Best Nootropics Review – Find Out The Best Brain and Memory Enhancement Supplements

The objective of nootropics supplements is to increase cognitive abilities such as focus, memory, information processing, critical thinking, and language abilities.

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Best Nootropics

Unlock the power of your brain with the best brain and memory enhancement supplements - Health Insiders

Brain Enhancement Supplements – The Overview

What are Nootropic Supplements?

Brain supplements are called nootropics, and their goal is to improve cognitive skills like concentration, memory, knowledge processing, critical thinking, and language skills.

Nootropics come in two forms: those that are developed scientifically in a lab, and those that already exist in the natural world. These synthetic organic substances can often be found naturally in nootropic supplements.

What Is a Nootropic?
Nootropics are in huge demand by people who are looking for ‘smart drugs.’ This includes students and executives alike, really anyone who is looking to boost their mental acuity. The concept of nootropics is actually quite controversial as many people feel that they provide users with an unfair edge and that this aspect is unethical.

However, many people are overwhelmed by the stress of daily tasks like studying and feel they need something to help them get through.

Why Are Cognitive Enhancement Supplements Important?

Cognitive supplements are used to decrease the symptoms of a wide variety of medical conditions where current drugs on the market available to treat these various conditions have many side effects.

These conditions include:

  • stroke
  • dementia
  • schizophrenia
  • obesity
  • narcolepsy
  • sleep issues
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

For those seeking assistance in improving their mental function when there is no disease or particular medical condition behind their symptoms, there is a large range of brain supplements that can be utilized.

While quite a lot of these brain supplements are overly promoted without providing any effective results as compared to the particular claims they make, there are some gems amongst these supplements that do include formulas that have the potential to help a person improve several aspects of their brain’s overall wellbeing and function.

We will also take a look at some general brain supplements that do have what it takes to help a person experience significant improvements in how their brain functions, and consider some important tips that will help our readers make the right choice should they opt for such a supplement.

Best Nootropics and Best Brain Supplements of 2023

Nootrogen

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Best Nootropic For Memory – Nootrogen
Nootrogen is a dietary supplement specifically designed to help promote memory support, assist ability to focus, promote cognitive function and support stress so you can mentally perform at your best.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Memory and focus support, improves cognitive performance, calm functionality
  • Brand:VitaBalance
  • Active Ingredients:DMAE Bitrate, L-Glutamine, Bacopa Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Boron, Licorice, Grape Seed Extract, Inositol
  • Price:$29.95*

Nootrogen Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Nootrogen gives me mental energy and focus.
  • This supplement can improve cognitive performance.
  • Nootrogen can decrease your stress levels.
  • The product can improve your memory and learning.

Cons

  • It contains soy and fish, which many users can’t have.
  • Different users will have somewhat different results.

Alpha Brain

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Best Nootropic For Focus – Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain by Onnit Labs is a natural supplement that supports brain health by improving memory, focus, and mental processing speed.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Promotes sustained focus, supports memory, aids mental processing
  • Brand:Onnit
  • Active Ingredients:L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, Phosphatidylserine, L-Leucine, Pterostilbene
  • Price:$34.95*

Alpha Brain Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Alpha Brain can sharpen your memory.
  • This supplement improves mental focus.
  • Alpha Brain can elevate mental processing.
  • It contains no caffeine or gluten.

Cons

  • Alpha Brain is an expensive supplement.
  • You have to take 3 capsules each day, which will be difficult for some users.

NooCube

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

NooCube

Noocube Brain Productivity Supplement is a powerful blend of nootropics meant to improve mental attention, memory, and brain processing speed.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Stimulates focused energy, enhances memory and creativity, increases cognitive functions
  • Brand:NooCube
  • Active Ingredients:Bacopa Monnieri, Alpha GPC, Cat’s Claw, Huperzine-A, L-Tyrosine & L-Theanine, Oat Straw
  • Price:$36.55*

NooCube Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This supplement can improve your mental performance
  • It improves your ability to concentrate
  • The product could get rid of that feeling of ‘brain fog’
  • It increases your energy level

Cons

  • If you take it in the evening, it could keep you awake.
  • Noocube reviews suggest that it may interact with some medications.

PrimeGENIX CortiSync

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

CortiSync
CortiSync is a blend of natural ingredients which decreases levels of cortisol for lower stress, improved mood and energy, and enhanced cognitive and physical health benefits.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Cortisol Balancing Supplement
  • Benefit:Promotes brain health, and metabolism, enhances memory and focus, decreases stress and anxiety
  • Brand:Leading Edge Health Inc
  • Active Ingredients:200 mg ibuprofen, Macrogol 400, *Hard Fat, and *Glycerol Monolinoleate
  • Price:$59.95*

CortiSync Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This supplement can decrease fatigue and provide added energy.
  • It improves cognitive performance, memory, and focus.
  • The product can decrease stress levels.
  • It supports and balances cortisol levels.

Cons

  • It’s only for sale online, not in stores.
  • This is a popular product that could go low stock at times.

BrainPill

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

BrainPill
BrainPill is a natural nootropic supplement that promises to enhance cognitive performance, focus, recall, mood, and productivity.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Enhances cognitive functioning, improves the attention span and work performance
  • Brand:Leading Edge Health
  • Active Ingredients:L-Theanine, Huperzine A, Folic Acid, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin B12, Gingko Biloba
  • Price:$69.95*

BrainPill Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It enhances short and long-term memory.
  • The product might elevate productivity.
  • It may improve your cognitive performance.
  • The supplement increases mental clarity.

Cons

  • Results may vary for different individuals.
  • It can be an expensive supplement for some users.

Brain C-13

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Brain C-13
Brain C-13 is a dietary supplement which is designed to support the brain’s “Mental Powerlines” and to help the brain’s Memory Center get enough energy. It uses natural herbs & minerals to protect against age-related mental decline.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Promotes memory, boosts mood, helps awareness, supports quick thinking, increases neural flexibility
  • Brand:Zenith Labs
  • Active Ingredients:Citicoline, Turmeric Root, Gingko Leaf, Rhodiola Rosea, Rosemary Leaf
  • Price:$49*

Brain C-13 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Brain C-13 helps to enhance memory functioning.
  • This supplement improves your mood.
  • It promotes cognitive focus and attention span.
  • Brain C-13 protects against age-related mental deterioration.

Cons

  • You have to take 3 Brain C-13 capsules per day.
  • There are no free samples available.

Primal Harvest Primal Mind Fuel

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Best Nootropic For Energy – Primal Mind Fuel
Primal Harvest Primal Mind Fuel is a natural cognitive support formula featuring a powerful blend of B-vitamins, amino acids, adaptogens and more for enhanced mental sharpness, energy, focus, and cognitive performance.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Promotes memory, boosts mood, helps awareness, supports quick thinking, increases neural flexibility
  • Brand:Primal Harvest
  • Active Ingredients:Theobromine, L-Tyrosine, Rhodiola Rosea, Bacopa Monnieri, Huperzine
  • Price:$33.95*

Primal Harvest Primal Mind Fuel Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Primal Harvest Primal Mind Fuel gives you physical energy.
  • If you subscribe, you get 25% off plus free shipping.
  • Primal Harvest Primal Mind Fuel can improve mood and motivation.
  • This supplement supports mental focus.

Cons

  • It’s a popular product which sometimes goes out of stock
  • Primal Harvest Primal Mind Fuel does not provide free sample
  • Users will experience the results differently.

Mind Lab Pro

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro is an all-natural nootropic supplement that promises a boost in energy, focus, memory, mood, mental clarity, creativity, and other aspects of brain health and cognitive performance.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Memory and mood booster, enhance focus, motivation, and drive
  • Brand:Mind Lab Pro
  • Active Ingredients:Lion’s Mane mushroom, L-Theanine, Vitamins B6, B9, and B12
  • Price:$69*

Mind Lab Pro Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It could improve focus and concentration.
  • It might enhance the memory.
  • The product may give the additional energy.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported mild side effects like nausea.
  • It may not work for some users.
  • The effect may last for just three hours.
  • The product could use additional ingredients.

SuperBeets Memory + Focus

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

SuperBeets Memory & Focus
SuperBeets Memory and Focus is a supplement that is formulated with clinically studied polyphenol compounds to promote brain blood flow and support BDNF, a key neuroprotein essential to memory & focus.

  • Form:Chews
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Improves memory, concentration, mental acuity, and performance; reduces stress
  • Brand:humanN SuperBeets
  • Active Ingredients:Beetroot Powder, Veri-te Resveratrol, Coffee Fruit Extract
  • Price:$39.95*

SuperBeets Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Each serving contains the equivalent of three beets.
  • Easily dissolved in water or other liquids.
  • Free of soy and dairy ingredients.

Cons

  • Fewer taste selections than usual.
  • There are better products in the market.
  • Lacks the distinctive beet flavor.
  • It may contain very common allergens.

Neuro Mag

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Neuro-Mag

Neuro-Mag is an organic brain enhancement supplement designed to improve your brain health and claimes to function by strengthening the synaptic connections between the brain’s cells.

  • Form:Capsule
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Healthy brain functioning and youthful cognition, healthy brain cell signaling, targets the brain and nervous system to increase magnesium levels
  • Phone & Address:1-800-678-8989; 900 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
  • Brand:Life Extension
  • Uses:Supports healthy cognitive function and memory, promotes healthy brain cell signaling pathways
  • Price:$30*
  • Active Ingredients:Magnesium

Neuro-Mag Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The product promotes healthy brain function and cognition.
  • It sustains synaptic connections between brain cells.
  • This supplement could improve memory recall.

Cons

  • There is only one primary active ingredient.
  • One bottle only lasts for 10 days.
  • You have to take 3 large capsules every day.
  • It may or may not work for some users.

Performance Lab Mind

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Performance Lab Mind
Performance Lab Mind is an ultramodern nootropic that works for brainpower, brain health and burnout resistance.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports focus, memory, motivation, mood, multitasking; promotes mental performance
  • Brand:Performance Lab
  • Active Ingredients:Maritime pine bark extract, cognizin, Sharp-PS, Ajipure L-Tyrosine
  • Price:$124.20*

Performance Lab Mind Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The product supports focus, memory, speed, and motivation.
  • It may help in recovery from intense cognitive exertion.
  • It might enhance brain energy.

Cons

  • It may be on the expensive side.
  • Some users may experience some unpleasant side effects.
  • The product reviews are limited.
  • The ingredients are less.

Hunter Focus

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Hunter Focus
Hunter Focus is formulated with a unique blend of natural ingredients that mainly work on concentration, focus, and creativity and improve overall brain performance.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Enhances memory, supports greater focus, elevates energy and mood
  • Brand:Hunter Focus
  • Active Ingredients:Citicoline, L-tyrosine, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba, Bacopa Monnieri, Caffeine Anhydrous
  • Price:€104*

Hunter Focus Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The product improves memory retention.
  • Promotes and boosts creativity.
  • Supports brain activity.

Cons

  • Doses may be higher.
  • It contains some caffeine.
  • It takes ateast 3 months to see the supplement benefits.
  • There may be some side effects associated with the product.

Nooceptin

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Nooceptin
Nooceptin is claimed to support memory retention, focus, stress management, problem-solving, and general mental effectiveness to improve cognitive output.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Maintains brain blood flow, sharpens focus and learning, reduces stress & anxiety, long-term brain cell protection
  • Brand:Nooceptin
  • Active Ingredients:Citicoline, Rhodiola Rosea, Bacopa monnieri Extract, Ginkgo Biloba, L-Theanine, Panax ginseng
  • Price:$207*

Nooceptin Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Ingredients claim to promote neuron dendrite branching.
  • The product may enhance working and long-term memory.
  • Promotes neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.

Cons

  • It is currently only legal in the USA, Canada, and UK.
  • May take weeks to notice results.
  • It is only available online for purchase.
  • Some ingredients may cause mild side effects.

Vyvamind

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Vyvamind
Vyvamind is formulated with the ingredients that are clinically proven and claimed to increase brain energy, cell membrane formation, and improve performance in memory, recalling speed.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports unparalleled focus and clarity, increases motivation and drive, boosts brain support
  • Brand:Vyvamind
  • Active Ingredients:Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Citicoline
  • Price:$207*

Vyvamind Pros & Cons

Pros

  • May eliminate fatigue and boost productivity.
  • Can support rapid onset brainpower boost.
  • It could provide stress and anxiety support.

Cons

  • Caffeine may make you feel jittery.
  • One of the common side effects, mild headaches has been reported.
  • It is currently legal to buy without a prescription in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
  • It may take months to see the beneficial effects.

Focus Factor

Focus FactorBuy on Amazon

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Focus Factor
Focus Factor Extra Strength is an advanced formulation of powerful combination of neuro-nutrients plus vitamins and minerals that are claimed to support memory, concentration and focus.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Improves and enhances memory, concentration, and your ability to focus
  • Brand:Focus Factor
  • Active Ingredients:Vitamin A, Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, bacopa, ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, DMAE
  • Price:$117.57*

Focus Factor Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It provides brain health support.
  • The supplement contains no artificial colorings or sweeteners.
  • It could provide stress and anxiety support.

Cons

  • Regular dosage is high.
  • It may have side effects like migraines muscle pain, dizziness, and fatigue.
  • The supplement may not have worked for all the users.
  • It may interact with common and regular medications.

Prevagen

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Quick Facts & Specs

Prevagen
Prevagen is a popular brand of organic supplements which promise to improve memory and enhance cognitive performance. Most of the products contain 2 main ingredients, Vitamin D3 and a protein from jellyfish called Apoaequorin. In addition, this brand can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports healthier brain functioning and sharper mind, clearer thinking
  • Brand:Prevagen
  • Active Ingredients:Apoaequorin, Vitamin D
  • Price:$39.95*

Prevagen Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It can support brain health.
  • It claims to promote healthy brain functioning.
  • The supplement may lead to a sharper mind.

Cons

  • These products could use additional ingredients.
  • The results will vary for different users.
  • The product mainly focuses on one primary active ingredient.
  • It contains milk, soy, and tree nuts, which are common allergens.


Which Ingredients To Look For In A Nootropic?

Bacopa Monnieri

This is an herb which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. There’s a healthy body of research which shows that it can improve memory and cognitive functioning[1] in healthy individuals and in dementia patients[2]. This effect occurs if the herb is taken consistently on a daily basis.

St. John’s Wort

This is an herb which has been used successfully to treat depression. Research[1] also shows that it can improve recognition memory and reduce cognitive impairments.

Huperzine A

It’s a chemical taken from a Chinese moss plant. There’s a large body of research[2] showing that this substance has a positive effect on learning and memory.

DMAE

This is a liquid devoid of any color. It’s often included as an ingredient in skin care creams, as well as in supplements for improving cognitive functioning. Research[3] shows that it prevents a decline in long term memory over time in otherwise healthy people.

L-Tyrosine

This amino acid can improve cognitive performance, including memory. It’s directly responsible for producing the neurotransmitters dopamine and adrenaline.

L-Theanine

This is an amino acid that has the ability to induce relaxation and lessen stress and can aid in the achievement of more restful sleep. There’s also some evidence that it plays a role in the formation of new memories[4].

Alpha Lipoic Acid

This is a molecule that includes powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research[4] shows that it has a positive effect on human cognitive functioning.

Guarana

This plant is also called Paullinia cupana. Research has shown an improved cognitive performance in subjects after taking guarana extract.

Ginkgo Biloba

This herbal substance is taken from the tree of the same name. It’s believed to be an excellent brain-enhancing ingredient that improves blood flow to the brain. It accelerates memory and attention span (source)[5].

How to Choose the Best Nootropic and Natural Brain Supplement?

Once you have decided to opt for a natural brain supplement, the next step is to find the perfect supplement for you.

There is a vast variety of different supplements you can choose from on the market today, which makes the decision extremely difficult for most people. How do you really know which supplement you should choose to achieve the best results without potentially experiencing adverse effects or perhaps waste your money.

For these reasons, a person should first educate themselves on the pros and cons of natural brain supplements[11], as well as prepare a basic checklist that they can use while doing research on different supplements that are currently available for sale.

It is also important not to limit the search for an effective brain supplement to local stores only, as many of the supplements that do provide effective results can only be found on the internet.

Research says that a person should at least ensure that a supplement they wish to opt for meets the following basic requirements:

  • Quality assurance should be provided, such as the fact that the product is produced in a facility that follows the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines.
  • Ensure the ingredients provided in the supplement is at least included at a therapeutic dosage. No matter how effective the ingredients of a supplement is, without an adequate dosage of these ingredients, the supplement will be useless.
  • Closely inspect the ingredient list and supplement facts sheet – by law, every single ingredient contained in the capsule needs to be listed. Make sure the supplement does not utilize any type of additive or fillers that would reduce the actual value of the supplement.
  • Consider every single ingredient contained within the supplement’s formula. Do some research on each of these ingredients and only opt for a supplement that contains ingredients that have been proven to work effectively through official scientific studies.
  • Try to opt for supplements that are produced by a particular brand and sold by that brand solely. Many private label products are available on the market, but these supplements often end up being simply a waste of money.
  • Ensure none of the ingredients contained within the supplement’s formula can cause dangerous side-effects. The fact that the ingredients are all-natural does not mean they cannot lead to adverse effects. Also ensure the ingredients will not have an interaction with any medication you are currently taking.
  • Also look if the company that produces the supplement you are interested in offers any form of guarantee. If the product does not work for you and there is no guarantee, then you would end up wasting your money. Opt for supplements that come with at least a 60-day money-back guarantee to ensure you have an adequate amount of time to test the product.

Nootropics don’t come in one size fits all. It depends on why you want to use brain supplements.

The best nootropic is one that is created for you specifically. Your brain receives the help it needs to develop the cognitive skills that are most in need of development.

The best memory pills naturally enhance what you already have; they don’t make you “smarter,” but rather help your brain function more efficiently, which may improve your capacity for learning, memory, and concentration, among several other things.

Choosing a product such a Noocube that offers a formula that is based on scientific evidence, a 60-day money-back guarantee and an easy way to get in touch with the customer care team is an excellent choice.

This particular supplement also contains a range of ingredients that have been developed based on many years of scientific research; thus offering a safer alternative to the supplements on the market that does not have any proof that their product works through extensive clinical trials.

What to Keep in Mind Before You Buy Any Nootropic?

Understanding the Label

There can be risks in taking some of these supplements. Sometimes there are hidden ingredients that are not included on the label, which can cause problems for people who have allergies and other intolerances.

Products that have an asterisk on the label are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This means considerable research has gone into testing both their efficacy and their safety.

Supplements that are not FDA-approved have had less attention put into their development.

Consumer Reviews & Feedback

Reading consumer smart pill reviews and feedback at times can be a good way to find out the pros and cons of a product and whether it’s effective.

NOTE: Do read the reviews, but keep in mind that advertisers sometimes pay for good reviews.

Guarantee & Return Policy

Before you purchase a product, pay careful attention to the return policy and the guarantee listed by the seller. Realistically, a 30-day guarantee doesn’t allow you enough time to try the product and see if you like it in time to return it back to the company by the cut-off.

Look for a policy of a least 60 days. Another detail you want to look for is whether you have to return the product intact in the original packaging, or if you can return half or empty bottles.

What to Avoid – 3 ‘Most Important’ Points To Consider

1. Improper Dosages

It’s not enough to learn that a particular substance is safe and effective. You have to check the dosage. If there’s been research, look into this and examine the dose of the substance that was tested. Try to find out as much as you can about safe dosages of the ingredients in the supplement that interests you.

2. Trusting Amazon

When it comes to reviews on Amazon, keep in mind that they aren’t always legitimate. Companies pay writers to post positive reviews of products. Therefore you can’t rely on reviews alone anymore. You have to do as much research on the product and its ingredients as possible.

3. Fake “Free Trial” Offers

There are many free trials offers from supplement companies that are designed to get your credit card number. You sign up for the trial and pay a small shipping fee. Then they send you your free bottle. At that point, the company enrolls you in a subscription and begins to charge you every month. It’s very difficult to unsubscribe and get your money back.

Memory Supplements – Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nootropic supplement really make you smarter?

As we have just mentioned, there are some natural substances that can legitimately enhance memory and general brain health. Unfortunately, there’s little evidence to show that they work.

One recent study showed that these supplements were actually quite ineffective. The reason for this lack of data may be the fact that the majority of the supplements on the market are not subject to much in the way of clinical trials.

They may include ingredients that have the intended effects, but the dosage of those ingredients included is also an important factor.

There certainly are both customers and practitioners alike who use these brain health supplements, including some people who suffer from the effects of dementia. It’s important to research any supplement you do choose carefully to make sure the ingredients and dosages seem reasonable.

What Is The Best Natural Supplement For Brain Memory?

There are some natural substances that can have a proven effect on memory.

These include:

CoQ10 has been known to have a positive effect on memory loss (source).

Iron can improve memory, specifically in women who are iron-deficient (source)[6].

In addition, some forms of choline can apparently improve cognition in Alzheimer’s patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

What Causes Poor Mental Health and Performance?

Let’s start by looking at what causes a person to experience a reduction in their mental performance, as well as poor mental health.

As we have mentioned before, we will not be focusing on diseases like Alzheimer’s disease that are known to contribute to mental decline, but rather focus on everyday factors that have an adverse effect on how healthy our brains are and how well we can perform mentally.

While we are not going to focus on Alzheimer’s disease that has a physical effect on the brain, as well as certain other medical conditions that adversely affect brain function, we do want to mention that depression and anxiety disorders are some of the most problematic mental illnesses that affect the mental performance of a person.

Healthline[12] explains that, while it is commonly known that depression causes problems with a person’s mood, many fail to realize that depression also has a considerable impact on mental health and performance.

In addition to feeling sad, irritable and hopeless, depression has also been linked to short-term memory loss.

Another important factor that greatly contribute to memory loss and even confusing, as well as concentration difficulties, is stress. The modern world causes a lot of stress, due to schedules that are packed with multiple daily tasks and for many people, reaching their daily goals is simply impossible.

When a person is unable to finish their work, it constantly adds more stress to their lives. When the person has to take their work home, it could lead to relationship problems. It is not only work that affects our stress levels, but also our life outside of the workplace.

Relationship troubles, money problems, dealing with illness in the family and many other factors greatly contributes to stress, which then leads to mental decline and reduced cognitive performance.

According to Mayo Clinic[13], stress and depression can greatly contribute to poor mental health, but there are many other daily factors that can lead to problems with memory loss.

  • Several types of medication are known to contribute to memory loss, confusing and make it more difficult for a person to concentrate. Examples of such medication include sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs, certain antidepressants, muscle relaxants and also many types of tranquilizers.
  • Alcohol is also known to have an effect on mental performance. Moderate alcohol consumption does not have any serious implications on a person’s mental health, but may still cause some memory loss for a very short period of time. Alcoholism, however, can lead to more serious mental impairments.
    Additionally, it should also be noted that alcohol is known to interact with certain types of medication, which could cause memory impairment to become more severe.
  • Certain vitamin deficiencies are also known to contribute to memory loss and poor concentration.
    One particularly important vitamin that is known to contribute to these problematic symptoms when there is not enough of the vitamin in a person’s body is vitamin B12. This particular deficiency is especially common amongst the elderly.
  • Suffering from an injury directly to the head may also contribute to poor mental health, as well as confusion and memory loss.

How Natural Supplements May Help Restore Optimal Mental Performance?

When certain diseases develop, such as Alzheimer’s disease, a patient would have to see a healthcare provider and obtain the right treatment plan to help reduce the rate at which the disease is affecting their brain.

Depression can also be effectively treated with antidepressants, but there are some facts to consider – for example, as we have discussed previously, some forms of antidepressants can cause memory loss and brain fog.

Luckily, there are alternative ways to improve mental performance, reduce the frequency and severity of brain fog, and improve the overall well-being of the brain. We are referring to natural brain supplements.

A large number of supplements have been launched on the market in recent years, and some of these products do offer effective formulas that have helped millions of people regain their optimal mental performance and get back to living life the way it is meant to be lived.

When switching to a natural supplement to assist with improving mental performance, one of the most beneficial facts to consider is that these supplements do not contain any chemicals found in pharmaceutical drugs.

This also means that the risk factors associated with taking such a supplement are considerably lower as compared to taking pharmaceutical drugs to help assist with memory loss, confusion, stress and other problems that are affecting mental performance.

In addition to the fact that natural supplements hold lower risk factors as compared to pharmaceutical products, we also want to focus on the fact that a pharmaceutical drug is developed to target a specific problem and will have no other effects in the body, apart from the possibility that an adverse reaction may be experienced.

A natural supplement, on the other hand, often include ingredients that are beneficial for more than just brain power.

A large number of the ingredients that are often included in these products have additional positive effects in the human body, such as causing an improvement in blood circulation and protecting the heart.

Since these supplements often also include a range of vitamins and minerals, they are also helpful in addressing possible nutritional deficiencies, which does not only affect mental performance, but also the overall wellbeing of the entire human body.

What Else Can You Do To Improve Your Memory? (Strategies to Try instead)

Not everyone wants to use nootropic pills to enhance their memory and general brain health.

Fortunately, there are some natural ways to achieve this.

1. One of the best methods is regular physical exercise, and this is backed up by science.

Studies have shown that working out on a weekly basis can really enhance your memory, as well as staving off dementia and reducing your risk of developing some diseases.

2. Another great memory-enhancing strategy is eating healthy foods.

Research[7] has proven that if you want a healthy diet with all of the key components, you do not even have to take a vitamin supplement.

Nootropic Supplements – The Bottom Line

Many of these natural ingredients do possess benefits and effects. Often, it’s a matter of dosage. That’s why it’s important to look at the dosage on the label carefully and compare it with the dosages used in research studies, or consult with your healthcare practitioner on the same.

Some supplements so have side effects associated with them. If you experience any serious effects, discontinue use immediately.

NOTE: Before you start taking any new supplement, see your healthcare practitioner for a comprehensive discussion as to whether this supplement is safe for you to begin.

Sources

Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

[1] Trofimiuk E, Walesiuk A, Braszko JJ. St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) diminishes cognitive impairment caused by the chronic restraint stress in rats. Pharmacol Res. 2005 Mar;51(3):239-46. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2004.08.007. PMID: 15661574.

[2] Sun QQ, Xu SS, Pan JL, Guo HM, Cao WQ. Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1999 Jul;20(7):601-3. PMID: 10678121.

[3] Blin O, Audebert C, Pitel S, Kaladjian A, Casse-Perrot C, Zaim M, Micallef J, Tisne-Versailles J, Sokoloff P, Chopin P, Marien M. Effects of dimethylaminoethanol pyroglutamate (DMAE p-Glu) against memory deficits induced by scopolamine: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2009 Dec;207(2):201-12. doi: 10.1007/s00213-009-1648-7. Epub 2009 Sep 16. PMID: 19756528.

[4] Fava A, Pirritano D, Plastino M, et al. The Effect of Lipoic Acid Therapy on Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurodegener Dis. 2013;2013:454253. doi:10.1155/2013/454253

[5] Sadowska-Krępa E, Kłapcińska B, Pokora I, Domaszewski P, Kempa K, Podgórski T. Effects of Six-Week Ginkgo biloba Supplementation on Aerobic Performance, Blood Pro/Antioxidant Balance, and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Physically Active Men. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):803. Published 2017 Jul 26. doi:10.3390/nu9080803

[6] Fretham SJ, Carlson ES, Georgieff MK. The role of iron in learning and memory. Adv Nutr. 2011;2(2):112-121. doi:10.3945/an.110.000190

[7] Gómez-Pinilla F. Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(7):568-578. doi:10.1038/nrn2421

[8] Moustakas D, Mezzio M, Rodriguez BR, Constable MA, Mulligan ME, Voura EB. Guarana provides additional stimulation over caffeine alone in the planarian model. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 16;10(4):e0123310. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123310. PMID: 25880065; PMCID: PMC4399916.

[9] Young SN. L-tyrosine to alleviate the effects of stress? J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2007 May;32(3):224. PMID: 17476368; PMCID: PMC1863555.

[10] Jongkees BJ, Hommel B, Kühn S, Colzato LS. Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands--A review. J Psychiatr Res. 2015 Nov;70:50-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014. Epub 2015 Aug 25. PMID: 26424423.

[11] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/mind-and-memory-supplement-scorecard

[12] https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-and-memory-loss#modal-close

[13] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046326?pg=2

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Caroline Duncan, M.D.

Caroline C. Duncan graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in May of 2017, where her interests were primarily psychiatr...

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The Health Insiders Team takes pride in bringing you the latest in nutritional research, skincare, healthy living, and wellness hacks. Together our researchers...

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