The Foundation of Performance. Vitamins and minerals are the cofactors that make everything else work. Without adequate micronutrient status, nootropics underperform, adaptogens fail to adapt, and sleep compounds can’t restore. This guide covers every vitamin and mineral relevant to the NTRPX ecosystem — the forms that work, the doses that matter, and where each belongs in the product architecture.
Three major studies from the Mass General Brigham COSMOS trial (2023-2024) demonstrated that daily multivitamin supplementation slows cognitive aging by ~2 years in older adults. The researchers found the most benefit from formulas containing 20+ micronutrients — reinforcing that comprehensive coverage matters more than any single nutrient.
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
Without adequate B1, glucose metabolism stalls at pyruvate, lactate accumulates, and the brain’s primary fuel pathway is compromised. Critical for Neuraldrink Sol™ glycolysis optimization.Form Selection:
Mechanism:
Riboflavin forms two critical coenzymes:
FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide): Succinate dehydrogenase (Complex II), many dehydrogenases
FMN (flavin mononucleotide): Complex I of ETC
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
FAD and FMN are electron carriers in oxidative phosphorylation. Without B2, ATP production crashes at the electron transport chain.Form Selection:
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
No CoA = no acetyl-CoA = TCA cycle stops = ATP production halts. Also critical for acetylcholine synthesis (synergy with CDP-choline, Alpha-GPC).Form Selection:
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
B6 is THE neurotransmitter vitamin. Without it, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glycine synthesis are all impaired. Critical for cognitive enhancement (dopamine) and sleep (GABA, melatonin).Form Selection:
Pyridoxine HCl: Standard; requires hepatic conversion to P5P
Pyridoxal-5’-Phosphate (P5P): Already active; bypasses conversion; strongly preferred for NTRPX
Caution:
High-dose pyridoxine (>100mg/day chronic) can cause peripheral neuropathy. P5P appears safer at equivalent doses. NTRPX uses conservative doses.Synergies:
L-Tyrosine (B6 required for dopamine synthesis)
Magnesium (B6 enhances Mg cellular uptake)
Zinc (B6 + Zn synergy for neurotransmitter synthesis)
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
While less directly critical for acute cognition than other B-vitamins, biotin supports metabolic flexibility and glucose homeostasis. Included in ASG Boost™ for completeness.Form Selection:
D-Biotin: The natural, active form; only form to use
Note:
High-dose biotin (>5mg) can interfere with certain lab tests (thyroid panels, troponin). NTRPX uses physiological doses that don’t cause interference.
Mechanism:
Folate (as 5-MTHF) donates one-carbon units for:
DNA/RNA synthesis: Thymidylate and purine synthesis
Methylation cycle: Homocysteine → Methionine → SAMe
Neurotransmitter synthesis: BH4 regeneration (required for AADC)
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
Folate is essential for the methylation cycle that produces SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), which methylates DNA, neurotransmitters, and phospholipids. Low folate → elevated homocysteine → increased cardiovascular and cognitive risk.Form Selection:
Folic acid: Synthetic; requires DHFR conversion; 30-50% of population has MTHFR polymorphisms limiting conversion; NOT RECOMMENDED
L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF): Active form; bypasses MTHFR; NTRPX standard
Folinic acid (5-formyl-THF): Alternative active form; useful for some
Iron absorption enhancer: Reduces Fe3+ → Fe2+ for absorption
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
The brain has among the highest vitamin C concentrations of any organ. It protects against oxidative stress and supports catecholamine synthesis. Included in Neuraldrink Sol™ as a basic antioxidant.Form Selection:
Ascorbic acid: Standard; acidic; well-absorbed
Sodium ascorbate: Buffered; gentler on stomach; slight sodium addition
Note:
High-dose vitamin C (>2g) may cause GI distress and is unnecessary for NTRPX goals. Moderate doses (100-250mg) are sufficient.
Mechanism:
Vitamin D (as calcitriol, 1,25(OH)₂D) acts as a steroid hormone:
Calcium/phosphorus homeostasis: Intestinal absorption, bone mineralization
Neuroprotection: VDR found in hippocampus, cortex; regulates NGF, BDNF
Immune modulation: Anti-inflammatory; supports Treg function
Gene expression: Regulates 200+ genes
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic (40-75% prevalence depending on population). Low vitamin D is associated with:
Cognitive decline
Depression
Fatigue
Increased inflammation
Poor bone health
Form Selection:
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Animal-derived (lanolin); most effective at raising serum 25(OH)D; NTRPX standard
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Plant-derived; less effective; shorter half-life
Synergies:
Vitamin K2 (directs calcium to bones, not arteries)
Magnesium (D metabolism requires Mg)
Boron (may enhance D bioavailability)
Dosing Note:
Optimal 25(OH)D levels: 40-60 ng/mL. Many individuals need 2,000-5,000 IU daily to achieve this. NTRPX provides 1,000-2,000 IU as baseline; users may need additional based on testing.
Membrane stabilization: Maintains fluidity and function
Gene expression: Regulates PKC, phospholipase A2
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
The brain is 60% fat and highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Vitamin E protects neuronal membranes from oxidative damage.Form Selection:
dl-α-tocopherol (synthetic): Racemic mixture; only 50% bioactive; NOT recommended
d-α-tocopherol (natural): Single isomer; good but incomplete
Tocotrienols: Superior antioxidant activity; neuroprotective; emerging evidence
Caution:
High-dose vitamin E (>400 IU/day) has been associated with increased all-cause mortality in some meta-analyses. NTRPX uses conservative doses (15-50 mg, well under this threshold).
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone): Plant-derived; primarily for coagulation; less tissue distribution
Vitamin K2 (MK-4): Short half-life (~hours); tissue-specific activity
Vitamin K2 (MK-7): Long half-life (~days); superior bioavailability; NTRPX preferred
Synergies:
Vitamin D3 (K2 directs D-mobilized calcium to bones, not arteries)
Calcium (K2 ensures proper calcium deposition)
Caution:
Patients on warfarin (vitamin K antagonist) should maintain consistent vitamin K intake. Sudden increases can reduce anticoagulant effect. Discuss with physician.
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
~97% of Americans don’t meet potassium AI. Deficiency causes:
Fatigue
Muscle weakness/cramps
Cognitive impairment
Hypertension
Form Selection:
Potassium citrate: Well-absorbed; alkalinizing; NTRPX primary form
Dipotassium phosphate: Provides phosphate as well
Potassium chloride: Salty taste; can cause GI irritation
Regulatory Note:
Supplements are limited to ≤99mg potassium per unit dose due to cardiac safety concerns. NTRPX delivers higher amounts via drink mix format (not pill/capsule).
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
~50% of Americans are magnesium deficient. Deficiency causes:
Fatigue, weakness
Muscle cramps, spasms
Anxiety, irritability
Sleep disturbance
Impaired glucose metabolism
Magnesium is perhaps THE most important mineral for NTRPX — it’s required for ATP (energy), GABA (calm/sleep), and virtually every metabolic pathway.Form Selection:
Form
Bioavailability
Best Use
GI Tolerance
Mg Citrate
★★★★☆
Daytime; general
★★★☆☆ (laxative at high doses)
Mg Glycinate
★★★★★
Sleep; relaxation
★★★★★
Mg L-Threonate
★★★★★ (brain)
Cognitive; memory
★★★★★
Mg Oxide
★★☆☆☆
Not recommended
★★☆☆☆
Mg Taurate
★★★★☆
Cardiovascular
★★★★☆
Mg Malate
★★★★☆
Energy; muscle
★★★★☆
NTRPX Strategy:
Neuraldrink Sol™: Magnesium citrate (energy support, tart taste compatible with citrus)
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
Calcium is essential but:
Most people get adequate calcium from diet
Excessive supplementation may increase cardiovascular risk
Better obtained from food than supplements
NTRPX includes modest calcium (50-100mg) in Neuraldrink Sol™ for completeness and synergy with vitamin D/K, not as primary calcium source.Form Selection:
Calcium citrate: Good absorption; doesn’t require stomach acid; NTRPX choice
Calcium carbite: Requires stomach acid; cheaper; can cause GI issues
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
Phosphorus is critical for energy (ATP) and cell membranes. However, deficiency is rare (phosphorus is abundant in diet). NTRPX includes modest amounts in Neuraldrink Sol™ to support ATP production without excess.
However, iron excess is also harmful (oxidative stress, organ damage). Iron should only be supplemented when deficiency is documented or in at-risk populations (menstruating women, vegetarians).Form Selection:
Ferrous sulfate: Common; cheap; GI side effects
Ferrous fumarate: Similar to sulfate
Iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel®): Chelated; superior absorption; minimal GI effects; NTRPX choice if used
NTRPX Position:
Iron is NOT routinely included due to risk of excess. Users should assess iron status (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC) and supplement individually if needed.
Zinc bisglycinate: Chelated; gentle; good absorption
Zinc gluconate: Standard; acceptable
Zinc oxide: Poor absorption; not recommended
Caution:
High-dose zinc (>40mg/day long-term) can cause copper deficiency (competitive absorption). NTRPX uses moderate doses and balances with copper.
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
Mn-SOD is the primary mitochondrial antioxidant. Adequate manganese protects mitochondria from oxidative damage during ATP production.Form Selection:
Caution:
Selenium has a narrow therapeutic window. UL = 400 mcg/day. Chronic excess causes selenosis (hair loss, nail brittleness, GI issues). NTRPX uses conservative doses.
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
Sulfite oxidase is essential for processing sulfites (from foods, wine, preserved foods). Deficiency is rare but can cause sulfite sensitivity. Included for completeness.
Why It Matters for NTRPX:
USDA research demonstrates that low boron intake results in:
Poorer performance on attention tasks
Impaired short-term and long-term memory
Reduced manual dexterity
Decreased brain electrical activity (similar to malnutrition)
Evidence:
Multiple studies by Penland et al. (USDA) showed that boron deprivation (~0.25mg/day) vs. adequate intake (~3.25mg/day) significantly impaired cognitive performance in older adults.Form Selection:
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68.
Smith AD, et al. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment. PLoS One. 2010;5(9):e12244.
Douaud G, et al. Preventing Alzheimer’s disease-related gray matter atrophy by B-vitamin treatment. PNAS. 2013;110(23):9523-8.
Vitamin D
Annweiler C, et al. Vitamin D and cognition in older adults: updated international recommendations. J Intern Med. 2015;277(1):45-57.
Balion C, et al. Vitamin D, cognition, and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurology. 2012;79(13):1397-405.
Vitamin K
Booth SL, et al. Association of vitamin K with cognitive decline and neuropathology in community-dwelling older persons. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2022;8(1):e12255.
Ferland G. Vitamin K and the nervous system: an overview of its actions. Adv Nutr. 2012;3(2):204-12.
Minerals
de Baaij JH, et al. Magnesium in man: implications for health and disease. Physiol Rev. 2015;95(1):1-46.
Maret W, Sandstead HH. Zinc requirements and the risks and benefits of zinc supplementation. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2006;20(1):3-18.
Penland JG. Dietary boron, brain function, and cognitive performance. Environ Health Perspect. 1994;102 Suppl 7:65-72.
Multivitamins & Cognition
Vyas CM, et al. Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the COSMOS-Mind ancillary study. Alzheimers Dement. 2024;20(3):1506-1519.
Baker LD, et al. Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial. Alzheimers Dement. 2023;19(4):1308-1319.
Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: January 2026 | Document Status: Complete Reference GuideThis document establishes the vitamin and mineral framework for all NTRPX Systems. All forms, doses, and product placements are based on current evidence and optimized for synergy within the NTRPX ecosystem.
