Alpha Brain Review - Our Real World Experience
February 25, 2025
Does Alpha Brain really work? In this Alpha Brain review, we look at the possible benefits, review the amounts of its ingredients and talk about any downsides before you decide to try it. Onnit, the maker, claims it can boost focus, clear thinking, and overall brain health, but we wanted to see if those claims are true.
We'll break down how its key ingredients work together and see if the dosages are high enough to make a difference. For example, ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri and L-theanine have been studied for helping with memory, relaxation, and focus. The big question is: are there enough of these ingredients in Alpha Brain to really help?
We also share our own experience after using Alpha Brain too. This review covers everything you need to know to decide if it might work for you.
Overall Verdict
3.4 / 5 Stars
Introduction To Alpha Brain, Onnit's Nootropic Endorsed by Joe Rogan
Many people struggle with mental fatigue and difficulty focusing, which can negatively impact both their work and daily life. As a result, there has been increasing interest in nootropic supplements designed to boost attention, mood, productivity, and overall brain function.
Alpha Brain, a well-known supplement from Onnit Labs, has garnered considerable attention. Onnit Labs was founded by entrepreneur Aubrey Marcus in 2010 and is based in Austin, Texas. The company promotes a comprehensive approach to improving human performance, focusing on fitness, nutrition, and supplementation.
Some, including public figures like Joe Rogan, have praised Alpha Brain for its benefits, while others remain more skeptical of its effectiveness. In this review, we will evaluate the scientific research behind Alpha Brain, examine its safety, discuss potential side effects, and explore some possible alternatives to this supplement.
Alpha Brain's Relationship with Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan, a prominent supporter of Alpha Brain, credits the supplement for improving his recall of words and sentence formation. This has led to a strong association between Rogan and Alpha Brain.
Joe Rogan's Claims
- "I always take Alpha Brain"
- "I feel like I don't want to do anything without it"
- "It makes word recall easier, I feel like I'm one step ahead"
- "Everyone I've given this to has the same result"
Alpha Brain 2024 Lawsuit
On April 23rd, 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit Labs Inc., the company behind Alpha Brain, over accusations of false advertising. The legal complaint alleges that Onnit misled consumers by promoting Alpha Brain as a supplement that enhances memory, focus, and mental speed, without sufficient scientific backing. According to the lawsuit, a clinical trial funded by Onnit revealed that the supplement did not significantly outperform a placebo in most of the cognitive tests conducted. In fact, in some tests, the placebo group achieved better results than those taking Alpha Brain, calling into question the accuracy of the company's marketing claims.
The lawsuit also highlights the role of Joe Rogan, who has been a vocal advocate of Alpha Brain on his popular podcast. Despite Rogan’s promotion of the product and his claims that it boosts brain function, the lawsuit argues that the scientific evidence does not support such assertions. It specifically points to the 2016 study often cited by Onnit, noting that the trial only showed minor improvements in one area of memory, while other cognitive areas saw no significant changes. The lawsuit seeks damages under New York’s General Business Law, accusing Onnit of deceiving consumers through exaggerated and misleading advertising. The plaintiff, who claims to have purchased Alpha Brain five times between February 2020 and August 2021 without seeing any benefits, aims to represent other New York customers who were similarly affected.
Benefits of Alpha Brain
Onnit's Claimed Benefits
Alpha Brain claims to offer numerous benefits, including:
Alpha Brain's claims, ranging from assisting mental processing and boosting mental performance to enhancing focus and supporting memory, appear generous on the surface. Yet our experience and analysis of its formulation present a nuanced reality. Despite promising a jitter-free experience due to its caffeine-free formula, the lack of transparency in its proprietary blends makes it challenging to assess the effectiveness of ingredients like Bacopa Monniera, a proven cognitive enhancer, but only at specific doses.
Onnit's assertions about facilitating a flow state, a state of heightened focus and creativity, and combating brain fog, may be overstated given the inclusion of less extensively studied nootropic elements such as Vinpocetine and Pterostilbene. The exclusion of well-researched nootropics commonly found in top-tier supplements also calls into question the ability of Alpha Brain to deliver the advertised cognitive enhancements. Overall, while Alpha Brain isn't without merit, its claims should be viewed in light of its formulation choices and the actual experiences of its users. Does Alpha Brain deliver on its promises or do the negative reviews hold merit?
Our Experience With Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain's performance was a mix of hits and misses, reflecting concerns about its ingredient lineup and proprietary blends. The product features Bacopa Monnieri, Huperzia Serrata, and Alpha GPC, all linked to cognitive improvements [1,2,3]. Yet, the inclusion of these ingredients in proprietary blends obscures the dosage details, compromising our ability to judge their effectiveness.
The core issue with these blends is their concealment of individual dosages [4], hindering our assessment of component efficacy. For effective cognitive enhancement, Bacopa Monnieri, for instance, requires a daily dosage of 300-450mg [5]. The lack of dosage clarity in Alpha Brain makes it impossible to verify its potential benefits.
Other ingredients, such as Vinpocetine and Pterostilbene, while promising, lack robust human studies to affirm their nootropic claims [6,7]. This factor, combined with the modest benefits observed, suggests possible underdosing or reliance on ingredients with unproven effects.
Notably absent are well-established nootropics like Lion's Mane Mushroom, Rhodiola Rosea, or Citicoline [8,9,10], often found in leading nootropic supplements for their documented cognitive enhancements. Their omission might account for the less impactful results observed during our evaluation.
Our experience with Alpha Brain highlights the value of transparent, scientifically validated formulations in nootropics. The limited benefits we encountered likely trace back to the use of proprietary blends and certain ingredient choices. Clear information on what we're consuming, in what amounts, and the reasoning behind these choices is essential for consumers.
Research And Evidence
Questionable Research Methodologies
Although some ingredients in Alpha Brain have been linked to improved cognitive functions in humans, much of the research has been conducted on animals or in vitro. Complicating matters, many of Alpha Brain's ingredients are obscured by proprietary blends, making it difficult to gauge their effectiveness.
This suggests that Alpha Brain's claims of supporting cognitive functions, memory, and focus may be overstated.
Onnit Alpha Brain Clinical Trials
A 2016 randomized controlled trial reported that after six weeks, Alpha Brain significantly improved verbal memory in healthy adults compared to controls. However, several factors undermine the credibility of these findings:
The study was funded by Onnit, the creator of Alpha Brain, which introduces potential bias.
No other trials or scientific papers have corroborated the results. Repeatability is a cornerstone of scientific discovery, and the lack of replication raises questions about the findings.
The study's conclusion highlights the need for additional research.
Ingredients - Ineffective Dosages in Alpha Brain
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
- Onnit Flow Blend (650 mg): This proprietary blend consists of Bacopa Monniera Extract, Cat's Claw Extract (AC-11), Huperzia Serrata Extract, and Oat Straw Extract
- Onnit Focus Blend (240 mg): This blend includes Alpha GPC, Bacopa Monniera, and Huperzia Serrata
- Onnit Fuel Blend (65 mg): This blend comprises L-Leucine, Vinpocetine, and Pterostilbene
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Theanine
- Phosphatidylserine
- Alpha GPC
- Bacopa Monniera
- Huperzia Serrata
- Oat Straw Extract
- Vinpocetine
- Pterostilbene
Surprisingly, this detailed review of Onnit's Alpha Brain reveals that crucial nootropics are included in insufficient dosages to be effective.
Alpha Brain contains a range of natural ingredients, including acetyl-L-carnitine, Bacopa monnieri, oat straw extract, phosphatidylserine, and others. These ingredients can be effective nootropic ingredients:
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy production. According to a review of several studies, acetyl-L-carnitine may improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and age-related memory decline [11]. The effective dosage of acetyl-L-carnitine is between 500 to 2,000 mg per day [12].
Bacopa monnieri is an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its potential cognitive-enhancing effects. According to a systematic review, Bacopa monnieri may improve cognitive function, particularly memory and attention [13]. The effective dosage of Bacopa monnieri is between 300 to 450 mg per day [14].
Oat straw extract, derived from the aerial parts of the oat plant, is rich in flavonoids and has been used traditionally to improve cognitive function. According to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, oat straw extract may improve cognitive performance in healthy adults [15]. The effective dosage of oat straw extract is between 800 to 1600 mg per day [16].
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that plays a crucial role in cellular membrane function and communication. According to a review of several studies, phosphatidylserine may improve cognitive function, particularly memory, attention, and executive function [17]. The effective dosage of phosphatidylserine is between 300 to 600 mg per day [18].
Overall: 3.4 / 5 Stars
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Attention | 3.8 |
| Cognition | 3.6 |
| Memory | 3.2 |
| Mood | 3.0 |
| Stress | 3.3 |
| Brain Health | 3.1 |
| Learning | 3.5 |
| Overall | 3.4/5 |
Cons
Potential Side Effects of Alpha Brain
Most ingredients in Alpha Brain are deemed safe for the majority of users. However, some may cause mild side effects, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, particularly in high dosages. In case of severe side effects, discontinue use and consult a physician.
Main problems experienced with Alpha Brain
- Mild Headaches:
Scientifically termed cephalalgia, mild headaches are a common side effect experienced by some Alpha Brain users. These headaches might be due to the body's initial response to the supplement's potent ingredients. - Gastrointestinal Discomfort:
Digestive issues such as bloating, flatulence, or stomach cramps (technically known as dyspepsia) may occur when taking Alpha Brain. These discomforts are often transient and subside as the body adjusts to the supplement. - Sleep Pattern Changes:
While Alpha Brain is designed to enhance cognitive function, it may inadvertently affect sleep patterns. Some users report experiencing difficulty falling asleep, or insomnia, while others report more vivid dreams or even nightmares, which are scientifically known as oneirodynia. - Lightheadedness or Dizziness:
Some individuals have reported feeling lightheaded or dizzy (medically termed vertigo) after taking Alpha Brain. This reaction could be a result of the supplement's impact on blood pressure or cerebral blood flow. - Allergic Reactions:
As with any dietary supplement, there's always the risk of an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include skin rash (urticaria), difficulty breathing (dyspnea), or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema). If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional. - Nervousness or Jitters:
Caffeine and stimulants can cause excessive stimulation leading to feelings of heightened nervousness or anxiety.
If you're interested in nootropics that provide brain health support, greater mood enhancement properties and memory support there are better options than Alpha Brain. The best overall nootropic in our view is ThinkEase.
ThinkEase
4.9 / 5
Unlike Alpha Brain, ThinkEase is formulated to improve multiple aspects of cognitive function, including memory, focus, and mental clarity. It contains a wider range of ingredients than Alpha Brain, including Acetyl L-Carnitine, Lion's Mane and Bacopa Monnieri, which have been extensively studied and shown to have significant cognitive benefits.
Alpha Brain contains some promising ingredients, but it's primarily focused on energy and alertness. Overall, ThinkEase is a more comprehensive and evidence-based nootropic supplement than Alpha Brain.
Conclusion
Alpha Brain sits somewhere in the middle of the nootropic spectrum. It offers a mild cognitive boost and some brain health benefits, but it might not be the groundbreaking solution some users are searching for. It's advisable to look into other, possibly more innovative, supplements before deciding on Alpha Brain.
Our comprehensive review of nootropics is here to assist you in finding a supplement that suits your needs better, whether that's for enhancing work productivity or improving focus and memory. It's important to note that what works for one individual might not work for another. If you're in search of a product with a solid foundation in current research, ThinkEase is a more robustly formulated alternative that also offers a wider range of cognitive benefits.
FAQs
Many nootropic ingredients and formulations have been shown to improve attention, memory, and learning, while others may promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. For example, caffeine is a commonly used nootropic that can increase alertness and reduce fatigue, while L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Nootropics that contain natural ingredients and have undergone clinical testing are generally considered safe when used properly. It is important to follow recommended dosages and to avoid taking more than the recommended amount. It's also worth being aware of any potential side effects and if necessary consult with your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions.
When taking a nootropic supplement, you should expect to experience some improvement in cognitive function, such as enhanced memory, concentration, and mental clarity. The effects of a nootropic will vary depending on the specific ingredients and dosage of the supplement, as well as individual factors such as age, overall health, and your lifestyle.
Popular nootropic supplements include NooCube, Mind Lab Pro, and Vyvamind. NooCube contains a blend of ingredients that may improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. Mind Lab Pro is designed to support brain health and cognitive performance through a variety of ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds. Vyvamind is a premium nootropic supplement that focuses almost exlcusively on cognitive function and mental performance. Read DBEM's guide to nootropics to see how the leading nootropic brands compare.
References
- Roodenrys S, et al. (2002). "Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) on human memory."
- Hadley S, et al. (2004). "Medicinal Herbs: A Primer for Primary Care."
- Parker AG, et al. (2011). "The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility."
- Eichner ER, et al. (2017). "Supplement Use in Sport: Is there a potentially dangerous incongruence between rationale and practice?"
- Benson S, et al. (2014). "An Acute, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Cross-over Study of 320 mg and 640 mg Doses of Bacopa Monnieri (CDRI 08) on Multitasking Stress Reactivity and Mood."
- Zs-Nagy I. (1997). "On the role of intracellular physicochemistry in quantitative gene expression during aging and the effect of centrophenoxine. A review."
- Chang J, et al. (2012). "Pterostilbene inhibits inflammation and ROS production in chondrocytes by activating Nrf2 pathway."
- Li IC, et al. (2020). "Neurohealth Properties of Hericium Erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines."
- Darbinyan V, et al. (2000). "Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—A double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen."
- McGlade E, et al. (2012). "The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males."
- Pettegrew, J. W., Levine, J., McClure, R. J. (2000). Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression. Molecular psychiatry, 5(6), 616-632.
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Acetyl-L-carnitine. In Dietary Supplements Fact Sheets. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/AcetylLcarnitine-HealthProfessional/
- Kongkeaw, C., Dilokthornsakul, P., Thanarangsarit, P., Limpeanchob, N., Norman Scholfield, C. (2014). Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528-535.
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Bacopa. In Dietary Supplements Fact Sheets. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Bacopa-HealthProfessional/
- Kennedy, D. O., Jackson, P. A., Forster, J., Khan, J., Grothe, T., Perrinjaquet-Moccetti, T., ... & Haskell-Ramsay, C. F. (2018). 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.
Email: [email protected]
DBEM, 3209 N. Flood Ave, Norman, OK 73069
Copyright 2023 DBEM - Privacy Policy