Supercalm is a stress relief supplement sold by Nello. The brand calls their supplement "Liquid Anti-Stress" and suggests it can help support healthy cortisol levels.

But does Nello contain research-backed ingredients for stress relief? Does it contain any unhealthy ingredients? Are its active ingredients effectively dosed? And is Nello better or worse than popular stress relief drinks like Ü Relax?

In this article we'll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze the ingredients in Nello Supercalm to give our take on whether or not it's likely to be effective for stress relief, and whether or not it's healthy.

We'll also compare this supplement to other popular stress-relieving supplement drinks to pick our winners (and losers) from a formulation perspective.

Key takeaways:

• Contains effectively-dosed active ingredients
• Contains two inactive ingredients we recommend avoiding
• We do not currently recommend Nello Supercalm

Ingredient Analysis

The active ingredients in Nello Supercalm are shown below:

image source: drinknello.com

Vitamin D3 is included at a 25 microgram (mcg) dose.

A meta-study published in the Depression & Anxiety journal reported that vitamin D3 supplementation reduced negative emotions in individuals who were deficient in this nutrient.

Magnesium is clinically shown to support a healthy stress response.

The format used by Nello (magnesium glycinate) is optimal for stress support, because glycine is an amino acid that can help to reduce stress.

L-theanine is one of the most well-studied active ingredients for stress relief, as we documented in our Moment Drink review article.

This compound supports alpha wave activity, which occurs in the brain during meditation.

Ashwagandha root extract is clinically shown to relieve stress, and the 300 milligram (mg) dose in Nello Supercalm is within the effective dosing range, according to this Fact Sheet from NIH.

The inactive ingredients in Nello Supercalm are shown below:

image source: drinknello.com

Natural flavor is an inactive ingredient we recommend avoiding, because it may include synthetic preservatives according to a medical review published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal.

Citric acid (particularly the manufactured type) is clinically shown to cause inflammation in some individuals.

Overall, we consider Nello Supercalm likely to provide stress relief. It contains research-backed active ingredients at effective doses.

We do not currently recommend this supplement due to the inclusion of the two inactive ingredients highlighted above.

Nello Supercalm vs. Popular Anti-Stress Drinks

Here's how Nello Supercalm compares to other popular stress-relief drinks in terms of formulation quality, in our opinion:

Ü Relax

Contains an active ingredient which is clinically shown to cause liver damage in some individuals.

Nello Supercalm has the advantage from a safety perspective.

Winner: Nello Supercalm

Feel Free

Feel Free is a kava-based liquid supplement that's promoted for relaxation.

As we documented in the above-linked review, kava can damage the liver.

We consider Nello Supercalm to be the significantly healthier and safer option.

Winner: Nello Supercalm

Moment Drink

Contains an inactive ingredient which is clinically shown to be associated with increased stroke risk.

Nello's supplement is safer.

Winner: Nello Supercalm

Our Clean Mood Support Pick

Cornbread CBD Lotion is our topical stress-relief pick.

CBD is clinically shown to be absorbed through the skin, and was shown in a 2020 medical review to be a "promising" relaxation-supporting compound.

This supplement is free of ingredients that we consider to be unhealthy.

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Nello Supercalm Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Contains research-backed active ingredients
• Active ingredients are effectively-dosed
• No dangerous ingredients
• Should support relaxation
• Should support cortisol balance
• Clearly-published Supplement Facts panel
• Healthier than competitors

Cons:

• Doesn't appear clinically tested
• Contains natural flavors
• No unflavored version
• Contains citric acid

Conclusion

Nello Supercalm is an above-average stress relief supplement from a formulation perspective.

Compared to other stress relief supplements we've reviewed on Illuminate Health, this brand is safer and has greater potential efficacy.

All of the active ingredients have research backing for stress relief, and they're appropriately dosed.

Vitamin D3 is included at over 100% Daily Value, so consumers considering this supplement should ensure they don't get too much vitamin D3 from other supplements they're taking simultaneously.

Supercalm contains two inactive ingredients we consider potentially unhealthy, so we don't currently recommend the supplement, but neither ingredient is acutely dangerous.

We consider Nello Supercalm to be better-formulated than other popular stress relief drinks like Moment Drink, Ü Relax and Feel Free.