Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Are you struggling to stay on top of your mental game? Feeling sluggish mid-afternoon due to brain fog? A whole class of supplements called nootropics promises to turn things around for you. One of the most popular nootropics is a product called Alpha Brain by a company called Onnit.
Alpha Brain has gained a lot of attention since podcasting guru Joe Rogan began promoting it on his show. We've undertaken an in-depth Onnit Alpha Brain review to determine how effective Alpha Brain is. Read on to discover whether Alpha Brain can do the things it claims or is just another overpriced placebo.
Combat occasional brain fog and boost focus with the Onnit Alpha Brain Booster Supplement! These brain supplements for memory and focus are the ideal way for men and women to enhance their focus and cognitive speed...
What is Onnit Alpha Brain?
Onnit Alpha Brain is a nootropic dietary supplement developed by Onnit Labs. It was released onto the market in 2011. The manufacturer claims that Alpha Brain is a cognitive enhancer that improves memory, concentration, and mental acuity. Key ingredients in this product are Cats Claw, a plant with possible advantages for the brain and antioxidant characteristics, Huperzine A, which may help with memory and concentration by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine and pterostilbene, a blueberry antioxidant molecule thought to have neuroprotective qualities. Unlike many nootropics, Onnit does not contain caffeine. The ingredients are listed as a series of proprietary blends.
Alpha Brain was the first product released by Onnit. Its founder, Aubrey Marcus, had been working with Joe Rogan for some time to develop a better nootropic supplement. As a result, Rogan has been the product's face from the beginning and is featured on the official website. There he states:
"It seems to fire up your brain at a higher RPM level... I feel like it helps me form better sentences."
Onnit Alpha Brain is normally used every day as a nutritional supplement and comes in capsule form. Alpha Brain is available from a range of online retailers, including Amazon.
Onnit Alpha Brain Review: Pass or Fail?
Onnit Alpha Brain contains some potentially effective ingredients that have been shown, in clinical trials, to have a positive effect on cognitive functioning. I say 'potentially' because any ingredient is only as effective as its dosage. If you aren't getting enough of it, it's not going to work for you, no matter how impressive the research is. And that's the problem here.
Firstly, the actual dosages are hidden behind a series of proprietary blends. We are told the total ingredient dosage for the blends but not how much of each ingredient is present. This lack of transparency is not the way to respect your customers.
Even though we don't know exactly how much of each ingredient you get, it's not hard to deduce that quite a few ingredients are underdosed.
Two clinical studies have been done to assess Onnit Alpha Brain's effectiveness. A 2015 study gave the supplement to study participants for six weeks and then subjected them to a series of tests. It was found that Alpha Brain 'significantly improved verbal memory.' ¹ However, a 2018 study given to U.S. soldiers did not find any benefits from using the product.²
Is this the worst nootropic we've seen? No, not by a long shot. While the ingredients included have been proven effective, it needs to be at the right dosage and there are better products that don't hide behind proprietary blends out there. You can find three of those later on in this article.
Overall Verdict: FAIL
Pros
- Clinically tested nootropic ingredients
- It may improve brain function
- 90-day trial for 1st-time users
- 3rd party tested
- Caffeine free
Cons
- Proprietary blend
- Some ingredients underdosed
Onnit Alpha Brain Ingredients
Apart from Vitamin B6 and Cat's Claw Extract, the Onnit ingredients are separated into three blends. Here is an overview and analysis of those ingredients:
1. Vitamin B6 - 10 mg:
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for many physiological processes in the body, including brain function. It may indirectly help to improve cognition by promoting neurotransmitter production by synthesizing and metabolizing such neurotransmitters as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and dopamine that regulate mood and cognitive functioning.³
The dosage, based on clinical trials, frequently ranges from 10 to 50 milligrams or more when utilized in nootropic supplements. So, the 10 mg in Onnit is on the low side.
2. Onnit Flow Blend - 650 mg:
The Onnit Flow Blend consists of L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, oat straw extract, and phosphatidylserine. Here's a breakdown of each ingredient:
- L-Tyrosine: This amino acid acts as a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters help control mood, focus, and attention. There is also research to show that tyrosine can improve memory.⁴
- L-Theanine: This is another amino acid. It has calming properties that have been shown to promote relaxation by increasing the activity of alpha brain waves, leading to a calm yet aware mental state.⁵
- Oat Straw Extract: Oat Straw Extract is derived from the green oat plant (Avena sativa). It is thought to have neuroprotective qualities and could enhance blood flow to the brain and nerve cells. By improving brain blood flow, it may promote optimal nervous system communication. According to some research, oat straw extract may help with mental function, attentiveness, and cognitive processing speed.⁶
- Phosphatidylserine: This is a phospholipid that occurs naturally in cell membranes, including those in the brain. Supplementing with phosphatidylserine has been linked to enhanced cognition, including memory, focus, and learning.⁷
3. Cat's Claw Extract - 350 mg:
Uncaria tomentose, often known as cat's claw extract, is thought to provide potential cognitive advantages, though the body of evidence for its nootropic application is small. It comes from the bark of the cat's claw vine, native to the Amazon jungle. The active ingredients in Cat's Claw are alkaloids and flavonoids, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
By lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that might contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative illnesses, cat's claw extract may indirectly help brain health.⁸
Although cat's claw extract is typically seen to be safe for most people, some may experience mild side effects like nausea or allergic reactions.
4. Onnit Focus Blend - 240 mg:
The Onnit Focus Blend contains Alpha-GPC, Bacopa extract, and Huperzine A. When it comes to improving cognition, these components are each thought to have potential advantages:
- Alpha-GPC: The brain naturally contains the choline molecule alpha-GPC. It has been shown to promote the synthesis and release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for cognition, learning, and memory. This may lead to optimal acetylcholine levels, promoting better brain activity.⁹ To learn more, you can read our article about Alpha-GPC and its benefits.
- Bacopa extract: It is believed that bacosides, which are the active ingredients in the herb Bacopa monnieri, facilitate synaptic transmission, neuroprotection, and antioxidant activities. According to research, bacopa extract may enhance memory, attention, and cognitive function, particularly in tasks requiring continuous mental effort.¹⁰
- Huperzine A: This is a natural substance that is obtained from the Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata). It is believed to improve memory, learning, and cognitive function by suppressing the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine.¹¹
5. Onnit Fuel Blend - 60 mg:
The Onnit Fuel Blend consists of L-Leucine and pterostilbene:
- L-Leucine: L-Leucine is an essential amino acid and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). In addition to its ability to promote muscle protein synthesis, it may be able to promote energy metabolism, mood control, and general brain health.¹²
- Pterostilbene: Pterostilbene has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It is thought to improve brain mitochondrial activity, neural plasticity and lessen oxidative stress.¹³
Alpha Brain Claimed Benefits
Onnit Alpha Brain is promoted as having a number of benefits for improving brain function. The following are some of the often-cited advantages of taking this supplement:
1. Aids mental processing
Alpha Brain supplements may improve all areas of cognitive function, including mental processing speed, problem-solving, and decision-making. Pterostilbene and Bacopa extract, two components in Alpha Brain, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that are thought to have neuroprotective benefits and improve alpha brain wave production. These characteristics might guard brain tissue against oxidative damage and inflammation.
2. Helps with flow state
A person fully immersed and involved in an activity is said to be in a flow state, commonly referred to as "in the zone." It is characterized by high performance and intense focus. The chemicals in Alpha Brain are thought to have the ability to enhance the cognitive aspects of reaching a flow state, even if their precise effects on flow state promotion have not been well explored.
Here are a few ways that Alpha Brain might support the promotion of flow state:
Enhanced Focus and Attention: L-Theanine and Alpha-GPC, two ingredients in Alpha Brain, are thought to support focus and attention. These compounds might facilitate sustained concentration on the current job, which is essential for achieving a flow state.
Support for Cognitive Performance: Huperzine A and Bacopa extract are thought to improve general cognitive function. This could entail enhancing memory, problem-solving, and mental processing speed, which can help one enter a state of flow while performing challenging tasks.
Reduced Distractions and Anxiety: L-Theanine and phosphatidylserine are thought to offer relaxing and stress-relieving qualities. These elements may help establish the best possible mental environment for achieving a flow state by assisting in reducing distractions and anxiety.
It's important to remember that reaching a flow state is a complicated and diverse sensation affected by a range of elements, such as personal abilities, work difficulty, motivation, and environmental circumstances. Although the cognitive assistance provided by Alpha Brain may be in line with the features of a flow state, the sensation of flow is very subjective and may differ from person to person.
3. Promotes focus
The goal of Alpha Brain is to increase mental speed, clarity, focus, and concentration. The combination of components, including L-Theanine and Alpha-GPC, may boost focus and encourage an alert state without overstimulating the user.
4. Supports memory
It is thought that taking the supplement can increase memory and improve cognitive function, making it easier to remember information and strengthen learning skills. Ingredients like Huperzine A and Bacopa extract are thought to aid in creating and recalling memories.
Combat occasional brain fog and boost focus with the Onnit Alpha Brain Booster Supplement! These brain supplements for memory and focus are the ideal way for men and women to enhance their focus and cognitive speed...
Side Effects of Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain consists of all-natural ingredients and is generally considered to be safe when taken according to the recommended dosage. However, it may produce the following minor side effects in some people:
Digestive problems: Some people have reported slight digestive discomfort, including upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.
Headaches: In a few cases, Alpha Brain supplementation has caused migraines or headaches.
Sleep disruption: Alpha Brain contains chemicals, including huperzine A, which may affect neurotransmitter levels and disrupt sleep. This may result in some people's altered sleep habits or trouble falling asleep. Avoid or stop taking Alpha Brain only in the evening or right before bedtime if you experience sleep difficulties.
Drug interactions: Alpha Brain contains ingredients that may interact with prescription drugs. If you are on prescribed medication, you should check with your doctor before taking Alpha Brain.
Allergic Reactions: Even though it's rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to some ingredients in Alpha Brain. Stop using it right once and get medical help if you have symptoms like a rash, irritation, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Real Customer Reviews of Alpha Brain
There are more than 25,000 Amazon reviews for Alpha Brain, with an average rating of 4.4. Not surprisingly, the ratings on the official website are all extremely positive. However, there are a large number of Alpha Brain testimonials that lean towards the negative, largely because the user has not experienced any significant benefits.
Here are a couple of typical user comments from Amazon and Reddit:
How to take Alpha Brain?
According to the official website, you should take two capsules of Alpha Brain daily, preferably with a light meal.
When to take Alpha Brain?
The only guidance provided by the Onnit regarding when to take Alpha Brain is that it should be taken with a light meal. People who are prone to sleeping problems should not take it within two hours of going to bed.
Who should take Alpha Brain?
Alpha Brain could be beneficial for the following groups:
Students: Students who want to improve their concentration, memory, and cognitive function while studying or taking tests frequently use Alpha Brain.
Professionals: People in high-demand professions like executives, programmers, authors, or researchers, which call for mental clarity and focus, may want to think about taking Alpha Brain to boost their cognitive function.
Athletes: Some athletes and fitness enthusiasts use Alpha Brain to help them perform mentally during practice or tournaments. It's imperative to confirm that the contents are accepted by your sport or organization, though, as some compounds can be prohibited.
People looking for cognitive support: As a nootropic supplement, Alpha Brain may be used by people who want to maintain or enhance their cognitive function, memory, or mental clarity.
3 Alpha Brain Alternatives
The Nootropic supplement market is booming, so there is no shortage of Alpha Brain alternative products. Here are three of our favorites:
1. NooCube
NooCube is a nootropic dietary supplement created to promote memory, focus, and overall brain health. It contains 13 ingredients designed to optimize brain function and improve mental performance. The key ingredients include
Alpha GPC: By boosting the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in cognitive processes, Alpha GPC is a substance that is thought to assist memory, learning, and focus.
Huperzine A: Huperzine A is a compound that is generated from the Huperzia Serrata plant. It is thought to block an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, potentially raising its levels and enhancing cognitive performance.
Oat straw: Oat straw extract is thought to promote blood flow and raise alpha-2 brain waves, which may result in better focus and mental clarity.
Cat's Claw: Cat's Claw extract has antioxidants and may have neuroprotective properties, which could promote the health and function of the brain.
The recommended NooCube dosage is three capsules per day. This supplement has one of the most complete ingredient profiles of any nootropic we've reviewed. It's also generally well-dosed. Unlike with Alpha Brain, the dosages are not hidden behind proprietary labels.
If you want to learn more about NooCube, read our full NooCube Review.
Pros
- Stimulant free
- 3rd party tested
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only available online
Noocube works alongside your daily routine as a functional nootropic — allowing you to get more accomplished in a 24-hour period without feeling overwhelmed by...
2. Hunter Focus
Hunter Focus is a popular nootropic that claims to be the most potent on the market. No less than 20 all-natural, secure ingredients are included in the nootropic Hunter Focus ingredient list, which is impressive. There is research to back up each ingredient's inclusion in a nootropic formula.
Although some of the ingredients, such as Panax ginseng and Lion's Mane, are not dosed as well as they could be, Hunter Focus' synergistic combination of all of its ingredients nonetheless works to provide visible effects in terms of strengthening attention, boosting energy, and fostering creativity. It is quite expensive and needs to be taken six times a day, yet despite these drawbacks, this vitamin is among the best nootropics available today.
I have personally taken Hunter Focus for two months. I experienced significant benefits in terms of improved focus and memory.
To learn more, check out our full Hunter Focus Review.
Pros
- Research-backed ingredients
- 100% Natural
- 20 ingredients
Cons
- Requires taking six capsules per day
Hunter Focus's unique blend of natural nootropics allows you to devote your mental energies to the area of life you choose to prioritise - and makes switching your focus effortless...
3. Nooceptin
Nooceptin is a nootropic that claims to be able to give you 100% brain optimization. Seven key ingredients are meant to achieve that result:
-
400 mg of Lion's Mane
-
200 mg of citicoline
-
L-Theanine: 200 mg
-
Rhodiola Rosea: 150 mg
-
150 mg of Bacopa Monnieri extract
-
100 mg Gingko Biloba Extract
-
200 mg Panax Ginseng
Nooceptin seems to be quite effective in terms of improving focus, probably due to the inclusion of citicoline, which boosts the release of some important essential brain compounds. According to many reviews, the supplement is also able to lift brain fog. Just like Onnit Alpha Brain, Nooceptin is a caffeine-free nootropic supplement. That's good news for people who are sensitive to the stimulant.
The recommended dosage for Nooceptin is two capsules per day. The manufacturer states that you should use it for 90 days before expecting to see any effects.
Pros
- Clinically attested ingredients
- Caffeine free
- Neuroprotective properties
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Taking Nooceptin daily helps keep your mind clear and eliminates the morning brain fog that stops you being productive before 10am. Over time this should reduce your reliance...
Alpha Brain FAQs
Is Onnit Alpha Brain like Adderall?
No, Onnit Alpha Brain is not the same as Adderall. The former is an over-the-counter natural supplement, while the latter is a prescription medication intended primarily to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a stimulant that contains amphetamine salts and has an impact on the CNS.
Alpha Brain is designed as a cognitive booster. It combines vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to boost cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity.
How quickly does Alpha Brain work?
Individual differences in metabolism, body composition, and susceptibility to the chemicals can all affect how Alpha Brain works and how quickly its effects start to manifest. Onnit claims that Alpha Brain's effects can be felt 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. Individual experiences, however, could differ.
While some users report experiencing the advantages of Alpha Brain—such as increased attention, mental clarity, and cognitive enhancement—shortly after taking it, others might need to use it consistently for a while before noticing any visible results. Alpha Brain's cumulative effects can also become more obvious with repeated use.
Is Alpha Brain actually effective?
While some people claim that taking Alpha Brain improves their focus, mental clarity, and cognitive function, others may not notice any major differences. It's vital to remember that each person's response to nootropic capsules will vary and depend on a variety of variables, including general health, way of life, and unique brain chemistry.
Alpha Brain's effectiveness hasn't been well investigated in rigorous clinical trials, and there isn't much information on its specific ingredient dosage. We have concluded, though, that some of the ingredients are underdosed. This will negatively impact the supplement's effectiveness.
What are the risks of Alpha Brain?
When used as instructed, Alpha Brain is usually considered safe for most users. However, it's important to be aware of any possible hazards related to its use. As with any dietary supplement, different people may react differently to the ingredients in Alpha Brain. Mild side effects like headaches, nausea, vertigo, or digestive pain could happen to some people.
Alpha Brain should not be used if you have known allergies or sensitivities to any of its constituents. Before beginning Alpha Brain, you should speak with a healthcare provider if you are currently using any medications. Some ingredients may interact with pharmaceuticals which could reduce their effectiveness or result in unfavorable side effects.
If used too close to bedtime, Alpha Brain's ability to increase alertness and restlessness may result in difficulty falling asleep.
How much does Alpha Brain Cost?
You can buy a 30-capsule bottle from their website for about $35, which will last you 15 days, or you could buy a 90-capsule bottle for around $80, which will last for 45 days.
Summary
Alpha Brain is a heavily promoted nootropic that promises to up your mental game by improving cognitive functioning, boosting memory, increasing energy, and improving focus. While it does contain some well-established nootropic ingredients, we do not have clarity on their dosages because they are presented as proprietary blends. We can deduce, though, that several of them are underdosed, which undermines the efficacy of the product. As a result, we cannot endorse Onnit Alpha Brain. Instead, we recommend that you check out the other products we've recommended.
Noocube works alongside your daily routine as a functional nootropic — allowing you to get more accomplished in a 24-hour period without feeling overwhelmed by...
Interested in more brain boosting supplements? Check out our articles on the Best Nootropics and the Best Choline supplements.
References
- Solomon, Todd M., et al. "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Group, Efficacy Study of Alpha BRAIN® Administered Orally." Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, vol. 31, no. 2, 15 Feb. 2016, pp. 135–143
- Barringer, Nicholas, et al. "Impact of a Purported Nootropic Supplementation on Measures of Mood, Stress, and Marksmanship Performance in U.S. Active Duty Soldiers." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 15, no. 1, 31 May 2018
- Malouf, Reem, and John Grimley Evans. "Vitamin B6 for Cognition." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 20 Oct. 2003
- Steenbergen, Laura, et al. "Tyrosine Promotes Cognitive Flexibility: Evidence from Proactive vs. Reactive Control during Task Switching Performance." Neuropsychologia, vol. 69, Mar. 2015, pp. 50–55
- Hidese, Shinsuke, et al. "Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 10, 3 Oct. 2019, p. 2362
- Kennedy, David O., et al. "Acute Effects of a Wild Green-Oat (Avena Sativa) Extract on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Within-Subjects Trial." Nutritional Neuroscience, vol. 20, no. 2, 30 Nov. 2015, pp. 135–151
- Glade, Michael J., and Kyl Smith. "Phosphatidylserine and the Human Brain." Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), vol. 31, no. 6, 1 June 2015, pp. 781–786
- Castilhos, Lívia G., et al. “Uncaria Tomentosa Improves Cognition, Memory and Learning in Middle-Aged Rats.” Experimental Gerontology, vol. 138, 1 Sept. 2020, p. 111016
- Lee S.H., Choi B.Y., Kim J.H., Kho A.R., Sohn M., Song H.K., Choi H.C., Suh S.W. Late treatment with choline alfoscerate (l-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, alpha-GPC) increases hippocampal neurogenesis and provides protection against seizure-induced neuronal death and cognitive impairment. Brain Res. 2017;1654:66–76.
- Brimson, James M., et al. "The Effectiveness of Bacopa Monnieri (Linn.) Wettst. As a Nootropic, Neuroprotective, or Antidepressant Supplement: Analysis of the Available Clinical Data." Scientific Reports, vol. 11, no. 1, 12 Jan. 2021
- Zhang, J.-M, and G.-Y Hu. "Huperzine A, a Nootropic Alkaloid, Inhibits N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-Induced Current in Rat Dissociated Hippocampal Neurons." Neuroscience, vol. 105, no. 3, Aug. 2001, pp. 663–669
- Wang, Xiaotian, et al. "Leucine Mediates Cognitive Dysfunction in Early Life Stress-Induced Mental Disorders by Activating Autophagy." Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, vol. 16, 4 Jan. 2023, p. 1060712
- Poulose, Shibu M., et al. "Effects of Pterostilbene and Resveratrol on Brain and Behavior." Neurochemistry International, vol. 89, Oct. 2015, pp. 227–233
Steve Theunissen
Author