A Dietitian’s Review: Is Nello Super Calm Worth It?

Nello Super Calm claims to help promote relaxation, better sleep, and even reduce cortisol levels. But I’m sure you’re wondering if Super Calm actually works and is worth the price tag.

As a registered dietitian, who specializes in PCOS and hormone health, I get asked about products like this all the time. 

In this blog post, I’m diving into the nitty gritty of this supplement to give you the pros, cons, and my honest Nello Super Calm review.

What is Nello Super Calm Drink Mix? 

Super Calm Drink Mix is a dietary supplement made by the US-based company Nello. It is a powdered mix of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that you mix with 8oz of cold water and drink. It’s available in several different flavors.

The Nello website claims that the Super Calm drink mix is a drink that helps:

• Manage occasional stress and anxiety
• Promote sleep
• Support healthy cortisol levels
• Supports mood and cognition

Sounds impressive – but can a drink really do all that? Let’s take a look at the actual ingredients. 

What’s in Nello Super Calm?

Inside each serving of Nello’s Super Calm drink mix, you’ll get: 

• Vitamin D3 1000 IU
• Magnesium glycinate 100 mg
• L-theanine 400 mg
• Ashwagandha 300 mg

Let’s talk about what these ingredients are actually capable of doing according to science. 

Vitamin D3

You’ve likely heard of vitamin D, especially since vitamin D deficiency is common, occurring in approximately 42% of US adults (1). Certain populations such as those with Celiac disease, PCOS, bariatric surgery, older adults, or people with darker skin, are typically at a higher risk for deficiency.  

Having optimal levels of vitamin D can: 

• Improve mood and depressive symptoms (2)
• Improve menstrual cycle regulation and ovulation rates
• Decrease glucose and insulin levels
• Lower inflammation

The Super Calm drink mix contains 1,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D3. This is a well-absorbed form of vitamin D, however, you’ll need to be consuming this drink mix alongside a meal that contains fat to actually absorb this vitamin. 

The amount of vitamin D in this drink mix is a low dose of vitamin D and may not be optimal for everyone’s needs, especially if you’re deficient. Your doctor can screen you for vitamin D deficiency with a simple blood test and advise you on additional supplementation if necessary. 

Magnesium glycinate

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a big role in our overall health. Recent research has found that up to 30% of the adult population has subclinical magnesium deficiency – meaning their serum magnesium levels are normal but they’re actually still deficient (3).

Although more research is needed, it appears that stress may deplete magnesium levels, leading to more stress – and a vicious cycle ensues (4). 

Magnesium has the ability to: 

• Lessen anxiety and stress levels
• Improve sleep quality
• Improve PMS symptoms
• Reduce insulin resistance
• Lower inflammation 

This Super Calm drink mix contains magnesium glycinate, which is actually one of the better forms of magnesium supplements. It’s easily absorbed and doesn’t usually affect the digestive system like other forms of magnesium can. 

Most research studies that look at the positive effects of magnesium supplements used a dose of 200 to 600 mg of magnesium. The Super Calm drink mix only provides 100 mg of magnesium glycinate, which is lower than the typical therapeutic dosage range.

L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in green tea, black tea, and some mushrooms. It’s known to support the nervous system and promotes calmness, sleep, and relaxation.

L-theanine may help: 

• Reduce stress and anxiety 
• Lower cortisol levels
• Improve mental alertness and focus
• Increase immunity
• Lower inflammation

In most research studies, 200 to 400 mg of L-theanine was considered an effective dose. Super Calm drink mix contains 400 mg of L-theanine, which is at the higher end of this range.

Ashwagandha Root Extract 

Ashwagandha is an ancient herb and adaptogen that’s commonly known for its ability to enhance the body’s stress resilience and improve the immune system. 

Potential benefits of ashwagandha: 

• Reduce stress and anxiety levels
• Lower cortisol levels
• Improved sleep quality
• Decreases glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin levels 
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Lower inflammation
• Improved thyroid function in hypothyroidism (improved TSH, T3, and T4 levels) 

The typical therapeutic dose of ashwagandha is 300 to 600 mg per day for stress management, anxiety, and sleep. Super Calm contains 300 mg ashwagandha, which is the lower end of that recommended range. 

Ashwagandha isn’t recommended for those taking certain medications, such as thyroid replacement meds, diabetes medications, antihypertensives, immunosuppressants, and sedatives (5).

Additionally, ashwagandha is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Other Ingredients

In addition to the key ingredients outlined above, Super Calm also contains citric acid, natural flavors, and stevia leaf extract. It also usually contains some type of natural colorant like organic beet root powder or beta carotene. 

Does Nello Super Calm Actually Work? 

The ingredients in Super Calm are supported by some impressive research. It provides L-theanine and ashwagandha in therapeutic doses—enough to potentially make a noticeable difference in how you feel. It’s most likely to make a difference in your sleep quality, focus, mental clarity, stress, and cortisol levels. 

While the vitamin D and magnesium in Super Calm aren’t considered therapeutic on their own, they can still contribute to your overall daily intake, complementing what you get from food or other supplements.

How Fast Does Nello Super Calm Work? 

Ingredients like L-theanine and magnesium glycinate may start working within 30–60 minutes for some people. In contrast, ashwagandha typically provides benefits gradually over time, with effects building the more consistently it is taken.

Is Nello Super Calm Safe? 

The ingredients in Nello Super Calm are generally regarded as safe for most healthy adults. 

Some people do report adverse side effects, mainly headaches or digestive issues such as diarrhea, GI upset, nausea, and bloating. 

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications for thyroid disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should avoid taking this supplement. Additionally, those taking immunosuppressants or sedatives should also avoid this. 

It’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any sort of dietary supplement to ensure it’s a safe and effective option for your individual needs. 

Pros of Super Calm Drink Mix

• Third Party Tested. The supplement industry isn’t regulated the same way that food or drugs are.. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate or approve of any dietary supplements, their labeling, or health claims. It’s not uncommon to find supplements on the market that don’t actually have what they’re advertising inside their supplements. Thankfully, the Nello Super Calm drink mix and other supplements are third party tested for purity and quality. 

• Convenient. Each flavor is available in conveniently packaged single-serving packets, which makes these easy to take on-the-go or travel with. There are also more cost-effective bulk tub options available for some flavors.  

• Quality ingredients. All forms of the ingredients within this dietary supplement are quality forms that are easy for our bodies to absorb. 

• Evidence-Based. While many dietary supplements make ambitious claims that are often untrue, the claims made by Super Calm drink mix do seem to be substantially supported by research studies. 

• Vegan. This supplement meets the standards for those following a plant-based or vegan diet.

• Powder Form. Since it’s a powder form, there is no need to swallow pills, and it may be an easy way to get these nutrients into your daily routine.

Cons of Super Calm Drink Mix

• Possibly Unnecessary. While there is research to support each ingredient in this supplement, you personally may not need all of these nutrients in the doses they’re being provided. For example, you may be able to achieve the same effects with a magnesium glycinate supplement or an ashwagandha supplement, rather than needing everything that’s provided in the Super Calm mix. 

• Pregnancy & breastfeeding. This product is not considered safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

• Side Effects. Although rare, some people do experience negative side effects such as headaches, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and GI upset.

• Medication interactions. This dietary supplement may interact with several common medications, such as thyroid replacement medications, antidiabetes medications, antihypertensives, immunosuppressants, and sedatives. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements or medications.

• Powder form. I know this was a pro, but it may be a con for you if you’d prefer to just take a pill form instead.

• Cost. This supplement is pretty expensive, with a bag of 20 servings costing $39.95. If you take this supplement daily, it will end up costing you approximately $60 per month. Although, the website’s subscribe and save option appears to be the most cost-effective way to get this, bringing the cost down to $28.77 per 20 servings – equaling approximately $43 per month if taken daily.

Should I Take Nello Super Calm?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear cut answer here. The answer will be dependent upon you as an individual and your unique medical needs. 

According to research, the ingredients used in the Super Calm drink mix do have the ability to reduce stress, anxiety, cortisol, and promote better sleep and relaxation. If these are things you struggle with, this may be worth trying. 

That said, the Super Calm drink mix is not safe for certain people such as those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications. As with any dietary supplement, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting it. 

If the cost is prohibitive, or if you prefer pills or capsules, you could re-create a similar formula using a combination of other products, such as these: 

• Magnesium Glycinate 
• Vitamin D3
• Ashwagandha
• L-theanine

Using the products above requires purchasing a 3 to 4 month supply at a time and increasing your pill burden, but the cost works out to about $37 per month—less than Nello Super Calm, which is around $60 per month. Although, keep in mind that the subscribe and save option on the Nello website brings the cost down to $43 per month which rivals this alternative option.  

The Bottom Line: Nello Super Calm Review

TikTok’s viral Super Calm drink mix is made by the US-based company Nello. It contains vitamin D3, magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, and L-theanine. 

This dietary supplement contains high-quality ingredients and has been third party tested for quality and purity. The ingredients have been well-researched and may help to reduce stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels. It may also promote relaxation and better sleep quality. 

If these are symptoms that you typically struggle with, this may be a worthwhile supplement to consider trying. The most cost-effective way to get it is through the Nello website.

It is not considered safe for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain prescription medications. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any type of dietary supplement. 

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Disclaimer. This is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your medical doctor or healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medications or dietary supplements.