertness and performance, as the caffeine peaks when the nap has cleared adenosine.
- States that caffeine is probably the most studied ergogenic aid with a profound effect on fat mobilization, suggesting that simple is better.
- Mentions that people try cutting out caffeine when dealing with sleep issues, but it's not always the root cause.
- Recommends artichoke for gallbladder health, stating that cynarin increases bile production.
- Warns that consuming more than 50-60 mg of caffeine in the first hour after waking stacks a stimulant on top of the body's natural cortisol-driven alertness, leading to a sharp spike and mid-morning crash, and building tolerance faster.
- Identifies artichoke as one of the best prebiotic sources, offering 10.2g of fiber per 100 calories.
- Recommends artichokes, noting that 10 grams of inulin per day can radically change the gut biome, increasing Fecalibacterium which produces butyrate, fighting inflammation, and improving metabolic markers.
- Recommends artichoke, highlighting its inulin content as one of the best prebiotic fibers that also keeps you satiated.
Andrew Huberman · Caffeine · uses
- Used caffeine, taking 400 milligrams, to improve his mood and physical vigor during mundane tasks like swimming, noting that it made life not so bad and allowed him to rip through the water.
- Mentions caffeine in a discussion about supplement use.
- Discusses caffeine timing as a tool related to sleep.
- He recommends caffeine, in coffee or tea form, or in tablet or capsule form at lower dosages than found in coffee and tea, as a reasonable way to explore stimulant-based approaches for enhancing cognitive function and focus.
- Huberman states that caffeine can improve focus and concentration, with a general useful range of 100 to 400 milligrams, and most people do well with 100 to 200 milligrams prior to focused work.
- Discusses caffeine as a tool for improving attention, noting its impact on focus and sleep.
- Mentions that coffee and tea produce caffeine, which were likely defense chemicals, and that plants learned it was better to alter consciousness than kill predators outright.
- Discusses caffeine and its health benefits.
- Recommends caffeine as a tool to increase motivation and dopamine.
- Huberman explains that regular ingestion of caffeine at safe levels of about 100 to 250 mg increases the number of D2 and D3 dopamine receptors, making circulating dopamine more potent.
- Mentions phenylalanine as a dietary amino acid that individuals with PKU are unable to metabolize, highlighting how its consumption interacts with a genetic predisposition.
- Mentions L-Phenylalanine as a precursor to Tyrosine in the context of a protocol related to pleasure.
- Andrew Huberman confesses that he takes 500 milligrams of phenylalanine every morning, finding it to be a mild stimulant that makes him feel pretty good.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Caffeine · neutral
- Explains that caffeine can activate AMPK, a cellular energy sensor involved in fat burning and glucose regulation, which helps muscle cells take up glucose and promotes using fatty acids for energy.
- Mentions that soluble fiber, also called fermentable fiber, is found in artichokes and helps prevent microplastics from being absorbed.
- Recommends pairing caffeine with L-theanine to enhance alertness and focus while mitigating anxiety and jitteriness, suggesting a dose of 100 to 150 mg of caffeine.
- Recommends pairing coffee with L-theanine to enhance cognitive performance, noting that L-theanine can help balance caffeine’s stimulatory effects.
- Recommends cutting out caffeine in the three months before conception for both men and women, as it affects sperm.
- Recommends caffeine for alertness and focus, especially when combined with L-theanine to smooth out the response and maintain cognitive benefits, suggesting a practical dose of 100-150 mg.
- Recommends cutting down or eliminating caffeine when actively trying to conceive.
- Warns that a very high dose of caffeine, around 350 mg pre-workout, may blunt some of creatine's performance benefit due to opposite effects on muscle relaxation.
- Suggests building meals around whole-food sources like artichokes to hit the recommended fiber target.
- Self-administers 350 mg of caffeine in a bolus right after returning from mass and his workout, and before eating, noting that he likes dark roast Starbucks.
- The newest literature on Caffeine dose and its link to multiple cardiometabolic disease risk reduction shows that even the ≥400 mg group was healthier than 0 mg.
- Explains that caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a molecule that builds up and makes one feel tired, and that timing coffee intake is about leveraging adenosine biology for peak cognitive alertness.
Siim Land · Caffeine · recommends
- Recommends stopping caffeine earlier to improve sleep.
- Notes that polyphenolic compounds in coffee, both decaf and regular caffeinated, can influence cellular stress pathways and have been seen to increase autophagy activity in mice, with regular coffee appearing more potent due to caffeine's additional energetic stress.
- Recommends moving caffeine intake earlier in the day because having it too late can disrupt sleep, especially for slow metabolizers.
- Recommends not having caffeine after lunch, noting that 400 mg 4 hours before bed reduced deep sleep by approximately 30 minutes in a trial, although he personally has a fast caffeine metabolism.
- Warns that combining a large dose of glycine with caffeine can amplify negative experiences, as caffeine independently increases arousal and can cause restlessness, anxiety, and increased heart rate.
- States that regular coffee promotes visceral fat loss, and going from low or zero intake to moderate intake increases fat loss due to caffeine and polyphenols.
- Suggests that higher caffeine intake might be useful for older people because caffeine raises cortisol, and consuming it in the morning contributes to circadian regulation.
- States that caffeine has proven benefits for increasing exercise performance when used correctly and at the right time.
- States that caffeine raises blood pressure, but mostly if one is not used to consuming it, and habitual caffeine consumers develop tolerance to these effects.
- Quotes a tweet suggesting that without caffeine, civilization would be 100 years behind.
- Mentions forskolin, a herb, as one of the compounds used in reprogramming chemical cocktails that mimic the rejuvenation program without gene delivery, showing partial reversal of the senescent transcriptome and reduction of transcriptomic age.
- Mentions artichoke as very important for stimulating phase one detox.
- Recommends artichokes as a food to hit the daily dose of polyphenols for longevity and anti-aging.
- Notes that artichoke has by far the most polyphenols among vegetables.
Ben Greenfield · Caffeine · stopped
- Came off caffeine for a year after his separation.
- Quit caffeine in the same year he quit testosterone replacement therapy and alcohol.
- Uses caffeine, such as coffee or green tea, in his morning fasted fat-burning session to slightly increase the oxidation of fats.
- Advises against relying on caffeine for morning energy, suggesting that natural sugar-based stimulants combined with hydration and meditation can provide sufficient wakefulness.
- Recommends Caffeine, noting that it can improve focus, mood, and training, help control appetite, raise calories burned, and reduce fatigue.
- Notes that 3 mg/kg of caffeine increases fat oxidation by 31%, and 5 mg/kg increases it by 51% compared to a placebo.
- Caffeine on its own isn’t particularly impressive as an ergogenic aid, but when combined with taurine, there are significant increases in power production.
- Mentions that caffeine can help mitigate the negative effects of a caloric deficit on lean muscle mass and metabolism.
- Has talked before about caffeine as a supplement that seems to assist with sleep deprivation.
- Warns that energy drinks can deliver large doses of caffeine quickly, which may overstimulate the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms and electrocardiogram changes, especially in children.
- Uses his Liver Complex Formula, which contains NAC, globe artichoke, regular NAC, taurine, and glycine, for bile production and liver support.
- Mentions that simple amino acids like tryptophan and phenylalanine are methylated into neurotransmitters.
- Warns that people with Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, cannot metabolize phenylalanine properly and should avoid aspartame.
- Avoids artichoke because even after following a low FODMAP diet and trying reintroduction, it still causes issues.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Caffeine · warns
- Discusses with patients their caffeine consumption, suggesting that too much caffeine can artificially increase their stress response.
- Eats more artichokes because they are a prebiotic fiber that helps the microbiome.
- States he eats artichokes because he knows they are good for his microbiome.
- Recommends stopping caffeine by noon.
- States that caffeine's effect on ADHD depends on the person, as it can help focus but also activate irritation or stress, and its impact is related to individual caffeine metabolism.
- Warns that drinking coffee first thing in the morning before eating layers caffeine on top of already elevated stress hormones, providing unsustainable energy and setting up for an afternoon crash.
- Notes that caffeine is one of the things that drives the hormone imbalance causing PMS.
- States that drinking coffee on an empty stomach, which is how most people do it, is probably not the best thing as it gives a jolt of caffeine and adrenaline before eating.
- Warns that caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can be potent triggers for hot flashes, and excess caffeine should be avoided.
- Warns that adding fiber does not cancel out the negative effects of caffeine and other processed additives.
- Warns that high caffeine intake, especially coffee, can contribute to dehydration by increasing fluid loss and masking fatigue, leading to a deficit if not balanced with sufficient water intake.
- Warns that caffeine without adequate protein creates blood sugar chaos, sending a stress signal to the brain and hindering healing.
- Recommends artichoke leaf as an anti-inflammatory phytochemical that can help soothe the gut lining.
- Sometimes increases the dose of phenylalanine in conjunction with essential amino acids for depression.
Dr. Eric Berg · Caffeine · warns
- Warns that caffeine can keep you awake and advises to watch out for hidden sources of caffeine.
- Stimulating the body with caffeine can actually make fatigue worse.
- Dr. Berg warns that stimulating the body with caffeine can actually make fatigue worse.
- Warns that too much caffeine is a common cause of worry, indecision, fear, and tension, and that it depletes vitamin B1, negatively affecting the nervous system.
- Warns that even a lot of caffeine in the morning can inhibit melatonin at night.
- Warns that coffee does not give you energy; instead, caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, inhibiting sleep signals and merely preventing sleepiness.
- States that caffeine can affect the ability to absorb magnesium and cause a deficiency.
- Warns that drinking caffeinated beverages later in the day can keep you awake because the liver needs to detoxify the caffeine.
- Warns that consuming caffeine can worsen tinnitus, citing a person who noticed this effect.
- Stimulating the body with caffeine can actually make fatigue worse.
- Lists artichoke as a type of fiber that can help increase short-chain fatty acids and activate GLP-1.
- Recommends artichokes as something to try if experiencing symptoms after gallbladder removal.
- Recommends artichoke to help increase bile production.
- Lists artichokes as a natural remedy to get rid of gout.
Bryan Johnson · Caffeine · uses
- Drinks coffee when starting to fade, ensuring the last cup is between 10 and 12 hours before bed so caffeine doesn't affect sleep.
- Used 300 mg of caffeine in the morning as part of their jet lag recovery.
- Eats artichoke hearts for breakfast.
- Uses 300 mg of slow release caffeine in the morning as part of a jet lag recovery protocol.
- Notes that coffee affects the gut, which then affects the brain, and that it is the coffee bean, not the caffeine, doing most of the work.
- Notes that the culture in DC involves running on caffeine, along with alcohol and sleep deprivation, leading to poor nutrition and an unhealthy environment.
- Warns that caffeine has a 6-hour half-life, so consuming it later in the day will leave a significant amount in the body at bedtime, recommending consumption earlier in the day.
- Recommends consuming no caffeine past noon due to its 6-hour half-life, suggesting that if sleep is nailed, caffeine might not be needed.
- Warns against stimulants like caffeine for sleep, advising to have the last cup of coffee before noon if going to bed at 10:00 p.m.
- Advises that if one is going to drink caffeine, they should try to have it earlier in the day and experiment to find the right time that doesn't disrupt their sleep.
- Has stopped all caffeine, as it has helped him improve his sleep.
Peter Attia · Caffeine · uses
- States that he needs two to three times the normal dose of any medication or drug to feel an effect, including caffeine, and can drink four cups of coffee without feeling anything.
- Mentions data suggesting caffeine might be more helpful in the luteal phase to help with fatigue components.
- Uses caffeine in combination with Alpha GPC, MCT, and Theanine, often adding it to coffee for long periods of cognitive work.
- Finds Alpha GPC works well with caffeine, and he puts a product containing Alpha GPC, MCT, and caffeine into his coffee for long periods of cognitive work.
- Mentions that experimenting with the timing of caffeine is a great idea for sleep.
- Warns that decaffeinated coffee can contain significant amounts of caffeine and advises cutting off all coffee, including decaf, by 11 a.m. for better sleep quality.
- Explains that caffeine is problematic because it blocks adenosine receptors, leading to a 'caffeine crash' when it wears off and adenosine floods the receptors, causing sleepiness.
- States that caffeine does not wake him up, which contributed to his belief that he did not have an addiction gene.
- States that caffeine does not wake him up.
- Warns that constantly consuming caffeine and Red Bull to turn up the sympathetic dial is a sign that the sympathetic system isn't working as it should, possibly due to overstimulation from stress.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 2 for Energy
Caffeine at a full dose has consistent human evidence for more energy and less fatigue, supported by a small Dynamine trial, and 90% of 1971 reviews are positive.
Where the evidence disagrees: 19 of the 77 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Nervous system, Muscular system, Cardiovascular system
Combine with: To enhance the effects of Thesis Motivation, consider combining it with B-complex vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, as they are crucial cofactors in neurotransmitter synthesis and energy metabolism. Magnesium can also be beneficial for supporting energy production and nerve function. For sustained cognitive support and to potentially smooth out the stimulant effects, L-Theanine is an excellent choice, often taken with caffeine to promote focused calm. Additionally, adaptogens like Rhodiola rosea or Ashwagandha could be synergistic for stress management and sustained mental endurance, complementing the acute energy boost.
Possible side effects: L-theanine alone raised headache ratings in one trial, and very high daily caffeine intake worsened sleep and increased fatigue. Reviewers' main complaint is the caffeine, especially for people protecting their sleep or sensitive to stimulants.
Supplement Facts
Forskolin 250 mg · Methylcobalamin 1000 mcg · Dynamine 100 mg
| Forskolin | 250 mg | † |
| Methylcobalamin | 1,000 mcg | † |
| Dynamine | 100 mg | † |
| L-Phenylalanine | 500 mg | † |
| Artichoke Extract | 450 mg | † |
| Caffeine | 100 mg | † |
| L-Theanine | 200 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid.
Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Graded November 3, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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