The Science

Every ingredient. Every amount. The research behind each one.

Each MODO formula is a short list of ingredients, each included for the role it plays in that formula's purpose. Below: what each one is, why it is there, what published studies report, and where our amount sits against the amounts studied. Amounts are per serving of two gummies.

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Studied forms, studied amounts

Where an ingredient has clinical research behind it, we use the form the studies used, and we say plainly when our amount sits below the doses studied.

Every milligram on the label

No proprietary blends. The amount per serving on this page is the amount on the pouch, the product page and the FAQ — one source of truth.

Nothing to pad the list

Each formula is a short list of ingredients chosen for one purpose. If it does not serve the formula's job, it is not in it.

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MODO FOCUS

Mental clarity. Energy. Concentration. Pear flavor. One serving is 2 gummies; 28 servings per pouch.

Caffeine · 75 mg Citicoline · 250 mg Lion's Mane Extract · 500 mg Vitamin B12 · 2.4 mcg

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Caffeine

75 mg per serving

What it is: A naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves and cacao. It works by blocking adenosine, the signal that builds up through the day and makes you feel tired.
Why it's in MODO FOCUS: Provides the alertness lift in Focus, so the formula works from the first serving rather than over weeks. Citicoline and Lion's Mane carry the longer-term side of the formula.
What the research says: Caffeine is one of the most studied compounds in the diet. Reviews of the research consistently report sharper alertness, faster reaction times and better sustained attention at moderate doses, with effects starting within about 30 to 60 minutes [1]. The European Food Safety Authority concluded that single doses of up to 200 mg, and up to 400 mg a day, do not raise safety concerns for healthy adults [2].
On the amount: 75 mg is roughly a small cup of brewed coffee and about half a typical energy drink — well inside EFSA's single-dose guidance, so it lifts without the jitters or the crash.
Sources: [1]McLellan TM, Caldwell JA, Lieberman HR. A review of caffeine's effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2016;71:294–312. View
[2]EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies. Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine. EFSA Journal. 2015;13(5):4102. View

Citicoline

250 mg per serving

What it is: A water-soluble compound, also called CDP-choline, that the body breaks into choline and cytidine — two building blocks brain cells use for their membranes and for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Why it's in MODO FOCUS: Included so Focus supports concentration nutritionally, not through stimulation alone. It is the part of the formula that is about the brain's own supply lines rather than a quick lift.
What the research says: Citicoline has decades of pharmacological study behind it, reviewed in detail by Secades and Lorenzo [1]. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adult women, 250 or 500 mg a day for 28 days was associated with better performance on a test of attention [2]. A later randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy older adults reported improved episodic memory after 12 weeks at 500 mg a day [3].
On the amount: 250 mg matches the lower of the two doses used in the attention study.
Sources: [1]Secades JJ, Lorenzo JL. Citicoline: pharmacological and clinical review, 2006 update. Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology. 2006;28 Suppl B:1–56. View
[2]McGlade E, Locatelli A, Hardy J, et al. Improved attentional performance following citicoline administration in healthy adult women. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2012;3(6):769–773. View
[3]Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and memory function in healthy older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The Journal of Nutrition. 2021;151(8):2153–2160. View

Lion's Mane Extract

500 mg per serving

What it is: An extract of Hericium erinaceus, an edible mushroom with a long history in East Asian cooking and traditional practice. It contains two families of compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that are the focus of most of the research.
Why it's in MODO FOCUS: Included for its long-standing association with mental clarity, and as the ingredient in Focus with the most interesting emerging research on the brain's own maintenance processes.
What the research says: In laboratory studies, Lion's Mane compounds stimulate production of nerve growth factor, a protein involved in the upkeep of nerve cells [1]. Human evidence is early but encouraging. A small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Japanese adults aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive complaints reported higher cognitive-function scores over 16 weeks of supplementation, with scores falling again after it was stopped [2]. A 2023 pilot study in healthy young adults reported faster performance on a speed-of-processing task after a single dose and lower self-rated stress after 28 days [3].
On the amount: Study amounts vary widely, from under 2 g of extract to 3 g of dried mushroom a day. 500 mg of concentrated extract is a considered daily amount inside a combined formula, not a therapeutic dose.
Sources: [1]Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, et al. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539–554. View
[2]Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research. 2009;23(3):367–372. View
[3]Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The acute and chronic effects of Lion's Mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive function, stress and mood in young adults: a double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study. Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. View

Vitamin B12

2.4 mcg per serving

What it is: An essential vitamin, also called cobalamin, that the body needs to make red blood cells, to keep nerve cells working normally and to build DNA. It occurs naturally only in animal foods.
Why it's in MODO FOCUS: Covers a nutrient that is commonly low in plant-forward diets and that contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism — the quiet foundation under the rest of the Focus formula.
What the research says: B12's roles in blood formation, nerve function and DNA synthesis are long established; a shortfall shows up first as tiredness and weakness [1]. Because it comes only from animal foods, intake is a recognised gap in vegetarian and vegan diets, and health agencies advise fortified foods or a supplement for those groups [1, 2].
On the amount: 2.4 mcg is the recommended daily amount for adults set by the U.S. National Academies [1] — a full day's intake in one serving.
Sources: [1]National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. View
[2]O'Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299–316. View

SLOW DOWN. FEEL GOOD.

MODO CALM

Relaxation. Stress support. Balance. Strawberry Hibiscus flavor. One serving is 2 gummies; 28 servings per pouch.

L-Theanine · 200 mg Ashwagandha Extract · 150 mg Saffron Extract · 28 mg Magnesium · 75 mg

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L-Theanine

200 mg per serving

What it is: An amino acid found almost exclusively in tea leaves. It is the reason a cup of green tea feels calm and clear rather than wired, despite its caffeine.
Why it's in MODO CALM: Included in Calm for a settled feeling that does not tip into drowsiness — you can take it in the middle of a working day.
What the research says: In a placebo-controlled crossover study, 200 mg of L-theanine lowered heart-rate and salivary stress-marker responses to a demanding mental task [1]. A 2019 randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults reported lower stress-related scores and better sleep-quality ratings after four weeks at 200 mg a day [2]. Brain-wave (EEG) studies associate it with more alpha activity, the pattern seen in relaxed, alert wakefulness [3].
On the amount: 200 mg is the amount used in both clinical trials.
Sources: [1]Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biological Psychology. 2007;74(1):39–45. View
[2]Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, et al. Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2362. View
[3]Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167–168. View

Ashwagandha Extract

150 mg per serving

What it is: An extract of the root of Withania somnifera, a shrub used in Ayurvedic tradition for centuries and classed today as an adaptogen — a plant studied for helping the body's stress response settle.
Why it's in MODO CALM: Traditionally used to help the body cope with everyday stress; in Calm it is the slower, cumulative counterpart to L-theanine's same-day effect.
What the research says: In a 60-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 300 mg of a concentrated root extract twice a day reduced perceived-stress scores and serum cortisol compared with placebo [1]. A 2019 randomized, double-blind trial using 240 mg a day of a standardized extract reported lower anxiety ratings and lower morning cortisol over 60 days [2].
On the amount: Trials typically use 240 to 600 mg a day of standardized extract. 150 mg is a lighter daily amount inside a blend that also carries L-theanine, saffron and magnesium.
Sources: [1]Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2012;34(3):255–262. View
[2]Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(37):e17186. View

Saffron Extract

28 mg per serving

What it is: An extract of the stigmas of Crocus sativus — the most labour-intensive spice in the world to harvest by hand. Its studied constituents are crocin, crocetin and safranal.
Why it's in MODO CALM: Part of the mood side of the Calm blend: where L-theanine and ashwagandha work on stress, saffron is the ingredient most associated with a brighter outlook.
What the research says: A systematic review of clinical trials found that saffron extract outperformed placebo on mood measures in the studies reviewed, and proposed mechanisms involving serotonin and antioxidant activity [1]. A 2021 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults reported improved mood ratings and a smaller response to a laboratory stressor after eight weeks at 28 mg a day of a standardized extract [2].
On the amount: 28 mg a day is the exact amount used in the 2021 trial.
Sources: [1]Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Human Psychopharmacology. 2014;29(6):517–527. View
[2]Jackson PA, Forster J, Khan J, et al. Effects of saffron extract supplementation on mood, well-being, and response to a psychosocial stressor in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, clinical trial. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021;7:606124. View

Magnesium (as glycinate)

75 mg per serving

What it is: An essential mineral bound to the amino acid glycine. The glycinate form is chosen because it is well absorbed and gentle on the stomach, unlike the oxide form common in cheaper products.
Why it's in MODO CALM: Supports normal muscle and nervous-system function. In Calm it steadies; in Dream, at a higher amount, it is the mineral most associated with switching off at night.
What the research says: Magnesium takes part in more than 300 enzyme reactions, including those behind normal muscle and nerve function, and intakes below recommendations are common in Western diets [1]. A systematic review reported that supplementation was associated with lower subjective anxiety in mildly anxious people, while noting the studies were of mixed quality [2]. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in older adults with insomnia reported shorter time to fall asleep and better sleep efficiency with 500 mg a day over eight weeks [3].
On the amount: The amounts in Calm and Dream top up dietary intake rather than replace it; the adult recommendation is 310 to 420 mg a day from all sources [1].
Sources: [1]National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. View
[2]Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress — a systematic review. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429. View
[3]Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2012;17(12):1161–1169. View

REST. RESET. REPEAT.

MODO DREAM

Nighttime relaxation. Restful sleep. Blackberry Lavender flavor. One serving is 2 gummies; 28 servings per pouch.

Melatonin · 1 mg Lemon Balm Extract · 300 mg Apigenin · 25 mg Magnesium · 125 mg

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Melatonin

1 mg per serving

What it is: A hormone the pineal gland releases as daylight fades, timing the body's sleep–wake cycle. Screens and late light delay it; a small evening dose restores the signal.
Why it's in MODO DREAM: Included to support your own evening rhythm rather than override it — which is why Dream uses a low dose.
What the research says: Melatonin's role in timing the sleep–wake cycle is well established [1]. A meta-analysis of 19 randomized, placebo-controlled trials found it shortened the time to fall asleep and modestly increased total sleep time [2]. Dose-comparison research found that low doses of 0.3 to 1 mg were effective for sleep timing, and that higher doses were not better and raised next-day plasma levels [3].
On the amount: 1 mg is a deliberately low dose — many sleep products use five to ten times this amount.
Sources: [1]National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Melatonin: What You Need To Know. View
[2]Ferracioli-Oda E, Qawasmi A, Bloch MH. Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders. PLoS One. 2013;8(5):e63773. View
[3]Zhdanova IV, Wurtman RJ, Regan MM, Taylor JA, Shi JP, Leclair OU. Melatonin treatment for age-related insomnia. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2001;86(10):4727–4730. View

Lemon Balm Extract

300 mg per serving

What it is: An extract of Melissa officinalis, a lemon-scented herb in the mint family grown around the Mediterranean and used in evening infusions for centuries. Rosmarinic acid is its main studied constituent.
Why it's in MODO DREAM: Long used in evening preparations, and included here for the wind-down part of the routine — the herbal counterpart to melatonin's timing signal.
What the research says: In a placebo-controlled laboratory study, a single 600 mg dose of lemon balm reduced the negative mood effects of a stress task and increased self-rated calmness [1]. A 15-day pilot trial of a standardized extract reported reduced anxiety symptoms and better sleep in adults with mild-to-moderate anxiety and sleep complaints [2]. A comprehensive review covers its traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology [3].
On the amount: 300 mg is half the single dose used in the stress study; Dream pairs it with apigenin and magnesium rather than relying on it alone.
Sources: [1]Kennedy DO, Little W, Scholey AB. Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Psychosomatic Medicine. 2004;66(4):607–613. View
[2]Cases J, Ibarra A, Feuillère N, Roller M, Sukkar SG. Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2011;4(3):211–218. View
[3]Shakeri A, Sahebkar A, Javadi B. Melissa officinalis L. — a review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016;188:204–228. View

Apigenin

25 mg per serving

What it is: A plant flavonoid found in chamomile, parsley and celery. It is the compound most associated with chamomile's traditional place at bedtime.
Why it's in MODO DREAM: Brings the chamomile effect to Dream in a concentrated form — a cup of chamomile tea provides only a few milligrams.
What the research says: In laboratory studies apigenin binds to benzodiazepine sites on GABA-A receptors, the brain's main calming pathway, with a mild, sedative-free profile [1, 3]. Human evidence comes from chamomile itself: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported lower anxiety scores with a standardized chamomile extract over eight weeks [2]. Direct human trials of isolated apigenin are still limited, which a 2019 review sets out plainly [1].
On the amount: 25 mg is a concentrated amount; a cup of chamomile tea provides only a few milligrams.
Sources: [1]Salehi B, Venditti A, Sharifi-Rad M, et al. The therapeutic potential of apigenin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(6):1305. View
[2]Amsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, Rockwell K, Mao JJ, Shults J. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2009;29(4):378–382. View
[3]Viola H, Wasowski C, Levi de Stein M, et al. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects. Planta Medica. 1995;61(3):213–216. View

Magnesium (as glycinate)

125 mg per serving

What it is: An essential mineral bound to the amino acid glycine. The glycinate form is chosen because it is well absorbed and gentle on the stomach, unlike the oxide form common in cheaper products.
Why it's in MODO DREAM: Supports normal muscle and nervous-system function. In Calm it steadies; in Dream, at a higher amount, it is the mineral most associated with switching off at night.
What the research says: Magnesium takes part in more than 300 enzyme reactions, including those behind normal muscle and nerve function, and intakes below recommendations are common in Western diets [1]. A systematic review reported that supplementation was associated with lower subjective anxiety in mildly anxious people, while noting the studies were of mixed quality [2]. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in older adults with insomnia reported shorter time to fall asleep and better sleep efficiency with 500 mg a day over eight weeks [3].
On the amount: The amounts in Calm and Dream top up dietary intake rather than replace it; the adult recommendation is 310 to 420 mg a day from all sources [1].
Sources: [1]National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. View
[2]Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress — a systematic review. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429. View
[3]Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2012;17(12):1161–1169. View

How to read this page

The studies cited are about the individual ingredients, not about MODO products, and several used amounts different from ours; where ours is lower, we say so. Findings from small or early studies are described as such. None of this is medical advice.

* 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. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

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