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* Please consult your primary care provider before starting any new supplement, to make sure they are right for you.
(Ad) Good memory and concentration play a crucial role in our daily lives. However, factors like aging or high stress can impair brain performance and result in brain fog, a short attention span, and fading memories, to name a few.
What if we told you that nootropics, also known as cognitive enhancers or brain boosters, have shown promising results in optimizing brain function, offering potential benefits such as memory boost and focus? Its true. However, finding the right nootropic supplement, one that may help erase your day-to-day productivity problems, is not easysifting through dozens of supplements to find the right pill is exhausting.
Fortunately, we have done the work for you and curated a list of the best nootropics available in the market. Our editorial team has talked to professionals and tested their top 30 recommendations to filter out the 5 best nootropics of 2024. In the reviews below, we also discuss their ingredients, potential benefits, and customer feedback.
Best Nootropics: Overview
1. Riti Overall Best Nootropic Supplement
2. NooCube Most Potent Nootropic for Focus & Mental Clarity
3. Mind Lab Pro Best for Boosting Brain Health
4. Focus Factor Most Affordable Nootropic Supplement
5. Brain Pill Best Nootropic for Cognitive Enhancement
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, are a group of substances that are believed to help improve memory, enhance creative capacity, increase cognitive function, and support motivation. These substances could be either natural, synthetic, or pharmaceutical.
Preliminary research indicates that nootropics may have the ability to improve brain functioning and performance, including memory, learning, and thinking.
Initially, the term nootropics was used to refer to substances that were believed to affect specific brain functions. However, they are now used more loosely to denote any natural or synthetic substance that may have an effect on your cognitive capabilities.
How Should You Use Nootropic Pills?
It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and make sure you have chosen the right brand that uses quality ingredients. For example, Ritis Lions Mane Mushroom Gummies are third-party tested and contain 100% natural ingredients.
Potential Benefits of Nootropics
Adding nootropics to your regimen could provide a range of potential benefits apart from the obvious improvement in brain performance. Here are just a few of them.
Prevention of Neurodegeneration
Nootropic supplements may prevent neurons from damage and degeneration, thus helping to protect against memory loss.
Better Mental Capacity
Taking the best nootropics regularly optimizes the presence and availability of various neurons and neurotransmitters in the brain for a longer period, thus potentially improving overall cognitive capacity and function.
Improved Blood Oxygenation
The best nootropics for memory may make it easier for blood to reach the brain, thus enabling better blood oxygenation. This may cause better focus and provide sharper mental focus. You could get through your tasks effectively, while remaining on task longer.
Neural Repair
As we age, the speed at which the brain produces new neurons and repairs old ones slows down. The best nootropic supplements may help you repair and generate neurons faster, thus possibly providing better memory and enhancing problem-solving skills.
Preventing Brain Fog
If you cannot perform your daily tasks and have no idea where to start, you might have brain fog. The best nootropics may help you fight brain fog and boost mental energy, thus helping you get through your to-do list without feeling fatigued.
You must remember that while the strongest nootropics may benefit you in multiple ways, they are not a magic bullet. They wont enhance your intelligence or IQ. You need to manage your expectations and take the supplements regularly for at least 4 to 6 weeks to potentially see a long-term improvement in your cognitive skills.
Top 5 Best Nootropics Reviewed by Experts
#1. Riti Overall Best Nootropic Supplement
Riti is our top pick for the best nootropics of 2024, for its ability to possibly boost cognitive skills without resorting to pharmaceuticals. The key component in Ritis nootropic is Lions Mane Mushroom, a superfood for the brain.
This mushroom contains two powerful compounds, hericenones and erinacines, believed to help protect against dementia and associated brain degradation issues. Studies suggest that compounds in Lion's Mane may support neural growth and protect against cognitive decline.
The best part? You can benefit from this natural nootropic in delicious, raspberry-flavored gummies. Each gummy packs 250mg of lions mane mushroom and 250 mg each of nine other potent mushrooms that combine their goodness to nourish your brain and body.
Our team spoke to several users, and they reported that these mushroom gummies decreased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive stress while boosting mood in just one week. The recommended dosage is just two gummies daily, meaning a two-pack bundle will last you a month.
The brand sources its mushrooms directly from natural sources. It produces these nootropic gummies in GMP-certified facilities in the U.S. and tests them for additives so that you can rest assured about their quality.
Pros:
- Blend of 10 potent mushrooms
- Tested in third-party labs
- International shipping available
- 15% off on the first order
Cons:
- It is not possible to modify an order once it is placed
Pricing & Money Back Guarantee:
Ritis Lions Mane Mushroom:
Single pack $49.95
2-pack bundle $89.91
3-pack bundle $127.31
Money back guarantee:
30 days
#2. NooCube Most Potent Nootropic for Focus & Mental Clarity
NooCube takes the second spot as the most potent nootropic to possibly help those struggling with brain fog and fatigue. The supplement is in tablet form, so it might not suit those who prefer taking nootropics in flavorful gummies.
However, NooCube combines 12 ingredients to help improve blood flow to the brain and provide laser-sharp focus. The NooCube formula contains an award-winning functional ingredient called Lutemax, derived from the marigold plant, which comprises three macular carotenoids that may support attention span, listening comprehension, and memory.
NooCube also contains a blend of essential vitamins like B1, B7, and B12 to possibly protect the neurotransmitters from damage, boost energy, and uplift mood. It may also reduce stress hormones and support better sleep, giving you elevated brain performance.
The brand recommends you take two tablets daily for the best results. It also strives to upgrade its formula regularly to include more effective, bioavailable, and gluten-free ingredients. It's suitable for men or women of any age as a way to potentially deal with age-related cognitive degradation.
Users we surveyed reported positive results after three months of regularly taking NooCube. However, some users also reported that it might interact with your existing medications. In particular, people taking antidepressants should avoid this supplement.
Pros:
- May elevate brain performance
- Science-backed ingredients
- No prescription required
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Free worldwide shipping
Cons:
- It takes up to five days to deliver orders
Pricing & Money Back Guarantee:
NooCube Nootropic:
1-month supply $64.99
3-month supply $129.99
5-month supply $194.99
Money back guarantee:
60 days
#3. Mind Lab Pro Best for Boosting Brain Health
Mind Lab Pro is a great nootropic for people who are seeking a research-backed formula to boost their brain health. The supplement is in the form of a tapioca capsule, meaning it might take some time to digest and show effects.
The brand uses 11 premium-quality ingredients sourced from leading global suppliers to potentially support brainpower, enhance memory, and improve your decision-making ability. The formula contains 250mg of Citicoline that may energize brain cells and optimize performance. It also packs 175mg of L-Tyrosine that may support mental processing, memory, and mood.
The users we surveyed reported that Mind Lab Pro helped them recall memories and information better after one month of continued use. Some complained about the lower potency even with two capsules per day, but most found the combination of neurotransmitters and amino acids beneficial to helping improve their learning and attention.
Pros:
- Vegan nootropic formula
- Backed by research
- Starts working in 30 minutes
- GMO and caffeine-free
- Free shipping on orders over $180
Cons:
- Money back is applicable only on the first order
- Expensive in comparison to other brands
Pricing & Money Back Guarantee:
Mind Lab Pro Nootropic:
1-month supply $69.00
2-month supply $138.00
4-month supply $207.00
Money-back guarantee:
30 days
#4. Focus Factor Most Affordable Nootropic Supplement
Focus Factor is a great nootropic if you want to possibly help enhance your memory and focus on a budget. While the proprietary blend could be a little underdosed for more serious cognitive issues , the brand offers its flagship nootropic formula at a comparatively affordable price of $14.99. It also contains crucial vitamins and minerals, thus doubling as a complete multivitamin.
The formula uses a blend of brain-boosting ingredients like gamma-aminobutyric acid, bacopa monnieri, DMAE, and phosphatidylserine, each of which may help enhance cognitive skills. The brand also claims to test its formula in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, which showed positive memory and productivity improvement results in six weeks.
The users we talked to reported a notable increase in mental clarity and focus after a few months of regular use. People also appreciated the availability of potent shots, gummies, energy drinks, pre-workouts, and drink mixes as nootropics. They also loved the supplement for its energy-boosting abilities.
However, some expressed concerns over the effectiveness and safety, as its claims of quality hinge on only one clinical trial. Focus Factor recommends a dosage of four to a maximum of eight tablets per day, which might not be suitable for a first-time user of this supplement.
Pros:
- May enhance clarity and focus
- Wide variety of forms to choose from
- Free shipping across the U.S.
- Subscribe and save 10%
Cons:
- Returns applicable only for faulty orders
Pricing & Money Back Guarantee:
Focus Factor Nootropics:
Original $14.99
Extra Strength $39.99
Max Strength $29.99
Money back guarantee:
None
#5. BrainPill Best Nootropic for Cognitive Enhancement
If youre having trouble staying productive and getting through your to-do list fast enough, BrainPill might be the best nootropic for you. While the inconsistent ingredient dosages raises some concerns about the brand, this nootropic has shown positive results in potentially decreasing brain fog and enhancing mental performance.
The formula contains 13 ingredients, including amino acids like L-theanine, huperzia serrata, folic acid, and ginkgo biloba. These are heavily researched for helping to improve thinking skills, boost serotonin, and promote healthier brain cells and better problem-solving. However, the brand does not provide exact information about individual dosing to the public.
Experts we talked to believed that the formula could be effective for maintaining brain health and beating procrastination, but ingredients like the B vitamins are in unnecessarily high doses, while the amount of Tyrosine is insufficient to make a noticeable impact.
We discussed BrainPill with its users, and most reported better cognitive performance and improved ability to stay productive and on task at work. However, some also cited the limited scope of the brands human trials and no links to verify the effectiveness of their claims.
Pros:
- May boost productivity and alertness
- Shows effects in under a week
- Produced in GMP-certified facilities
- Multiple pack sizes
- Installment payment available
Cons:
- Free shipping is not available in all states
Pricing & Money Back Guarantee:
BrainPill Nootropics:
1-month supply $69.95
2-month supply $130.95
3-month supply $192.95
4-month supply $253.95
5-month supply $310.95
6-month supply $354.95
Money back guarantee:
67 days
How to Choose the Best Nootropic Supplements
There are hundreds of nootropic supplements available online. But are all of them effective for enhancing cognitive skills? Weve concluded that only a handful of them are. Here are some factors you must consider while evaluating the brands to find the best nootropics for your requirements.
Scientific Evidence
The best nootropic supplements are backed by scientific research. Look for nootropic brands that have undergone clinical trials or have been tested in third-party labs, demonstrating their effectiveness in improving brain performance.
Quality Ingredients
When it comes to taking brain-boosting supplements, quality has to be your top priority. The best nootropics dont contain any ingredient that might be linked with harmful side effects. So check the ingredient list and the companys research standards before selecting a supplement. Make sure you choose a natural supplement instead of a synthetic one, which might be effective in the short run but may produce more persistent side effects.
Customer Reviews
Reviews from past or current users tell us a lot about a supplement. The best nootropics will have hundreds of positive reviews and success stories on public or health-related forums. Check for testimonials and take note of both positive and negative effects.
Brand Reputation
Reputed brands that have been in the market for a long time tend to be more transparent about their ingredients, precise dosage, manufacturing process, and potential benefits. Ensure the nootropic supplement you choose is more than just a web page and is valued by its users.
Personal Requirements
Everyone has a different goal when it comes to cognitive enhancement. Some may specifically focus on improving memory, while others may seek an enhanced focus, better attention span, less brain fog, or happier mood. The best nootropic for you will concentrate on your individual goals and preferences.
Remember that while nootropic supplements might be great for boosting brain health, they cant replace a good sleep schedule, healthy eating habits, and a balanced diet. To ensure optimal cognitive performance, you must take care of the foundations of brain health.
Common Ingredients Found in Nootropics
Your nootropic supplement may have hundreds of ingredients. All brands claim that all of those ingredients work. However, thats not true. Some ingredients have the backing of scientific research while others do not. Here are some of the ingredients with the most studies that you might want to consider before choosing the best nootropics.
Lions Mane Mushroom
This unique mushroom is renowned for its potential to support brain health. It contains bioactive substances that have been found to stimulate the growth of brain cells and potentially improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in memory and emotional responses. Research suggests that Lions Mane may boost cognitive function and help reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Choline
Choline is a macronutrient crucial for brain development, nerve function, and metabolism support. It plays a crucial role in producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that contributes to memory, mood, muscle control, and other brain and nervous system functions. The best nootropics with choline could help enhance memory and cognitive function, especially in older adults.
Ashwagandha
Long-term stress could impact your brain performance. Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb well known for its stress-reducing properties. Its categorized as an adaptogen, meaning it may help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha may also help enhance brain function, including memory, and it has been used to improve cognitive function in people with brain injuries or diseases.
Note: It should not be taken by individuals on Thyroid medication.
Tyrosine
This amino acid is a precursor to several important neurotransmitters, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals are crucial for alertness, attention, and focus. Tyrosine supplements are often used to help improve attention, focus, and alertness, particularly during sleep deprivation or stress.
Caffeine
Found in coffee, tea, and various nootropic supplements, caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing tiredness and increasing alertness and attention. While effective, it's important to monitor caffeine intake, as high doses can lead to side effects such as nervousness and disrupted sleep patterns.
L-Theanine
Often found in tea, L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Its known for its ability to work synergistically with caffeine to possibly enhance cognitive performance while mitigating some of the less desirable effects of caffeine, such as jitters and anxiety. L-Theanine alone has been shown to support relaxation and alertness and also boost energy.
Bacopa Monnieri
This traditional Indian herb has been associated with helping to improve memory and cognitive processing. Bacopa monnieri contains active compounds called bacosides, which are thought to protect brain cells from oxidative stress and improve signaling in the brain. Studies suggest it may speed up information processing in the brain, reduce reaction times, improve information recall, and improve memory significantly.
Ginseng
Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng, is another herb often used in traditional medicine. It has been studied for its potential to support brain function and combat fatigue. Ginseng may improve cognitive performance, particularly in terms of mental fatigue, and some studies suggest it may also aid in stabilizing and uplifting mood and improving social functioning.
How We Picked Top Nootropic Brands
Nootropics might be a complicated subject, but it's not impossible for a layman to understand. Here are some of the questions we considered before picking these top nootropic brands in our list.
- How effectively do they work?
- How much do they cost?
- How convenient are they to buy/use?
Effectiveness
Our primary criterion for evaluating the best nootropic brands was their effectiveness. This was assessed based on the potency and quality of the ingredients used in the supplements.
The brands that made it to the top of our list have ingredients backed by clinical research, demonstrating significant improvements in cognitive functions such as memory, focus, creativity, mental clarity, and motivation.
Customer testimonials and expert reviews were also considered to gauge the real-world effectiveness of the best nootropic supplements on our list.
Quality
Winner: Ritis Lions Mane Mushroom Gummies
For supplements that affect brain function, quality is a paramount concern. The brands weve selected here use stringent quality control processes. They source their ingredients ethically and ensure they are free from harmful contaminants.
Moreover, these brands are transparent about their formulations and have a positive track record of products. Brands with a research-backed formula and rigorous lab testing ranked higher on our list. We preferred brands that have conducted at least one clinical trial of their nootropic supplement.
Products from these best nootropic brands are typically manufactured in facilities certified for good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Cost
Winner: Focus Factor
While cost should not compromise quality, it remains an important consideration. Having good cognitive skills should not burn a hole in your pocket.
The best nootropic brands offer products that provide good value for the money. This doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest options, but rather those that offer the right balance between price and effectiveness.
Cost-effectiveness was evaluated in terms of the initial price and the long-term benefits and potential health improvements provided by the cognitive enhancement supplements.
Convenience
Winner: Ritis Lions Mane Mushroom Gummies
Convenience plays a crucial role in the selection of nootropic brands. This includes ease of purchase, availability of the products, dosage and format, and packaging.
The best nootropics offer user-friendly purchasing processes, clear dosage instructions, and well-designed packaging that preserves the freshness of the nootropic supplements.
Additionally, the presence of customer support for queries and guidance on product usage also adds to the convenience factor.
Nootropics Risk Factors
Research suggests that nootropics are usually tolerated well by the majority of people. However, nootropic supplements are made with a wide range of ingredients, thus increasing the chances of their side effects. Hence, you should always consult your doctor before adding nootropic supplements to your daily routine.
People under 18 years of age, those already on medications, pregnant women, or nursing mothers should avoid nootropics. Here are some potential risk factors of nootropic supplements, according to medical professionals:
- Possible interactions with other drugs
- Risk of dependency or addiction
- Unknown long-term effects
- Side effects that range from mild headaches to serious cardiovascular issues
If you notice any side effects of the nootropic supplement in the initial week, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor.
Who Should Not Try Nootropics?
There are particular groups of people should refrain from them. For example, people who are already on antidepressants or cardiovascular medications should not try nootropics. Further, individuals suffering from Thyroid disorders should avoid usage of Nootropics due to the presence of Ashwandha in their ingredient list.
People under 18 years of age and women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid them. If you have any pre-existing medical or chronic conditions, talk to your doctor before adding nootropic supplements to your diet.
FAQs about Nootropics
Q1. Why should you take nootropics?
Nootropics may help you think and recall information better, be more productive, and concentrate on your tasks better. They might also help you fight brain fog and procrastination, thus making you more alert. Nootropics contain ingredients that may boost energy levels. So, whether youre a student or a professional, nootropic supplements may noticeably enhance cognitive function.
Q2. Do nootropics permanently change your brain?
No, like any other supplement, youll stop seeing the effects of nootropics as soon as you stop taking them. This doesnt mean that all your new memories will be lost, but your brain function will return to how it was before you started taking nootropics. Studies show that it may take up to one month for the effects of regular nootropic consumption to wear off.
Q3. How do you take nootropic pills?
How you take nootropic pills completely depends on the brand you choose. For example, Ritis Lions Mane Mushroom gummies just need to be chewed. On the other hand, other brands on the list offer nootropic tablets or capsules, which should be taken with water as recommended by the brand. Due to their form, gummies are absorbed faster than pills.
Q4. Can you get energy from nootropics?
Of course! Some nootropic supplements contain stimulants like caffeine or L-theanine, which may provide an energy boost to the body. The best nootropic supplements covered in our list are made with ingredients that can support improved blood oxygenation to the brain, thus possibly providing more cognitive energy, a rejuvenated focus, and greater ability to get things done throughout the day.
Q5. How long will it take to get results using nootropics?
Most studies show that you must take nootropic supplements for at least four to six weeks to see a noticeable improvement in cognitive function. However, you should start seeing gradual enhancements in focus, alertness, and productivity in less than a week of adding nootropics to your regimen. However, dont just depend on the supplement. Practice better sleeping and eating habits as well, to see long-term results.
Concluding Thoughts: What Is the Most Effective Nootropic Supplement?
If you struggle to remember peoples names or find it hard to concentrate on your work, you should consider adding nootropic supplements to your routine. Nootropics are known to aid in enhancing cognitive performance and improving memory recall.
However, not all nootropic brands on the internet are the right fit. The best nootropic supplements contain highly-researched ingredients, follow safety protocols, and show proven results.
Need a recommendation? According to our research, Ritis Lions Mane Mushroom Gummies are the best nootropic supplement of 2024.
Unlike others on the market, it is 100% natural, free from artificial ingredients or flavors, and scientifically researched to promote better cognitive function. If youre looking for something specific, feel free to check out other brands on the list.
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.
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