Feeling unmotivated and blue? You're not alone. Life's daily stresses can really take a toll on our mood and drive. When just getting out of bed feels like a monumental task, it's tough to find the energy to take on the day's challenges.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can reclaim your motivation and mental clarity.
In this Genius Joy review, we’ll take an honest look at whether this mood enhancing supplement measures up to its claims. We’ve evaluated hundreds of similar products over the years, so we know what to look for and how to analyze the ingredients and research.
You’ll get the real facts on how Genius Joy is intended to work, its potential upsides and downsides, and how it compares to other top mood boosting supplements on the market today. Our goal is to equip you with everything you need to decide if Genius Joy is the right choice to help you feel like your best self again.
We’ll look at the science behind its formula, the ideal dosages based on clinical data, and even share our team’s firsthand experiences using Genius Joy. You’ll know exactly what to realistically expect if you add this mood booster supplement to your routine.
Let’s get started so you can determine if Genius Joy is worth trying to boost your mood, motivation, and daily performance.
Quick Verdict
After analyzing the ingredients and researching Genius Joy extensively, we think it's a fairly solid mood-enhancing supplement. It contains evidence-backed natural compounds shown to reduce anxiety and improve motivation.
However, it's missing some key ingredients we would expect in a top nootropic stack. We also found the serving sizes of some key ingredients like Rhodiola rosea to be lower than optimal.
While Genius Joy can provide some people a mood and motivation boost, we think better options are available. Our current top pick is Noocube, which contains highly bioavailable ingredients at clinically effective dosages.
My recommendation is to explore other serotonin and dopamine-boosting supplements if your main goal is relieving anxiety and sustaining motivation. Though decent, I think there are better options than Genius Joy for significantly enhancing mood and drive based on the scientific literature.
About Genius Joy
Genius Joy is a dietary supplement produced by The Genius Brand, a company focused on creating science-backed health and wellness products but more in particular brain supplements.
It falls under their line of nootropic supplements, but Genius Joy is formulated specifically to enhance mood and motivation rather than general cognitive function like memory or focus.
According to The Genius Brand, Genius Joy works by influencing key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It contains natural amino acids, plant extracts, vitamins, and other compounds intended to:
- Increase serotonin production to elevate mood
- Raise dopamine levels to boost motivation and drive
- Lower cortisol to help manage stress
- Support neuron communication and brain function
By optimizing levels of these key neurotransmitters, Genius Joy aims to help you feel more positive, energized, and mentally resilient even in stressful situations.
The Genius Brand recommends taking 1-2 capsules of Genius Joy per day, cycled with regular breaks. They state that the research-backed ingredients can provide clean energy, anxiety relief, and the motivation required to power through challenges and achieve your fullest potential.
Genius Joy Ingredients
Genius Joy contains a blend of vitamins, amino acids, plant extracts, and other ingredients that may help boost mood, motivation, and focus. The formula targets neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that influence drive, positivity, and relaxation.
Key ingredients include:
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin D3
- Rhodiola rosea extract
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
- SAMe
- L-Theanine
- Red panax ginseng
- 5-HTP
- NeuroFactor coffee fruit extract
While the ingredients look promising for mood enhancement on paper, the real-world efficacy of Genius Joy will come down to the synergy between these compounds, their bioavailability, and the dosages used. Let's take a closer look at some of the major ingredients...
Vitamin & Mineral Blend
Genius Joy contains a blend of B vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. The B vitamins play important roles in energy production, brain health, hemoglobin production, and more.
B vitamins like folate and B12 can influence levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. The blend helps provide a solid nutritional foundation.
The formula also contains vitamin D3. Emerging research links vitamin D to mood regulation, cognitive function, and even depression. Overall the vitamin blend seems solid.
Rhodiola Rosea Extract
One of the best ingredients in Genius Joy is Rhodiola rosea extract. This adaptogenic herb has been shown in studies to help the body adapt to stressors. Rhodiola positively influences neurotransmitter levels and may reduce symptoms of anxiety and fatigue.
The 300mg dosage in Genius Joy is quite high. Doses of 100-500mg have scientifically demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-stress benefits. This is a key ingredient for mood enhancement.
However, some other formulas use Rhodiola standardized to 5% rosavins for maximum effectiveness. Genius Joy doesn't disclose the standardization, which raises questions on potency.
Rhodiola Rosea Extract
One of the best ingredients in Genius Joy is Rhodiola rosea extract. This adaptogenic herb has been shown in studies to help the body adapt to stressors. Rhodiola positively influences neurotransmitter levels and may help with temporary relief from anxiety and fatigue.
By regulating your body's stress response, Rhodiola rosea can help you maintain a calm, focused mindset even when life gets chaotic. This research-backed botanical is a key ingredient for enhancing positivity and resilience.
The 300mg dosage in Genius Joy is quite high. Doses of 100-500mg have scientifically demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-stress benefits. This is a key ingredient for mood enhancement.
However, some other formulas use Rhodiola standardized to 5% rosavins for maximum effectiveness. Genius Joy doesn't disclose the standardization, which raises questions on potency.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid that gets converted into the key neurotransmitter dopamine in your body and brain. Dopamine strongly influences drive, motivation, reward, and focus.
When you're dealing with heavy stress or sleep deprivation, dopamine levels can become depleted. Supplementing L-tyrosine may help counteract this effect by providing raw material for dopamine synthesis.
Human clinical studies show that L-tyrosine can increase dopamine levels and potentially preserve cognitive flexibility and motivation when you need it most. For example, research found it helped offset declines in thinking and mood during extended wakefulness and military combat training.
Genius Joy provides 350mg per serving. While solid, some studies have suggested 500-600mg daily may be ideal for maximizing mood enhancement specifically during acute stress or fatigue.
By supporting healthy dopamine levels when you're under pressure, Tyrosine can help boost motivation and drive when you need it most.
SAMe (S-Adenosy-L-methionine Tosylate Disulfate)
SAMe stands for S-Adenosyl methionine. It is a compound produced naturally in the body that is involved in the regulation of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Some preliminary research indicates SAMe may have natural antidepressant and mood enhancing effects when supplemented orally at higher doses. However, the overall body of evidence is still considered limited.
Large scale, placebo-controlled studies are needed to demonstrate SAMe's efficacy as a mood enhancer conclusively. There is not yet scientific consensus on its effects for depression and anxiety.
At 1000mg per serving, the dosage of SAMe included in Genius Joy is substantial. This higher amount may confer some benefits based on initial research, but robust clinical proof is lacking.
The true efficacy of SAMe depends on its synergy with the other ingredients in the formula like Rhodiola, L-tyrosine, and B vitamins. While promising, SAMe remains a preliminary compound for mood optimization pending further research.
NeuroFactor
NeuroFactor is a patented extract derived from the whole fruit of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica. It contains a blend of polyphenols and other compounds.
The makers of NeuroFactor claim it can increase levels of a brain protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF supports neuron development and growth. By boosting BDNF, NeuroFactor is claimed to enhance cognition and mood.
However, there is currently limited data from independent research to confirm these effects. The few existing studies on NeuroFactor were funded by FutureCeuticals, the parent company that owns the ingredient.
For example, one small study found subjects had higher BDNF levels after consuming NeuroFactor. But larger randomized controlled trials are needed to truly demonstrate its impact.
We feel more replicated research is needed before NeuroFactor can be considered a proven mood or cognitive enhancer. While the polyphenols it provides may confer some benefits, we view this patented ingredient as an unverified marketing ingredient until more rigorous clinical data is available.
At this time, we don't put much stock in NeuroFactor as a key mood boosting compound compared to ingredients like Rhodiola with more substantiated effects.
5-HTP
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. 5-HTP is a building block of the key neurotransmitter serotonin.
Some experts believe supplementing 5-HTP can raise serotonin levels in the brain and thus improve mood, relaxation, and sleep. However, studies show oral 5-HTP has poor absorption - much of it breaks down before reaching the brain.
For 5-HTP to effectively increase serotonin, research suggests very high oral doses are needed - likely over 300mg. But the 100mg dosage provided in Genius Joy is not enough to significantly influence serotonin levels.
There is also limited evidence specifically for 5-HTP reducing anxiety. For mood enhancement, compounds like SAMe and saffron that directly affect serotonin activity appear more reliable than 5-HTP.
Given the low dosage and lack of proof for anxiety relief, we don't view 5-HTP as one of the more useful ingredients in Genius Joy. Increasing serotonin seems better achieved through other compounds and ingredients.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green and black tea leaves. It has gained popularity as a supplement due to its research-backed ability to promote relaxation and ease stress.
Studies have found that L-theanine increases alpha brain waves which are associated with a relaxed yet focused mental state. It also impacts neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA that regulate mood and anxiety.
Numerous human trials confirm that doses of L-theanine from 50-200mg can reduce physiological signs of stress, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Subjective feelings of relaxation and calmness also improve.
The 100mg dose included in Genius Joy is moderate. While useful, some research suggests that 200-400mg of L-theanine may produce even more potent anti-anxiety and relaxation benefits. So ideally we would prefer to see a higher dosage.
Overall though, L-theanine is one of the more reliable ingredients in Genius Joy when it comes to lowering stress and promoting relaxation without drowsiness.
Red Panax Ginseng
Red panax ginseng is a popular herbal medicine used in supplements to enhance mental energy and well-being. It has a long history of use in ancient Chinese medicine practices.
Modern research suggests ginseng can have positive effects on mental performance, mood, and behavior. For example, a study found participants scored higher on math performance and had lower fasting blood glucose after taking 400mg of red panax ginseng for 8 days.
Other studies report enhanced calmness, improved mood, and reductions in anger/confusion with regular ginseng supplementation. Doses of 200-400mg appear most effective.
While not one of the more powerful anti-anxiety or mood enhancing ingredients, the 250mg of red panax ginseng in Genius Joy can provide support for mental well-being and energy. Overall it is a useful addition to the formula.
Our Experience Using Genius Joy
To get firsthand experience with this supplement, I tried Genius Joy for a 2 week period. I started with 1 capsule in the morning upon waking, as recommended. After 3 days with no noticeable effects, I increased to two capsules of Genius Joy.
At this level, I did start to feel a slight positive mood lift within about an hour of taking Genius Joy. It was subtle, but noticeable. However, the effects seemed to fade after 4-6 hours.
I did not experience any negative side effects like headaches or stomach discomfort. But we also didn't notice powerful anti-anxiety or motivation enhancing benefits. Its worth noting that some people like Genus job for its ability to provide temporary relief from anxiety but I'm not a typical anxiety sufferer so I cant comment on this.
In the end, we think Genius Joy can provide a mild short-term mood boost for some people. Genius joy isn't at leaset in our opinion a game changing supplement.It just didn't stand out as a next level mood enhancer for us. I've 100% had better results from other natural serotonin and dopamine boosting supplements.
Genius Joy Dosage Instructions
The recommended Genius Joy dosage is:
- Days 1-3: Take 1 capsule in the morning
- Day 4 and beyond: Take 2 capsules daily, one in morning and one midday
Do not exceed 2 capsules in a 24 hour period. Take on an empty stomach when possible for maximum absorption.
Genius Joy Side Effects and Safety
Because it contains only natural herbal and amino acid ingredients, Genius Joy is unlikely to cause serious side effects in most people. However, potential side effects can include:
- Headache, jitteriness if sensitive to caffeine
- Upset stomach if taken without food
- Anxiety or irritability if dopamine/serotonin levels become unbalanced.
- Mood swings.
To be safe, start with a low Genius Joy dosage and watch for any negative reactions. Avoid stacking with other stimulants or serotonin boosting compounds.
Genius Joy is not intended for long-term daily use. Cycle off regularly to avoid dependence and depletion of neurotransmitters. As with any supplement, consult your doctor before use if you have a medical condition or take prescription medications.
Does it work for stress and anxiety?
When it comes to reducing stress and anxiety, Genius Joy is a bit of a mixed bag in my view. On one hand, the formula does contain some research-backed natural ingredients that can help take the edge off and provide temporary relief.
The Rhodiola rosea in particular is a stand-out, with its generous 300mg dosage being proven to significantly cut symptoms of burnout and anxiousness in multiple clinical trials. And the L-theanine and L-tyrosine provided can also numb some of the mood-depleting effects of stress when dosed properly.
But based on customer reviews saying the benefits are minor and fleeting, Genius Joy doesn't seem powerful enough to truly calm and relax an anxious mind. The serving sizes, especially of the L-theanine, are lower than what research has found ideal for anti-anxiety benefits. It's missing key soothing ingredients as well.
So in my opinion, while Genius Joy can take the edge off a rough day, it's not going to drastically reduce worry or provide sustained calmness. For potent stress and anxiety relief, I think formulas with highly bioavailable, clinically dosed natural ingredients work better.
Genius Joy offers temporary respite but those with chronic anxiety likely need something stronger and longer-lasting. It can complement other lifestyle approaches but isn't a stand-alone anxiolytic solution. But lowering expectations may lead to better results.
Does Genius Joy Really Work? Our Verdict
Based on extensive research into the formula, ingredients, and firsthand testing, we believe Genius Joy can be moderately effective for some people. The tyrosine, Rhodiola rosea, and SAMe it contains may help lift mood and motivation levels.
However, as we've said throughout this write up the effects are relatively mild and short-lived in our experience. We think there are better natural serotonin, dopamine, and motivation boosting supplements available.
Specifically, Mind Lab Pro contains highly bioavailable ingredients like citicoline, lions mane mushroom, and lemon balm to enhance mood, reduce stress, and support brain health.
While Genius Joy has potential as a mood lifter, we think Mind Lab Pro is simply a more comprehensive and powerful formula particularly as a serotonin mood booster. It produces more noticeable benefits for focus, memory, mental clarity, and defeating brain fog as well.
So in summary, Genius Joy is a decent supplement for mood that may help some people. But there are stronger options out there for reducing anxiety and boosting motivation in a healthy, sustainable way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Genius Joy worth it?
For occasional use, Genius Joy may be worth it to temporarily lift mood when you need a boost. But for ongoing daily mood support, more powerful options with sustained benefits exist.
Is Genius Joy good?
Genius Joy contains decent natural mood enhancers, but overall is not great for robust anxiety relief due to lacking key ingredients and optimal doses. Better formulas are available.
Does Genius Joy work?
To a mild degree, Genius Joy can work to provide short-term mood enhancement, thanks to ingredients like Rhodiola rosea. But it is not potent enough to deliver all-day stress relief or motivation enhancement for most people. More comprehensive formulas work better.
What are the benefits of Genius Joy?
Genius Joy may provide temporary relief from stress, anxiety, and depressive feelings by influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. For some, it can boost positivity, energy, and mental resilience when facing challenges.
How long do the effects of Genius Joy last?
Genius Joy typically lasts 4-6 hours before its mood enhancing effects start to fade. Multiple doses throughout the day are needed to maintain benefits.
Is Genius Joy safe?
Genius Joy is likely safe for most healthy adults. But side effects like anxiety, stomach upset, and irritability are possible in sensitive individuals. It is not risk-free.
How is Genius Joy different than prescription mood supplements?
Unlike potent prescription options, Genius Joy provides only mild, fleeting mood enhancement. It is not robust enough for clinically diagnosed mood disorders.
Does Genius Joy have side effects?
Yes, Genius Joy can potentially cause side effects like headaches, nausea, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue in some users. It is not 100% side effect-free.
How does Genius Joy's formula claim to work for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation?
The maker of Genius Joy states that it works primarily by optimizing levels of key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood, motivation, and relaxation. Ingredients like Rhodiola, L-tyrosine, and B vitamins contribute to enhanced dopamine and serotonin synthesis and activity. By improving dopamine and serotonin signaling, Genius Joy aims to help users feel more motivated, positive, and calm. While user reviews suggest the anti-anxiety benefits may be mild and temporary, the formula does target some of the right neurotransmitters and hormones involved in the body's stress response.
What do customer reviews say about about using Genius Joy for mood enhancement?
While Genius Joy gets high ratings on sites like Amazon, customer experiences seem to suggest it provides subtle, temporary mood enhancement rather than dramatic improvements. Many reviews say the positive effects last for just 4-6 hours before wearing off. Users mention feeling a slight boost in positivity, calmness, and motivation after taking Genius Joy but not profound relief from anxiety or depression. For some, taking Genius Joy daily helps take the edge off stressful days. But most reviews indicate it is not powerful enough for significant mood enhancement on its own. Experiences vary but Genius Joy appears mildly helpful for occasional mood support but not a solution for clinical mood issues.
How does Genius Joy compare to other top nootropic supplements for better mood?
Compared to some other top nootropic supplements like Mind Lab Pro or Performance Lab Mood, Genius Joy appears to be moderately effective for mood enhancement at best based on consumer experiences. While the formula is decent, other options contain more comprehensive, clinical-strength doses of research-backed ingredients like citicoline, lemon balm, and saffron to target mood, anxiety, and motivation. The effects of Genius Joy fade more quickly and may require multiple daily doses. For more robust long-lasting mood support, nootropics with highly bioavailable forms of proven natural compounds seem preferable to Genius Joy. But it may complement other mood boosting approaches.
Author: Thomas Riley
Thomas, a biohacker with a BSc (Hons) from Teesside University, shares insights, passion, and expertise on longevity, nootropics, and biohacking, catering to all levels of interest.
