Alpha Brain Review

About The Brand

If you’re on the hunt for brain-boosting supplements, you may come across Onnit. Founded in 2011 by Aubrey Marcus, who holds a background in ancient philosophy and athletic history, Onnit strives to help people reach their fullest potential. Today, the company is an influential player in the health and wellness industry, boasting an impressive selection of over 250 products. Among their top sellers are clinically-researched dietary supplements, earth-grown foods, apparel, and non-traditional fitness equipment. Their most popular nootropic, Alpha Brain, has been dominating the market since its debut in 2011.

So, What Exactly Is Onnit Alpha Brain?

This particular nootropic is formulated with natural ingredients that are said to support cognitive function by promoting alpha wave and neurotransmitter production. This, in turn, enhances cognitive performance. Unlike many of its competitors, Alpha Brain has scientific research backing up its effectiveness, and it has even been endorsed by prominent athletes and celebrities, including Joe Rogan. To date, over one million bottles have been sold.

But Does It Really Work?

In theory, Alpha Brain is believed to help users enter a “zone” by stimulating alpha brain waves and neurotransmitter production. The brain produces alpha waves during periods of relaxation and calm, which is why many individuals experience these waves during stress-relieving activities such as meditation.

While anecdotal evidence is compelling, there is also clinical research supporting Alpha Brain’s use. In a six-week, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2016, Alpha Brain was given to 63 individuals aged 18-35. The study found that Alpha Brain supplementation resulted in significant improvements in verbal recall and cognitive function, compared to the placebo. Additionally, participants showed a higher frequency of alpha waves, which is thought to indicate a healthy brain environment.

However, it’s important to note that the study was funded by the company, which can introduce sponsorship bias. In contrast, a 2018 study on 43 US soldiers found no significant improvement in marksmanship performance between the soldiers who received Alpha Brain and those who received the placebo.

Overall, while there is some evidence to suggest that Alpha Brain may be effective, further studies are needed to conclusively prove its benefits.

Alpha Brain Ingredients

Alpha Brain is made up of three main proprietary blends to support the production of alpha waves and neurotransmitters in your brain. Though studies are limited, there is research to support its use as a nootropic. 

The product is made with natural ingredients, stimulant-free, gluten-free, and third-party tested for safety. If you’re looking for a high-quality nootropic, Alpha Brain may be a good choice.

Alpha Brain is made of ingredients that work together to support cognitive performance, improve focus, memory, and mental processing. 

Together, these ingredients may help build an environment where our brain can function at its best, thus promoting mental clarity and reducing brain fog.

Although Alpha Brain is clinically proven to benefit its users, research is still limited.  It is also made up of proprietary blends, resulting in a lack of ingredient transparency.

Most of the solid research supporting the use of many of Alpha Brain’s ingredients targets the elderly population. Since the quantities of ingredients are not displayed, we do not know if the ingredients are present in adequate amounts to provide benefits similar to those studied.

Alpha Brain is third-party tested by the Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG) to ensure the product is free of any banned or controlled ingredients. However, third-party testing results are not publicly available on their website at this time.

Let’s take a look at what’s inside of Alpha Brain.

The Onnit Flow Blend is a carefully formulated supplement that aims to enhance alpha brain wave production. Let’s take a closer look at the individual ingredients that make up this blend and their potential effects.

L-Tyrosine: A Non-Essential Amino Acid

L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid commonly found in brain-boosting supplements. It aids in the production of neurotransmitters, which facilitate communication between nerve cells in the body. According to a 2015 review, tyrosine can improve cognitive performance during short-term periods of stress, although its effectiveness varies from person to person.

L-Theanine: An Anxiolytic Amino Acid

L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid that has been used as an anxiolytic to reduce anxiety. Studies suggest that individuals with high anxiety levels may benefit from 200mg of L-theanine.

Oat Straw Extract: Improving Cognitive Abilities

Oat straw extract, derived from an unripened Sativa plant, is believed to improve cognitive abilities. One study found that 1,600mg of oat herb extract improved attention and concentration. However, the study used a much larger quantity than what is present in Alpha Brain, and the participants had pre-existing cognitive delays.

Phosphatidylserine: Increasing Cognitive Function

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that research suggests may increase cognitive function before exercise.

Cat’s Claw Extract (350mg): Promoting Cellular Integrity

Cat’s claw is an extract from the bark of a vine found in the Amazon rainforest. Onnit claims that it promotes cellular integrity, but there is currently no compelling evidence to support any health benefits associated with cat’s claw.

Onnit Focus Blend (240mg): Achieving Optimal Acetylcholine Levels

The Onnit Focus Blend is designed to achieve optimal acetylcholine levels, which control muscle cells and nerves. Let’s explore the ingredients that make up this blend:

Alpha-GPC: Supporting Acetylcholine Function

Alpha-GPC supports the function of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter commonly used to improve cognitive functions and mental performance. Ongoing research suggests Alpha-GPC’s use in Alzheimer’s patients, but more research is needed to prove its effectiveness in healthy individuals.

Bacopa Extract (100mg): Improving Brain Functions

Bacopa is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat Alzheimer’s disease and improve brain functions. One six-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial found that supplementation of 150mg of Bacopa monnieri extract in medical students led to significant improvements in cognition and memory.

Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzia Serrata, 400mg): Preventing the Breakdown of Acetylcholine

Toothed clubmoss, a Chinese herb commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Research shows it may improve cognitive function in those with Alzheimer’s.

Onnit Fuel Blend (60mg): Promoting Optimal Communication in the Nervous System

The Onnit Fuel Blend is formulated to promote optimal communication throughout your nervous system and maintain a healthy brain environment to optimize neural communication. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

L-Leucine: Repairing Muscle and Synthesizing Protein

L-Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that helps the body synthesize protein and repair muscle. Most research to date is related to its role in athletic performance.

Pterostilbene: Antioxidant Properties

Pterostilbene is a compound that belongs to the stilbene family, similar to resveratrol. It has been found to have antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of pterostilbene in promoting brain health.

Vitamin B6: Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in brain development and function. It is a cofactor in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Adequate levels of vitamin B6 are necessary for maintaining optimal brain health and cognitive function.

The Onnit Flow Blend, Focus Blend, and Fuel Blend contain a variety of ingredients that have been linked to potential cognitive benefits. However, while some of the ingredients have shown promise in improving cognitive function and brain health, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in healthy individuals. It’s important to remember that supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your routine.

Alpha Brain: Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects

Alpha Brain is a dietary supplement that claims to provide users with laser focus, razor-sharp clarity, and improved cognitive function. According to Onnit, the manufacturer of Alpha Brain, the product can help users have quicker reaction times, think clear under stress, focus on difficult tasks, and remember names and places. However, more research is needed to verify these health claims.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for Alpha Brain is two capsules per day, taken with a light meal. Users can also purchase pre-dosed instant packages of the nootropic drink mix, which are mixed with 8 oz of cold water. It’s important to consult with a physician before taking any dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a history of medical conditions, or are currently taking any medications.

Side Effects

Alpha Brain is generally safe, but users may experience minor side effects associated with general nootropic use, such as nausea, headaches, insomnia, and gastrointestinal distress. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult with a physician.

Where Can You Purchase Alpha Brain?

Alpha Brain can be acquired via their official website or through various supplement stores and online retailers, such as Amazon. If you’re looking to qualify for a free trial or money-back guarantee, purchasing directly from their website is recommended.

Final Considerations

If you’re searching for a high-quality, stimulant-free nootropic, Alpha Brain is worth considering, especially if you’re caffeine-sensitive or want to avoid jitters. While most of the ingredients have supporting research, more evidence is needed to verify cognitive benefits. Presently, research has been primarily conducted on elderly patients with cognitive impairment.

Ultimately, each user may have a unique experience with dietary supplements, including Alpha Brain. However, the product seems safe for the general population, and if you’re inclined to purchase a nootropic supplement, Alpha Brain may be worth a try. With ten years on the market, it has evidence to support its use.

Nevertheless, it’s always wise to consult with a medical professional before starting any dietary supplement.