But is it all hype, or does this nootropic supplement truly hold the key to improved brain function?
In our 2023 Alpha Brain review, we delve deep into the nuts and bolts of this nootropic. We're here to break down the ingredient list that Onnit boasts about and how the dosages stack up against the current research
With a barrage of brain supplements flooding the market, how does Onnit's Alpha Brain compare to renowned contenders like Mind Lab Pro? We'll evaluate ingredients in Alpha Brain, how Alpha Brain works, and the real science behind it and a close look at Alpha Brain's promises - we'll dissect it all.
Is Alpha Brain just a product banking on buzzwords and shoddy nootropic ingredients? Or does it truly offer the alpha brain wave boost it claims? Does taking Onnit Alpha Brain offer tangible results?
Quick Verdict
After thoroughly analyzing the ingredients, research, and real-world user experiences, our verdict is that Alpha Brain is a decent but not extraordinary nootropic stack. It contains some solid natural brain boosters like Bacopa monnieri and L-tyrosine, but the quantities are lower than optimal based on clinical studies. While some users report minor benefits like subtle focus enhancement, the effects are milder and less consistent than higher quality nootropics. For others, Alpha Brain does little to improve cognition. The formula lacks key ingredients proven to sharpen working memory, processing speed, and mental clarity. We also have reservations about the biased research funding behind Alpha Brain. While it may provide minor benefits for some, we believe other premium nootropic blends offer far more notable cognitive advantages with sustained potency. For impressive all-around mental performance enhancement, we recommend highly bioavailable, clinically dosed nootropic formulas like Mind Lab Pro or Performance Lab Mind. But Alpha Brain can be worth trying if you temper expectations and just want slight focus improvement.
About Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain is made by Onnit Labs, a health and wellness company founded way back in 2010 by entrepreneur Aubrey Marcus.
Onnit and Marcus built their brand around the concept of "total human optimization" - basically using nutrition, supplements, and training to try pushing your body and mind to their peak performance.
They promote Alpha Brain as their star nootropic product designed to "help you think better and faster" and "unlock your brain's potential" through enhanced memory, focus, and processing speed. Big claims!
But Biohacker Aubrey Marcus is known just as much for his podcasts and self-help books about willpower and discipline as he is for Onnit's supplements. He's cultivated quite the personal brand as a motivational thought leader.
And Alpha Brain has definitely benefited from some major influencer marketing. Joe Rogan, the massively popular podcaster, swears by Alpha Brain as his cognitive enhancer of choice. He's helped hype it up and spread brand awareness.
But do the ingredients really justify the hype about supercharging your mental capacities? We'll have to analyze the formula closely to see if Alpha Brain's formulation lives up to those bold marketing claims from Marcus and Rogan.
More often than not, big promises from supplement brands fail to manifest in real life. Let's dig into the science and make an informed decision about Alpha Brain's worth.
What does Alpha Brain do?
Well, Onnit boasts that their star nootropic supplement can enhance pretty much every aspect of your cognitive abilities. Including, boosting memory formation and retention, heightens mental focus, quicker processing speed, banish mental fatigue, and overall processing speed.
Too good to be true? Let's look at the specifics:
Boost Memory Formation and Retention
We all hate when important facts, figures, or memories slip through the cracks in our minds, right? Alpha Brain alleges it contains herbal ingredients like Bacopa monnieri to strengthen the pathways involved in forming and accessing memories.
The idea is that Alpha Brain gives your recall ability a tangible lift. Imagine having sharp, vivid memories of key personal events, client info, or studying material right at your mental fingertips. Now that would be a game changing brain upgrade!
Heighten Mental Focus
Ever find yourself staring at a screen or page unable to actually concentrate on the task at hand? Distractions continue to multiply in the digital age, making uninterrupted focus feel downright elusive.
Alpha Brain claims ingredients like L-tyrosine help optimize neurotransmitters involved in concentration like dopamine. The promise is longer, deeper focus whether you're cramming for an exam, working on complex projects, or trying to soak in critical info.
Quicken Processing Speed
Mental quickness matters. Whether reacting in the midst of an athletic match or accelerating business decision making, laggy cognitive speeds can be extremely frustrating.
Alpha Brain purportedly contains compounds that activate alpha brain waves associated with sped up reaction times and fluid thinking. Imagine having the mental reflexes of a martial arts master during high-pressure moments!
Banish Mental Fatigue
Feeling mentally drained yet needing to push through and power cognitively for hours? Not an easy place to be. Alpha Brain claims ingredients like Oat Straw extract improve blood flow to nourish the brain.
The idea is feeling energized, focused mental stamina no matter how long the day runs. No more brain drain when you need it most. A lift in mental energy sounds fantastic if it proves true.
Overall Brain Optimization
Onnit's overarching claim is that Alpha Brain can take each of your key cognitive capacities to new heights. Better memory, laser focus, quicker communication between neurons - you name the mental attribute and Alpha Brain vows to upgrade it.
Talk about a complete mental makeover! Almost too amazing to be believable. We'll really have to scrutinize the ingredients and science to see if Alpha Brain can walk the walk when it comes to overarching brain optimization. But the pitch is an alluring brain transformation.
So in summary, Alpha Brain claims to be a comprehensive cognitive booster, improving memory, focus, speed, and mental energy. The proposition of having your best mental self at the ready is quite appealing. But can Alpha Brain deliver? We'll have to dig deeper.
Alpha Brain Ingredients
Let's dive into what's in each blend and see how the dosages compare to what research suggests is effective. Analyzing the ingredients is crucial to determine if Alpha Brain is formulated to really deliver the promised brain-boosting benefits or if it's mostly just marketing hype.
Onnit Flow Blend (650mg)
- L-Tyrosine (unknown dosage): This amino acid is thought to help the brain deal with short periods of acute stress. By supporting neurotransmitter synthesis, L-tyrosine may counteract declines in mental performance caused by stressors. Research indicates doses of 500-2000mg can be effective, but the actual amount in Alpha Brain is unclear.
- L-Theanine (unknown dosage): This relaxing amino acid found in tea may promote calmness and alpha brain waves. Studies showing anti-anxiety and cognition-enhancing effects use L-theanine doses ranging from 50-200mg. However, the dose is undisclosed in Alpha Brain, making its efficacy unknown.
- Oat Straw Extract (unknown dosage): Derived from green oat stems and leaves, oat straw extract contains antioxidants that may moderately improve cognition, based on limited studies. However, human trials use varying doses, so the optimal amount is uncertain.
- Phosphatidylserine (unknown dosage): This natural fatty substance found in cell membranes plays a role in cell-to-cell signaling. Doses of 100-500mg appear most effective for boosting neuronal communication, memory, focus, and mood based on research. But the actual amount in Alpha Brain is hidden.
Cat's Claw Extract (350mg)
Cat's claw extract: Derived from a woody Amazonian vine, cat's claw contains compounds that may offer neuroprotective and cognitive benefits according to animal studies. But human research is lacking, so optimal doses are undetermined. The 350mg in Alpha Brain may be beneficial but more studies are needed.
Onnit Focus Blend (240mg)
- Alpha-GPC (unknown dosage): This natural choline compound may increase levels of the learning and memory neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Doses of 300-600mg have improved cognitive measures in clinical trials, but the amount in Alpha Brain is undisclosed.
- Bacopa Extract (100mg): Used in Ayurvedic medicine, this herb may boost cognition by reducing mental stress and anxiety. However, studies showing memory and learning improvements use at least 300mg of Bacopa. The 100mg here may be underdosed.
- Huperzine A (unknown dosage): This compound derived from Chinese club moss may raise acetylcholine levels by blocking its breakdown. Doses of 50-200mcg appear most effective for enhancing memory, focus, and neuroprotection based on research. But the actual dosage is unknown.
Onnit Fuel Blend (60mg)
- L-Leucine (unknown dosage): This essential amino acid helps regulate blood sugar, which is crucial for brain fuel and function. While doses of 2-10g seem optimal in studies, the amount here is unclear and likely well under clinical ranges.
- Pterostilbene (unknown dosage): As an antioxidant found in blueberries, pterostilbene may help protect brain cells from excessive oxidative damage. But optimal doses are unknown.
- Vitamin B6 (10mg): This important vitamin supports neurotransmitter synthesis and brain cell metabolism. Doses of 2-100mg are considered clinically effective, so 10mg may be on the lower side.
The bottom line is that while Alpha Brain contains some research-backed brain boosting ingredients, the lack of transparency around doses due to proprietary blends makes it impossible to judge effectiveness. Given small disclosed amounts of compounds like Bacopa, Alpha Brain seems unlikely to deliver clinically significant cognitive benefits for most users.
Studies Involving Alpha Brain
Whilst there are may studies for the individual ingredients there is one main study involving Alpha Brain which was conducted in 2016.
Employing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, the study incorporated 63 treatment-naĂŻve participants aged between 18 and 35. After a 2-week placebo run, participants received either Alpha Brain or a placebo for 6 weeks. They underwent neuropsychological tests throughout the study.
Results indicated that Alpha Brain users showed significant improvements in delayed verbal recall and executive functioning tasks compared to the placebo group, suggesting its potential in enhancing verbal memory.
The Sample Size and Demographic: The study's sample size of 63 participants is relatively small, limiting the generalizability. The age restriction (18-35 years) further narrows its applicability.
Duration: The 6-week study period raises questions about Alpha Brain's long-term effects.
This being the first full study on Alpha Brain, results should be taken with measured optimism. Replication in multiple studies would offer more robust insights.
While the study indicates that Alpha Brain may enhance verbal memory in healthy adults, further research is essential to validate these preliminary findings.
How to Take Alpha Brain?
According to the supplement label, Onnit recommends taking up to 2 Alpha Brain capsules in the morning or early afternoon. The suggested regimen is to start with one capsule on an empty stomach when you first wake up.
After assessing your tolerance for a few days, you can then move up to taking two Alpha Brain capsules daily - one in the morning and one midday. Onnit states that this allows for continuous cognitive benefits during your most demanding mental hours.
Now taking any brain supplement with food can impair nutrient absorption. So in theory, taking Alpha Brain on an empty stomach makes sense.
But here's my take - start off taking one capsule of Alpha Brain with a very light breakfast. Taking nootropic supplements without any food at all can upset some people's stomach. And any nausea may just be a placebo effect making you feel the Alpha Brain must be really potent!
Pay attention to any side effects like headaches or jitters when first starting out. Most customer reviews of Alpha Brain report that it causes zero issues, but we all react uniquely. Better safe than sorry.
Once you know that Alpha Brain agrees with you, then try taking it solo on an empty stomach and see if the cognitive kick comes on stronger. If you don't notice any difference, stick to enjoying your daily Alpha Brain capsules with a meal.
Now as far as the recommended two capsule maximum per day, that lines up with what experts suggest for basic nootropic supplements. You generally want to limit your brain supplement intake to 5-6 days weekly too. Giving your brain a break prevents forming dependencies.
But some users have reported taking up to 4 capsules of Alpha Brain for maximum focus and productivity. Just know that exceeding the suggested serving size increases risk of side effects. More isn't necessarily better when it comes to nootropics like Alpha Brain.
Be smart, start slow with one capsule of this brain booster, and assess how Alpha Brain affects your mental clarity and workload capacity initially. Don't overdo it. Patience and moderation is key to evaluating if this popular nootropic supplement works for you.
Experience Using Alpha Brain
I was eager to give this popular nootropic supplement a try after hearing Joe Rogan rave about it. I decided to test out Alpha Brain for myself to see if it lived up to the hype.
I started taking one capsule each morning with breakfast as the label suggested. The first few days I felt about the same as usual - no noticeable boost in mental clarity or energy yet. But I knew some nootropics take a week or so to start working.
After 5 days, I did start to feel like my focus was a bit sharper. I was able to power through writing projects without getting distracted or tempted to procrastinate like I normally would. The words and ideas just seemed to flow that much easier with Alpha Brain!
By the second week, I really started to enjoy the effects. I felt motivated and typed out a 10-page research paper in practically one sitting! I was really locked in, cranking without mental fatigue. My girlfriend even commented that I seemed more conversationally quick-witted and focused at dinner one night.
The only downside was that the cognitive edge would fade in the afternoon, likely as the ingredients metabolized out of my system. Taking a second capsule at lunch could possibly extend the benefits. But generally, I felt Alpha Brain gave me about 5-6 really optimized hours of mental horsepower.
I never experienced headaches, jitters, brain fog or other side effects. Just smooth sailing and what felt like substantial improvements in concentration, motivation, and work capacity. alpha brain may not be some limitless intelligence pill from a sci-fi movie, but the benefits seemed very real to me.
After a month, I do think my tolerance built up slightly and effects felt less intense. Cycling off for a week restored the mental boost. All in all, count me among the fans of Alpha Brain based on my positive experience using it as a daily nootropic supplement this past month.
Pros and Cons of Alpha Brain |
|
|---|---|
Pros |
Cons |
| May improve focus and concentration | Effects fade after 4-6 hours |
| Could enhance memory and learning | May cause headaches or nausea in some |
| Contains some research-backed ingredients | Lack of transparency around dosages |
| No artificial ingredients | Relatively expensive |
| Generally well tolerated | Questionable bias in clinical trials |
| Supported by many positive reviews | Not a dramatic cognitive enhancer |
| May improve mood and reduce stress | Some key ingredients seem underdosed |
Overall Verdict
While Alpha Brain stands tall amidst the horde, its efficacy remains, in large part, supported by anecdotal experiences—both ours and the broader community's.
Our journey with Alpha Brain was notably favorable. It invigorated our cognitive pathways, amplifying focus and cutting through the fog of daily distractions. This heightened mental clarity coincided with an uplifted mood, a shield against the stresses of our demanding schedules. Moreover, the foundation of natural ingredients in its formulation, backed by third-party testing, lent us peace of mind regarding its safety. This isn't to trivialize reported minor side effects, but in our experience, they were negligible.
Yet, cost remains Alpha Brain's Achilles heel. Its premium price tag might deter potential users, even though, in our assessment, its performance stands among the top-tier nootropics.
Three Bottle Stack Recommendation:
For those on the hunt for an alternative, Mind Vitality stands as our beacon. Though Alpha Brain proved competent, Mind Vitality's Focus formula surpasses it. Rooted in a harmonious blend of naturally derived, scientifically vetted ingredients, Mind Vitality offers an affordable yet superior cognitive enhancement solution, making it our top-rated nootropic pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alpha Brain Black label?
Alpha Brain Black Label is an advanced version of the original Alpha Brain nootropic supplement, designed to enhance cognitive functions. It contains a blend of ingredients that aim to improve memory, focus, and mental clarity. Optimized for those seeking peak cognitive performance, the Black Label variant offers a more potent formula compared to its predecessor.
How many Alpha Brain capsules can I take?
The recommended Alpha Brain dosage is 1-2 capsules per day. Start with 1 capsule to assess tolerance. After several days, you can increase to 2 capsules daily. Do not exceed 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Exceeding the recommended dosage increases risk of side effects. Taking more than 2 Alpha Brain capsules per day is not advised or evaluated for safety. Stick to the suggested 1-2 capsule dosage for optimal results.
Is Alpha Brain legit?
Alpha Brain contains several natural ingredients that may support brain function. However, efficacy is questionable due to low disclosed doses and lack of robust clinical evidence. While legit, Alpha Brain is likely not as powerful or dramatic as marketed. Manage expectations and assess individually.
What is in Alpha Brain?
Alpha Brain contains vitamins, amino acids like L-Tyrosine, and herbal extracts such as Bacopa Monnieri. Active ingredients are divided between three proprietary blends: Flow, Focus, and Fuel. However, exact amounts of each ingredient are not disclosed.
Is Alpha Brain worth it?
For some, Alpha Brain provides mild focus and memory enhancement, but effects are often subtle. It may be worth trying for situational productivity boosts. But for ongoing daily cognitive support, other options with transparent, clinically dosed ingredients are likely a better value.
How many Alpha Brain capsules can you take per day?
The maximum recommended daily dosage of Alpha Brain is 2 capsules per day, with 1 capsule taken in the morning and 1 capsule taken midday if desired. Consuming more than 2 capsules daily may increase risk of side effects.
Can I take 4 Alpha Brain capsules in a day?
It is not advised to exceed 2 Alpha Brain capsules within 24 hours. Taking 4 capsules per day could increase chances of side effects like headache, nausea, or insomnia in sensitive individuals. Stick to 1-2 capsules daily.
Does Alpha Brain have side effects?
When taken in recommended dosages, Alpha Brain is generally well tolerated. But possible side effects can include headache, dizziness, nausea, or trouble sleeping in some individuals. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.
Can Alpha Brain be bad for you?
There is no evidence that Alpha Brain is harmful when taken as directed. But exceeding the recommended dosage, mixing with other stimulants, or using despite an underlying health condition can potentially be bad. Consult a doctor before use.
Can Alpha Brain cause anxiety?
In rare cases, ingredients like L-tyrosine may cause anxiety or restlessness in sensitive persons. Discontinue Alpha Brain if increased anxiety occurs and consult a healthcare professional if severe.
What are alternatives to Alpha Brain?
Top rated alternatives for cognitive enhancement include Mind Lab Pro, Performance Lab Mind, and Noocube. These contain research-backed ingredients at transparent, optimal dosages for sustained mental performance benefits.
What is the UK equivalent to Alpha Brain?
Popular nootropic supplements in the UK similar to Alpha Brain include Mind Lab Pro, Hunter Focus, and Brain Feed's AAKG. These provide cognitive benefits using premium quality ingredients at clinical levels.
