Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 5 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Dopamine Brain Food Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NS Natural Stacks

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Dopamine Brain Food is a dietary supplement by NS Natural Stacks with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for treating or preventing b12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, low energy and fatigue.Based on those ingredients, 459 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, L-Tyrosine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Dopamine Brain Food contains 7 active ingredients designed to support brain function and dopamine production. The formula includes vitamin B12 for nerve and cognitive support, L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine (amino acids that serve as precursors to dopamine and other brain chemicals), vitamin B6 for neurotransmitter metabolism, vitamin C for antioxidant protection, trimethylglycine (also called betaine), and folate.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients — hypromellose, silica, and ascorbyl palmitate — which serve as binders and preservatives.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: morning support for mental drive.
  • We looked for evidence on: Attention, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Cognitive impairment, Depression, focus — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Tyrosine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cognitive function (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Phenylalanine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Cognitive impairment.

Evidence supports B12 for treating B12 deficiency and certain rare conditions, and it's rated Likely Effective for cyanide poisoning. L-tyrosine is rated Possibly Effective for memory and cognitive function, though evidence for athletic performance is Possibly Ineffective, and data for dementia and alcohol use disorder is insufficient to rate.

L-phenylalanine is Possibly Effective for vitiligo but Possibly Ineffective for ADHD; data for other uses is insufficient. Vitamin B6 is Effective for sideroblastic anemia and B6 deficiency, and Likely Effective for high homocysteine levels, but evidence for other uses like pregnancy nausea is Possibly Effective.

Vitamin C is Effective for C deficiency and Possibly Effective for several conditions including cataracts and exercise-related respiratory infections. We hold no effectiveness data for trimethylglycine or folate.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B12 Tyrosine Phenylalanine Vitamin B6 Vitamin C

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin B12 is generally very safe and well-tolerated orally; excess is removed in the urine. It's considered safe at recommended amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine are generally well-tolerated in healthy adults but come with caution labels — the data on tyrosine in pregnancy and breastfeeding is insufficient, so talk to your doctor before taking it while pregnant or nursing. L-phenylalanine is rated Unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided in supplemental doses; avoid it while breastfeeding as well.

Most common side effects from these ingredients include headache, nausea, heartburn, and fatigue. Vitamin B6 is safe at normal doses but high doses over long periods can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy); it's safe at recommended amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding, though high doses are not recommended in pregnancy.

Vitamin C is generally well-tolerated at standard doses; high doses (above 2 grams daily) can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and kidney stones in susceptible people. It's safe at normal food and prenatal amounts but avoid high-dose supplements in pregnancy unless your doctor advises it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B12 Tyrosine Phenylalanine Vitamin B6 Vitamin C

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Phenylalanine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Tyrosine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 459 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Dopamine Brain Food, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on levodopa or carbidopa (Parkinson medications) — L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine compete with these drugs and can reduce their effectiveness. Also flag MAOIs (older antidepressants), baclofen (muscle relaxant), seizure medications (phenobarbital, phenytoin), thyroid hormone, blood thinners (warfarin), estrogens (oral contraceptives, hormone therapy), and certain chemotherapy drugs.

We could not check for interactions with Trimethylglycine or Folate, so ask your pharmacist about those as well.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Dopamine Brain Food is a multi-ingredient formula aimed at brain support and dopamine production, with solid evidence for some ingredients like B vitamins and established roles for amino acid precursors. However, its L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine content creates important interactions with Parkinson medications, certain antidepressants, seizure medications, and thyroid drugs — and the phenylalanine-MAOI combination can be serious.

If you take any prescription medication, run it through the interaction checker below or talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 22, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Dopamine Brain Food, straight from the product label.

Brand NS Natural Stacks
Barcode (UPC) 692232540685
Net contents 15 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 274264
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
5
UPC/BARCODE
692232540685
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B124000 mcg166667%
L-Tyrosine650 mg--
L-Phenylalanine500 mg--
Trimethylglycine600 mg--
Vitamin B65 mg294%
Folate1000 mcg DFE250%
Vitamin C500 mg556%

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Silica, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 2-3 capsules. Do not exceed 6 capsules per day.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Consult a healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant/nursing, have or suspect a medical condition, or are taking any medications.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed 6 capsules per day.

Formulation

Morning support for: Mental drive

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Featuring Quali-C non-GMO ascorbic acid.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Quali-C is a registered trademark of DSM

See for yourself

Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container5 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
4000 mcg per serving Form: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

L-Tyrosine

Interacts with
21 drugs
650 mg per serving

L-tyrosine is an amino acid your body uses to make brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. Some studies suggest it may help mental performan...

L-Tyrosine monograph & interactions

L-Phenylalanine

Interacts with
16 drugs
500 mg per serving

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid the body uses to make brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. Some people take it for mood, vitilig...

L-Phenylalanine monograph & interactions

Trimethylglycine

600 mg per serving

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Folate

1000 mcg DFE per serving Form: (6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium Salt

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Quali-C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Silica, Ascorbyl Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Dopamine Brain Food?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
459Drugs
5 Major 329 Moderate 125 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin C 207

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Dopamine Brain Food with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

L-Tyrosine2 drug types · 21 drugs

Levodopa

Theoretically, tyrosine might decrease the effectiveness of levodopa.
Tyrosine and levodopa compete for absorption in the proximal duodenum by the large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transport system. Advise patients to separate doses of tyrosine and levodopa by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, tyrosine might have additive effects with thyroid hormone medications.
Tyrosine is a precursor to thyroxine and might increase levels of thyroid hormones.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A

L-Phenylalanine3 drug types · 16 drugs

Levodopa

Phenylalanine, especially in high doses, can reduce the effectiveness of levodopa.
Phenylalanine competes with levodopa for carrier-mediated transport into the brain. The resulting reduction in levels of levodopa in the brain can exacerbate tremor, rigidity, and the "on-off" phenomenon in patients with Parkinson disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Baclofen

Concomitant intake of phenylalanine may reduce the intestinal absorption of baclofen.
Phenylalanine and baclofen share the same intestinal carrier for absorption; phenylalanine competitively inhibits the absorption of baclofen, reducing its plasma levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-phenylalanine and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
L-phenylalanine is metabolized to tyrosine. Some evidence suggests that L-phenylalanine, given with the non-selective MAOI pargyline, might prevent the elimination of tyramine, increasing the risk of hypertensive crisis. However, this was not reported in a small number of patients when using L-phenylalanine with the partially selective MAO-B inhibitor, selegiline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Dopamine Brain Food, from the product label.

NS Natural Stacks

See all NS Natural Stacks products
Name
NS 360, Inc.
Street Address
4241 24th Ave W
City
Seattle
State
WA
ZipCode
98199
Phone Number
1-855-678-2257
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks: Common Questions

Does Dopamine Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Dopamine Brain Food has a known interaction with 459 medications, including 5 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Dopamine Brain Food contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on levodopa for Parkinson disease?
No — you should not take this product if you're on levodopa. L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine in this formula compete with levodopa for absorption and transport into the brain, which can worsen your symptoms. Talk to your neurologist before considering any dopamine-support supplement.
Is this safe to take while pregnant?
L-phenylalanine in this product is rated Unsafe in pregnancy — supplemental doses should be avoided. L-tyrosine also lacks sufficient safety data during pregnancy. Vitamin B12, B6, and C are generally considered safe at recommended amounts, but the formula as a whole is not recommended without talking to your doctor first.
What does L-tyrosine do?
L-tyrosine is an amino acid your body uses to make dopamine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones. It's rated Possibly Effective for supporting memory and cognitive function, though evidence is not conclusive.
Can I take this if I'm on thyroid medication?
L-tyrosine may theoretically have additive effects with thyroid hormones and potentially boost your thyroid levels, and vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — your thyroid medication dose may need adjustment.
Are there fillers in this product?
Yes — the capsules contain hypromellose, silica, and ascorbyl palmitate as inactive ingredients.
Will this help my focus and memory?
L-tyrosine is Possibly Effective for memory and cognitive function, though the evidence is not strong. The other ingredients support brain chemistry in various ways, but the overall evidence that this formula will noticeably improve focus is not established in our data.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Dopamine Brain Food label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Dopamine Brain Food’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Dopamine Brain Food's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 140 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin B12 30 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  2. Hartman TJ, Woodson K, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, et al. Association of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6), B12, and folate with lung cancer risk in older men. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:688-94.. DOI
  3. Jansen T, Romiti R, Kreuter A, Altmeyer P. Rosacea fulminans triggered by high-dose vitamins B6 and B12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:484-5..
  4. Lange H, Suryapranata H, De Luca G, et al. Folate therapy and in-stent restenosis after coronary stenting. N Engl J Med 2004;350:2673-81. PubMed
  5. Collin, S. M., Metcalfe, C., Refsum, H., Lewis, S. J., Zuccolo, L., Smith, G. D., Chen, L., Harris, R., Davis, M., Marsden, G., Johnston, C., Lane, J. A., Ebbing, M., Bonaa, K. H., Nygard, O., Ueland, P. M., Grau, M. V., Baron, J. A., Donovan, J. L., Nea
  6. Geissbuhler, P., Mermillod, B., and Rapin, C. H. Elevated serum vitamin B12 levels associated with CRP as a predictive factor of mortality in palliative care cancer patients: a prospective study over five years. J.Pain Symptom.Manage. 2000;20(2):93-103. PubMed
  7. Salles, N., Herrmann, F., Sakbani, K., Rapin, C. H., and Sieber, C. High vitamin B12 level: a strong predictor of mortality in elderly inpatients. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2005;53(5):917-918.
  8. Looker, H. C., Fagot-Campagna, A., Gunter, E. W., Pfeiffer, C. M., Sievers, M. L., Bennett, P. H., Nelson, R. G., Hanson, R. L., and Knowler, W. C. Homocysteine and vitamin B(12) concentrations and mortality rates in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res R
  9. Uhl, W., Nolting, A., Golor, G., Rost, K. L., and Kovar, A. Safety of hydroxocobalamin in healthy volunteers in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2006;44 Suppl 1:17-28. PubMed
  10. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Barriot, P., Imbert, M., and Bismuth, C. Prospective study of hydroxocobalamin for acute cyanide poisoning in smoke inhalation. Ann Emerg.Med 2007;49(6):794-801, 801. PubMed
  11. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Megarbane, B., and Bismuth, C. Hydroxocobalamin for severe acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion or inhalation. Am J Emerg.Med 2007;25(5):551-558. PubMed
  12. Lewis, J. G. Gout, Steatorrhoea, and Megaloblastic Anaemia. Ann Rheum.Dis 1962;21(3):284-286. PubMed
  13. Tal, S., Shavit, Y., Stern, F., and Malnick, S. Association between vitamin B12 levels and mortality in hospitalized older adults. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(3):523-526. PubMed
  14. Baztan, J. J., Gavidia, J. J., Gomez-Pavon, J., Esteve, A., and Ruiperez, I. High vitamin B12 levels and in-hospital mortality. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(11):2237-2238. PubMed
  15. Omboni, E., Checchini, M., and Longoni, F. [Hypopotassemia and megaloblastic anemia. Presentation of a case]. Minerva Med 8-31-1987;78(16):1255-1257.
  16. Aalfs As, Scholvinck LH, Horvath B. Acneiform eruption in a 5-year old due to vitamin B12 supplementation. Eur J Dermatol 2013;23(5):726-7. PubMed
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Tyrosine 4 references
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Vitamin C 51 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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