The world out there is hectic and fast-paced. We can use all the help we can get keeping focused, remembering tasks and appointments, and keeping up with our A-game. That’s why we’re on the lookout for any nootropics that can help.

We recently came across Alpha BRAIN®, and below is our review. We found some things to like and some things to look out for, and even some comparison products we researched along the way. At the end, check out the FAQs if you want to follow up on any part of our review.

What is Alpha BRAIN®?

Made by Onnit, Alpha BRAIN® is actually a blend of three other proprietary supplements by Onnit and the herb Cat’s Claw.

The three supplements that Alpha BRAIN® uses are Onnit’s Flow Blend, Focus Blend, and Fuel Blend. They work in concert to provide optimum serotonin and dopamine response, increase acetylcholine, and work to support cellular communication.

Benefits Of Alpha BRAIN®

DOPAMINE AND SEROTONIN: We’re probably all aware that serotonin and dopamine are important chemicals for brain function. Dopamine helps us with the ‘reward’ feeling we get during everything from eating chocolate to exercising. Serotonin, meanwhile, helps with everything from mood to memory and recall. Alpha BRAIN uses two known compounds, L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine, to help with the serotonin and dopamine response. 

INCREASED ACETYLCHOLINE: Acetylcholine has a complicated name and a complicated function. Most often referred to as a ‘neurotransmitter,’ what it really does is communication between your nervous system and your muscles. 

That is to say, if you have a message in your brain to lift a pencil, acetylcholine is eventually responsible for sending the message to the muscles in your hand. In addition to that, acetylcholine helps send messages in the brain, and between the glands.

So when your acetylcholine levels are at their best, you think, act, and react at your best. Alpha BRAIN uses the compound acetylcholine, called Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC, for short). 

MENTAL FOCUS AND MEMORY: The combination of dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine means you’ll have more clarity to face your day. Tasks will seem easier and unexpected eventualities will seem less stressful. On top of that, when you do sit down to your tasks, you’ll have better brain functionality to meet them.

Alpha BRAIN® Ingredients

L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine: Not only do we find these two proven compounds in a number of nootropics, we even find them in some weight loss supplements. They are so effective at regulating and promoting healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine that they can offset the effects of lowering sugar in your bloodstream. This matters when it comes to how we react to stress during the day. If we already have good levels of dopamine, and an important deadline gets moved up, we can meet the challenge. If we don’t have the right levels of hormones, we might take a break we don’t have time for to eat a snack we didn’t need.

Oat Straw Extract: It’s been used for decades as a natural supplement for brain flow. It might sound pretty basic, but the brain uses most of the oxygen in our bloodstream, and without proper blood flow, we couldn’t get that oxygen to the brain. For higher cognitive function, we need the best artery performance, and Oat Straw Extract helps with that.

Alpha GPC and Bacopa: As we mentioned earlier, these are used to help stimulate the production of acetylcholine for better communication between nerves and cells.

Phosphatidylserine: This is also used to increase Acetylcholine, and it is the only nootropic with an FDA claim to better cognitive function.

Huperzia Serrata: This compound inhibits the production of a catalyst known as an Acetylcholinesterase, or AChE. AChE breaks down the acetylcholine in our nervous system. So, the basic idea behind the Huperzia is that it limits the AChE, so then we will have more acetylcholine. But the science here is murky. Just to peek behind the curtain, once acetylcholine attaches to the synaptic cleft in the postsynaptic membrane, it stays there. That is to say, the leading understanding of biology is that we might actually need the AChE to break down the acetylcholine so that we can reuse it.

Pterostilbene and L-Leucine: The first is an FDA replacement for the compound known as resveratrol, the second is an amino acid. Alpha BRAIN includes them in their formula as part of their Onnit Fuel Blend. But we couldn’t find any link between either ingredient and better cognitive function, focus, or memory.

Pros And Cons

PROS

  • Better memory and recall
  • Improved mood and mental clarity
  • Less stress
  • Faster cognitive functions
  • Feel less mental fatigue

CONS

  • A few ingredients we didn’t see as directly beneficial
  • Lacks full vitamin regimen

Potential Side Effects

While we didn’t see any direct side-effects listed, we did note that on their website, in all caps, Alpha BRAIN says to keep their supplement out of reach of children. We aren’t sure why they listed that, and we couldn’t find any contra-indicated reactions with known compounds.

Alternative Supplements

We’re here to offer honest reviews and genuine research. In delving into Alpha BRAIN, we did come across two great alternatives, NooCube and Mind Lab Pro. NooCube has a great, stripped-down formula with only the most researched ingredients. Also, Mind Lab Pro had some intriguing herbal ingredients that we didn’t see in Alpha BRAIN, like Lion’s Mane and Maritime Pine Bark.

Conclusion: Is Alpha BRAIN® Worth It?

You can’t put a price on your health. Mental and brain health is no exception. If anything, they might be the most important of all our various types of well-being. And we found a lot to like about Alpha BRAIN.

The best deal we could find on their website was a one-month supply for $67.95, which requires a subscription that can be cancelled or adjusted at any time. You can pick for your order to be delivered every 7, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 or 90 days, so it is quite flexible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it Work? 

Our best indications are that it does. However, we found the most testimony on the website for Alpha BRAIN from a spokesperson, while NooCube and Mind Lab Pro all had quotes from studies and scientists.

Is it Really Formulated for Cognitive Function?

Yes, absolutely. However, the science behind nootropics is still new, and you should always compare formulas to find what’s best-proven or best for you.

Does it Have Stimulants?

Not that we could find, in the traditional sense. While early nootropics were little better than vitamin and caffeine combinations, those ‘energy’ boosts didn’t do much for actual brain support. Alpha BRAIN seems to be different.

 Is it Safe?

Alpha BRAIN® is safe as far as we could tell. Though we did note an odd recommendation to keep it away from children.

 Can the Three Compounds in Alpha BRAIN be Taken Separately?

Not that we could find it on their website. Onnit has a full breadth of products for both physical and mental health available on its website.

About the Author

Steven has been into health, nutrition, and fitness for over 10 years, and has a degree in Physical Education and Coaching. He is an expert in supplements and is devoted to helping his clients achieve their fitness goals and live their best lives.

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