SmarterVitamins (3-Pack 200mg Caffeine Pills with 100mg L-Theanine + Coconut MCT Oil, Energy and Focus, Extended Release Capsule, 150 Liquid Softgels

As a previous heavy energy drink consumer (primarily Monster Zero), I've noticed that they last (Monster) last long enough that I have trouble sleeping in the evening. I had taken this Smarter Vitamins product on and off last year, and while not as intense I find they're much more practical; as long as I don't take them after 2pm I generally sleep fine. I revisited them this year, and have switched over permanently and eschewed the drinks completely. Basically it's a BulletProof coffee in a pill. There's no stomach issues with these, no jitters, just a nice, smooth feeling of clarity and alertness for an hour or two.

This is an amazing product. I can assure I have NOT been paid for this review I came upon this after looking for some kind of alternative to the caffeine enhanced pain relievers that I know are not good for my stomach. I saw that it had simple vitamins and caffeine. It's working BETTER than I thought. Not only does it keep me alert but it helps keep me focused. I'm not sure what ingredient it is that's assisting in that but whatever it is, It's a godsend. I have a tendency to let my mind wander at work during meetings, and even when I'm at my desk and should be focused on a specific task. In meetings things were going in one ear and out the other because I'd start thinking of what I was going to eat later, what I was going to do after work, what the weather would be like next week or where my vacation would be next year. This has REALLY helped my brain to NOT do those things and I can see and feel a difference in my performance at work. The only drawback that is for me, there IS a little bit of a crash in the afternoon so I do sometimes take another tablet around 230-3pm; my first is usually around 930-10am. It doesn't keep me up at night though. It's also helped me while I'm driving on road trips. I'm on my THIRD bottle, so that should tell you something.

I work a 12 hour shift two days out of the week and I'm used to taking 5 Hour Energy and Drinking Monsters for energy. I was tired of spending $40+ a month just to function and keep myself awake at work. So I did some research and found these. I bought a bottle just to try it out and took one pill an hour before work. I was skeptical but it definitely works to my surprise. I was relaxed but alert the entire 12 hour shift (even after I got home, I would take it no less than 12 hours before needing sleep, or else you'll be in a chill but alert state). I even gave 2 pills to my co-worker and he says it works better at keeping him awake than the Xenadrine he was taking (He asked for 2 more pills the next day and bought a bottle for himself). I like how subtle the energy is. It comes in gently and leaves gently. As it tapers off you won't feel as energetic, but you'll still be alert and focused. It's not a static shock like Monster and it lasts longer than 5 Hour (6+ Hours, 10+ if your not doing any strenuous work). I don't drink Monster, 5-Hour, or grab any iced coffee from Dunk'n Donuts anymore. I mean I can, but I don't need too ^_^.

One of the best caffeine supplements on the market. The l-theanine takes the edge off any jitters. Although I prefer a 2:1 ratio of caffeine to l-theanine in a caffeine supplement and this product falls short of that ratio in the opposite direction with 200mg caffeine and 100mg l-theanine the addition of MCT oil is a welcome and puts it well ahead of most other similar supplements. I highly recommend combining it with the same brand L-theanine supplement which contains 250mg of L-theanine bringing the ratio closer to the sweet spot of 2:1 caffeine/L-theanine with the extra 300mg of flaxseed oil in that product as with the MCT oil in this one just the icing on the cake. Great for pre-workout, working long shifts, or if you need to focus on work or studying. As for the price there are probably better options in terms of price per count, but for the quality and for the cost is superb. Buying the three pack with the amazon subscribe & save and if it runs on sale with a e-coupon saves bit of cash. My order came with a card directing me to a website that asked a few simple questions about my purchase and asked for an order number and offered me another bottle free along with free shipping for doing so. So if you're willing to buy in bulk and they're still offering that survey promotion you would be hard pressed to find a better value.

I would like to be transparent and inform you upfront this review is written after receiving a free bottle. With that said, if I was not happy with the product, I would not be writing this review! While the efficacy of this product may vary with each individual, it seems to give ME the desired results I had hoped for. I feel the energy and alertness, and it helps me when I am working out, or am feeling a little tired and run down. There are no "jitters" or "crashes", overall I feel more awake and alert, without the tired/lethargic feeling. I tend to use these mostly as a pre-workout supplement, and for a 54 year old guy, I definitely feel the surge of energy which has helped me push a little harder at the gym like my younger days. I also noticed that when I am on this supplement I tend to even walk my 4-legged son at a faster pace :-). I like it as it is not extreme, but not so tame that I don't feel anything, which is exactly what i was looking for (I take the recommended doses on the bottle when I do use it). Now for the big question, would I pay and order this product again, yes I would! Thanks for reading, wishing you continued good health.