Driven Performance Labs offers nutritional coaching as one of their main products, but they also produce several supplements. One of those is Max Capacity, a supplement targeted as a pre-workout but one containing many popular and potent nootropic ingredients. We tested Driven Performance Labs’ Max Capacity as both a workout enhancer and brain supplement. Read below to see what our testers thought about the nootropic newcomer.

Ingredients

Note: Driven Performance Labs lists all ingredients amounts and dosages, no “proprietary” blends, which is generally a good tool in determining whether a nootropic supplement is right for you.

AlphaSize Alpha GPC, 500mg

This is one of the most bioavailable and high-quality forms of choline used in nootropics. In the brain, choline is used to make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter involved in many cognitive processes. Alpha GPC is a form of choline that can most easily cross the blood/brain barrier, and it’s around 40% choline by mass. Alpha GPC seems to be the preferred, though more expensive, cholinergic for newer and/or high-quality nootropic manufacturers.

Cordyceps Extract (40% Polysaccharides), 500mg, Cordyceps Extract (4% Cordycepic Acid), 500mg

The cordyceps mushroom is an adaptogen that has been used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine as a treatment for numerous ailments, though its exact effects on the body still need to be determined through extensive clinical research. There’s also some early but promising clinical research indicating cordyceps extract has significant anti-fatigue properties.

While exact extract percentages and potencies vary across blends and manufacturers, the amount of cordyceps extract in Max Capacity comes out to a full gram. Shroom TECH Sport by Onnit, which shares this and several other ingredients with Max Capacity, though they’re ultimately different blends, contains 1.5 grams of cordyceps extracts.

Rhodiola Rosea Extract (3% Rosavins, 1% Salidroside), 500mg

A noted adaptogen with few (if any) noted side effects, rhodiola is an herbal extract shown to boost physical and mental endurance while reducing the perceived symptoms of stress. Rhodiola fights fatigue, and there’s some anecdotal evidence it boost the effects of stimulants like coffee. Generally, a very large amount of rhodiola (over 600 mg) does not seem to boost the ingredient’s effects and may actually reduce them; with rhodiola, less may in fact be more for some users, and some clinical studies have seen effectiveness at doses under 100mg. The amount of Rhodiola in one serving of Max Capacity is right around the upper end of what our testers have tried and liked.

There’s some research suggesting a synergistic effect when combining rhodiola and cordyceps extracts, as we noted in our review of Onnit’s Shroom TECH Sport (there are definite similarities between that supplement and Max Capacity). Rhodiola is also a headlining ingredient in stimulant-free stacks like RISE by Nootrobox (a BrainWiz favorite for its transparency and straightforward formulation).

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), 300mg

An adaptogen with possible immunity-positive and anti-stress capabilities, Eleutherococcus senticosus is much more commonly known as Siberian ginseng. Early (we want to stress that this is far from proven, though studies suggest it’s promising) research indicates it may be ergogenic, meaning it can boost exercise performance and aerobic capacity. This is the bottom range of what we’ve generally seen with Siberian ginseng dosage in supplements.

Other ingredients: Gelatin

Usage Guidelines

Encapsulated preWO supplement designed to enhance mental focus and energy system capacity. Take 1 serving [3 capsules] 30 minutes prior to training. Enhances training focus. Improves lactate threshold. Helps reduce workout fatigue.

What Our Testers Say

“I’ve had similar feelings with some of these supposedly ”˜pre-workout’ nootropic stacks. They may get some people hyped up and ready for exercise, but they, including Max Capacity, actually help me stay calm and focused. I tried this before a run and didn’t notice anything different on my physical performance, but I do like it as a delivery system for choline + adaptogens, which is a combo I take in some form probably 3 out of 5 business days a week.”

“Definitely felt some anti-fatigue properties here, pretty close to what I felt with Shroom TECH Sport. If I had to identify a difference, I’d say Max Capacity helped me feel a little more clear-headed; I’m guessing that may have to do with the fairly high dosage of choline.”

“I thought I’d see a big physical performance from Max Capacity, and when I took it before workouts, I did tend to have good training sessions. But I think the lack of caffeine accounts for not getting the pronounced OOMPH! I was expecting. However, I did feel slightly more clear-headed and focused when taking this supplement. If I took it before working out, I’d probably want to pair it with a caffeine source. But on its own, I thought it was a fairly effective stack at combating brain fog.”

“Like a lot of other supplements with cordyceps, I had to experiment to see when this one worked best for me. I settled on post-lunch and with coffee, though taking it in the morning with breakfast wasn’t bad; I just succumb to an afternoon slump really easily and welcome supplements that help me through that. I did take this with dinner on one occasion and felt a little too restless before bed.”

BrainWiz Tips

• The biggest effect our testers felt from Max Capacity was a sense of mental clarity and reduced brain fog. Those are certainly appreciated before a workout, but overall we enjoyed taking this supplement in the morning with breakfast and coffee.
• The serving size is relatively large with this style of capsule, so we recommend taking with food or a full glass of water.
• Pairs well with coffee or other caffeine sources.
• Contains a fairly high dosage of Alpha GPC, so may not pair well with other choline-containing nootropics (basically, doubling up could be too much, which in some people may cause headaches).
• Avoid taking at night; may inhibit sleep when taken right before bed.

Supplement Summary

Max Capacity may be marketed as a pre-workout supplement for weightlifters, CrossFitters, and elite athletes, but we noticed its effects most when taken as a normal nootropic stack. We enjoy the transparency of the dosages as well as the ingredient profile, and all inclusions seem within the realm of generally effective dosages. Basically, we saw Max Capacity as an adaptogen-rich supplement that didn’t feel it needed to be overly complicated.

Most of our testers reported enhanced mental clarity and reduced brain fog, as well as mental endurance throughout the day. While there’s some overlap on ingredients with other cordyceps/adaptogenic blends, Max Capacity brought something new to our nootropic experience. It could be an effective, stimulant-free stack for enhanced focus, especially if you respond well to cordyceps and rhodiola supplementation.

Interested in Max Capacity? Find out how to get 20% off on our Driven Performance Labs coupons page.

The post Pre-Workout or Nootropic? Reviewing Max Capacity by Driven Performance Labs appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Read our full review of Alpha BRAIN here, and find out why Alpha BRAIN Instant is different here.

Learn More About Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC supplies dietary choline to the body. In the brain, choline is used to make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter involved in many cognitive processes. In people who don’t get enough choline in their diets, choline supplementation on its own may be enough to give them a perceived cognitive boost, in some of our testers’ experience, it’s reduced brain fog and enhanced focus. Alpha GPC may also fight cognitive decline and the decay of neurons and their membranes in older mammals.

Alpha GPC is about 40% choline by weight, meaning it has the potential to confer about 40% of its dosage to the body as dietary choline. Along with CDP-Choline (about 18.5% choline by weight), it’s a form of choline most likely to be seen in nootropics because it confers choline that can more easily cross the blood/brain barrier. Compounds that increase the presence of neurotransmitter acetylcholine are often called cholinergic. Alpha GPC seems to be the preferred, though more expensive, cholinergic for newer and/or high-quality nootropic manufacturers.

Many of the studies involving Alpha GPC use dosages between 300 and 600mg. However, more research is needed to indicate the “optimal” dose for various effects, and this may vary somewhat between users.

Alpha GPC may have also have potent implications for strength and muscular output; when taken in dosages around 600mg as a pre-workout, it has been shown to increase muscle force and potentially stamina.

How Much Alpha GPC Is in Alpha BRAIN?

Both Alpha BRAIN and Alpha BRAIN Instant include Alpha GPC as part of their “Onnit Focus Blend,” which is 240mg total per serving and also includes bacopa and huperzia. Basically, the dosage of Alpha GPC you’re getting in a single serving of Onnit’s Alpha BRAIN products is well under the 300-600mg you see elsewhere, and maybe well under 200mg (Onnit doesn’t indicate the exact proportions in many of their blends). While both forms of Alpha BRAIN have proved popular among our testers, some people may respond better to a higher dose of Alpha GPC. Remember, Alpha BRAIN also contains numerous other nootropic compounds that interact synergistically with Alpha GPC.

Looking for a nootropic with a higher dose of Alpha GPC, along with ingredients to fight the effects of stress? Check out our review of Nootrobox’s RISE supplement, which contains 300mg of Alpha GPC per serving.

The post Alpha BRAIN vs Alpha GPC: What You Need to Know appeared first on Brain Wiz.

There are no newcomers to the list of ingredients in Addium, at least nothing we haven’t seen many times before, and as with many supplements containing a “proprietary blend,” Precision Labs does not list the quantity or concentration of most of the active ingredients. Read on to find out if Addium boosted our testers’ brain performance, or if this is just another supplement with unrealistic claims.

Addium Nutrition Label

The Ingredients

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 30mg

Vitamin B3 acts within the adrenal system to synthesize a number of sex- and stress-related hormones, along with serotonin, a neurotransmitter acting on the central nervous system and the GI tract. Some people experience a harmless “flush” when taking niacin-containing supplements.

Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – 5mg

Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. When taken with phenylalanine, vitamin B6 can improve cAMP levels, and dopamine synthesis.

Proprietary Blend – 545mg

Caffeine

The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine reduces drowsiness and sedation by inhibiting adenosine (a nervous system depressant) from reaching receptors in the brain. There are extensive studies on the effects of caffeine on cognition, alertness, and athletic performance.

GABA

This amino acid acts in the central nervous system calming nervous brain activity. It is a neuropsychotropic compound that functions as both a nootropic and as a tranquilizer by stimulating dopamine production. In certain situations, GABA has been shown to both decrease anxiety and promote relaxation, though it may have difficulty crossing the blood/brain barrier through oral supplementation.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as a revitalizer, cognitive booster, and stress reliever. Scientific tests show the positive effects the herb can have on memory and free recall, though it may occasionally cause restlessness or feelings of apathy in some users (like most adaptogens, experience varies from person to person).

Alpha GPC

L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is a phospholipid (a main component of cell membranes) that has been positively linked with increased memory and learning capacity. It is one of the most effective compounds at increasing systemic and brain concentrations of choline.

L-Theanine

An amino acid exclusive to tea in dietary forms, L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves, inducing relaxation without any drowsiness.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is another phospholipid vital to the maintenance of healthy nerve cell membranes. It has a direct effect on the release of both dopamine and noradrenaline, and it positively affects memory.

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress, and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is an herb-derived chemical that has been used to treat cerebrovascular disorders in Hungary. It is both a neuroprotective and a vasodilator, possibly increasing blood flow to the brain.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an herb-derived chemical that has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may improve cognitive function and memory.

Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable), Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Red #3,

Allergens: Soybeans

Usage Guidelines

• As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily.
• CAUTION: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

What Our Testers Say

“Took this in the morning with my pre-workout, and there was a definite rush of energy. Couldn’t tell whether the flush was from working out or from the niacin/B3, but I felt warmer and redder than I usually do post-workout. The effects (both the flush and the energy) didn’t last long, though, and I found myself reaching for some coffee by early afternoon.”

“I don’t know how much caffeine is in this, but it was too much for me, or at least, one pill of the stack had me jittery. This gave me tons of nervous energy, even with the included L-Theanine in a mystery amount, and I crashed hard.”

“I think this did help me focus a bit, but it works a lot more like an energy pill than a nootropic. I had it with my morning coffee, and it just edged on being too much caffeine.”

“I took this for a couple of weeks, and I could tell my focus and memory were a little better, but not as well-rounded as other popular nootropic stacks. I could see how the caffeine in this, combined with some of the other ingredients in the “proprietary blend”, could be too much for people with a stimulant-sensitivity. I tried taking it both in the morning and to combat the afternoon slump, with some luck. This felt like more of a stimulant pill than anything else.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Take Addium with food to ease absorption, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants.
• Be careful when taking other stimulants or caffeine-containing beverages with Addium.
• All of our testers experienced an increase in energy while on Addium, though a couple experienced a crash once the supplement wore off.

<li”>As with any other supplements, consult a doctor or medical professional before starting a new regimen if you are on medication or have a preexisting condition.

Supplement Summary

Although all of our testers felt something on Addium, it was far from the advertised unlocking of 100% of the brain’s potential; overall, it felt much more like a quick stimulant rush with a resulting crash. The amount of caffeine in Addium is not listed, and most testers felt like it was the equivalent to about 2 shots of espresso.  If you are a coffee drinker, you may want to try Addium in the afternoon, instead of that second cup of coffee. This may not be the best supplement for those sensitive to niacin or stimulants in general.

The post True Cerebral Enhancement? Reviewing Addium by Precision Labs appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Recently, neuroscientist-backed truBrain (click for current price) has released a line of what they call “performance coffee,” which sells with “focus sticks” packing Alpha-GPC and l-theanine. TruBrain is best known for their nootropic “shots,” which provide a variety of nootropic compounds in slick, on-the-go packaging. (Read our full review of truBrain shots in regular, caffeine-free, and boost.)

With the rise in popularity of Bulletproof Coffee, it’s no surprise companies are following suite with their own roasts and complimentary or bundled supplements. But how does truBrain’s brüd hold up in the eyes of a longtime coffee drinker? I tested it out under numerous circumstances, along with a few other BrainWiz testers. Read below to see my final thoughts!

The Ingredients

Coffee: According to the manufacturer, brüd coffee is shade grown, single origin, and fair trade. In a video (embedded below), truBrain explains they put their coffee through a “special cold marinade pre-roast process with trained plant stems” before roasting in order to get an optimized brew.

However, the company doesn’t list the geographic origins of their beans, although it claims all customers receive beans roasted within 48 hours of shipping.

Focus Sticks: 

Alpha-GPC, 200mg

Alpha-GPC is the most efficient compound to increase both systemic and brain concentrations of choline when ingested orally. It’s been linked to increased cognition and reduced cognitive decline, in addition to, more recently, increased power output and growth hormone production in athletes. It’s a form of choline we tend to see most often in supplements from more reputable and higher quality manufacturers.

L-Theanine, 200mg

Theanine is a calming amino acid that is also non-sedative. Research suggests pairs well with caffeine and/or coffee in order to reduce jitters and increase focus. One of our favorite simple stacks featuring just the caffeine/l-theanine pairing is Smart Caffeine.

In addition to the above, focus sticks contain organic blue agave, purified water, manitol, vegetable glycerine, and silicon dioxide.

Usage Guidelines

• Take our beans and brew them however you like.
• beans + focus sticks = smart coffee

Brud Coffee Focus Sticks reviews and side effects

My Personal Experience

I first tried brüd in several different preparations: Cold brewed in a french press, drip coffee in a standard 12-cup coffee maker, and as espresso. This is a remarkably light roast, and because I drink dark roasts normally, I found it to be a little lighter on the tastebuds than I would have liked. True to what the company claims, it’s very much non-bitter. While it’s smooth to sip, its very light nature means it does not mix well with dairy if you enjoy those types of beverages; the result just seems like watery milk or cream.

I do see truBrain’s reasoning for keeping the roast light. It’s a common misconception that darker roasts have “stronger” caffeine contents; on the contrary, lighter roasts tend to preserve more of the bean’s caffeine content. True to form, truBrain’s brüd provides a very solid caffeinated kick, I’d estimate among the top 10% of coffee I’ve tried as far as the caffeine boost I actually felt.

My favorite preparation ended up being regular drip coffee, as the cold brew ended up tasting far too mild and the espresso was a disaster with beans this light. Note: The beans do not come pre-ground, so make sure you have a grinder handy before ordering.

Onto the next one: the sticks. The focus sticks are a cool concept, but the packaging makes them a bit difficult to open without scissors. Even then, they’re easy to spill, and more than once I ended up with bits of plastic in my coffee as I tried to cut the stick over my cup. Squeezing and end hard is effective, but it may end up squirting coffee and/or focus stick liquid everywhere. The bit of sugary liquid doesn’t taste like much and wasn’t perceptible in my coffee, so I’d much rather truBrain include these as single-serving powders.

Overall the focus sticks did deliver as far as ingredients, and when paired with any good coffee, I tried a few apart from brüd, they add a nice, calming focus to the caffeine buzz.

What Some of Our Other Testers Say

I asked two of the other Brain Wiz testers who regularly drink coffee for their takes:

“The coffee is a light roast, and I felt like it contained a lot of caffeine; I felt it kick in before I was halfway through my cup. I’d definitely recommend drinking less of this particular brew than you think you’ll need. Also, I couldn’t taste anything from the focus sticks, I thought they would make my coffee much sweeter.”

“Good, non-bitter coffee, I put a bit of sweetener in mine and it tasted great. Definitely a decent bean, but I’m not much of a coffee snob. The focus sticks are a cool gimmick, but like Alexandra, I wish they were just a powder or pill, good pairing of ingredients, the delivery got a little too creative.”

Brain Wiz Tips

• This is a light roast that does not mix well with dairy.
• brüd seems to contain a relatively high caffeine content based on our tests, so don’t go overboard on your first batch.
• Be careful when opening the focus sticks to avoid spillage; we never found a “best” way that worked for us.
• The beans do not come pre-ground.

Summary

Overall, I liked truBrain’s coffee, but I’m not sure I’d subscribe to it every month, which is the deal they’re currently pushing (though unlike some subscription-based companies, they made it very easy to cancel when I wanted to). It’s a good, light roast, but I enjoy variety in my coffee. And while the focus sticks contain a really great pairing of ingredients, their delivery system is a bit too gimmicky for my taste. I may resubscribe every few months to restock, however, and they’re currently (as of writing this article) running a special where the first month is discounted to $19.

If truBrain reimagines the focus sticks into something a little easier to deliver to your actual cup, I’d definitely consider buying them on their own.

The post Performance Coffee? Reviewing brud by truBrain appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Now, Onnit is taking their popular, “all-natural” formula in a new direction with a powdered version than can be quickly dissolved in water for a nootropic drink. The company claims this speeds absorption of their key ingredients. Read on to see what we thought of Alpha Brain Instant’s effectiveness, flavor, and overall usefulness in our Alpha BRAIN Instant review.

Click For Best Price

The Ingredients

It’s worth noting that Alpha BRAIN Instant has a slightly different formulation than standard Alpha BRAIN. It contains 1,150 mg of the Onnit Flow Blend compared to 650 mg in a 2-capsule serving of standard Alpha Brain, as well as 71 mg of the Onnit Fuel Blend as compared to 65 mg in a 2-capsule serving. The composition of these proprietary blends remains the same, however.

• Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCL) – 10 mg
• Onnit Flow Blend – 1,150 mg
  • L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat (straw) Extract, Phosphatidylserine
• ac-11 Cat’s Claw Extract – 350 mg
• Onnit Focus Blend – 240 mg
  • L-Alpha-GPC, Bacopa monnieri Extract, Huperzia serrata extract
• Onnit Fuel Blend – 71 mg
  • L-Leucine, Vinpocetine, BioPerine Black Pepper (fruit) Extract, Pterostilbene

Other Ingredients: Natural Flavors, Maltodextrin, Stevia (leaf) Extract, Sodium Citrate, Fructooligosaccharides, Silicon Dioxide, Citric Acid, Acacia Gum, Magnesium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Silica.

Usage Guidelines

Suggested Use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take one packet mixed with 8 ounces of cold water, preferably with a light meal. Do not take more than one packet in any 24-hour period.

What Our Testers Say

“I didn’t notice too much of a difference between Alpha BRAIN and Alpha BRAIN Instant, I felt the same effects from both for similar durations. This surprised me a little, because their formulations are in slightly different amounts. I did like that it was drinkable; sometimes I skimp on drinking water in the morning, when you tend to be dehydrated, and this prompted me to start taking in more liquids than I normally do. That may be a slight benefit, but it’s probably enough to get me taking Alpha BRAIN Instant more regularly than regular Alpha BRAIN. (Note Alpha BRAIN is already the nootropic stack I take most often.)”

“I thought this stuff was pretty tasty, though I’ve got a sweet tooth, I don’t think they’re flavors everyone will love. I also thought it did act slightly quicker than standard Alpha BRAIN. I don’t get very much energy from Alpha BRAIN, though it does keep me even throughout the day, and I tend to experience lucid dreams occasionally while on it.”

“I really like Alpha BRAIN in its classic form, though I noticed a slight drop off in effectiveness after two weeks, while others tend to feel the effects increase over time. After our review of Alpha BRAIN Instant, I think it is a good idea, but the flavor is just too stevia-sweet for me, a lot like their Matcha Chai, which is pretty good otherwise. If they made it less sweet, it’d be delicious. I’ll stick to nootropics in capsule form for now.”

“I prefer taking Alpha BRAIN in the morning with coffee or some form of caffeine. If you’re someone who wakes up thirsty and dehydrated, this could be a good option, as it prompts you to drink something before chugging coffee (which can be a diuretic). And it really does feel like Alpha BRAIN, maybe a tad quicker onset (but I didn’t experience any crash or dulling of effects as the day wore on). I’ll add it into my rotation, it’s something I enjoyed sipping on the way to work from a water bottle.”

Alpha BRAIN and Alpha BRAIN Instant

BrainWiz Tips

• This product tastes best with ice-cold water, the colder, the better for our testers.
• Take first thing in the morning with a small, fat-containing meal to promote absorption; bacopa monnieri, which has been linked to increased memory and cognition with continued use, is fat-soluble and may absorb best when ingested with lipids.
• The concentration of Onnit Blends varies between single servings of Alpha BRAIN and Alpha BRAIN Instant. For lighter individuals or people new to nootropics, we recommend starting with less than a full packet of Alpha BRAIN Instant to assess tolerance.
• Our testers experienced no negative side effects from this supplement. But as with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use.

Natural Spice or Natural Peach: Which Flavor Is Better?

Our testers overwhelmingly preferred the Natural Peach flavor of Alpha BRAIN Instant, as the Natural Spice flavor was almost too sweet. As one tester put it, Natural Spice was “halfway to a spiced cider, and you can tell it’s only halfway.” Natural Peach tended to have a slightly fruity, more refreshing flavor with less of an aftertaste.

Supplement Summary

Alpha Brain Instant proved very similar in effect to its capsule predecessor. Any difference in absorption speed wasn’t noticed very acutely by our testers, but the effects were at least as pronounced and long-lasting as standard Alpha BRAIN.

While some of our testers thought the taste bordered on overly sweet, they generally appreciated the option of having the stack in drinkable form. This encouraged them to consume more liquid and hydrate more rapidly in the morning; in some studies, morning dehydration has been linked with reduced performance on cognitive tests.

If morning hydration is a challenge for you, or if you don’t like swallowing pills, Alpha BRAIN Instant could be an effective nootropic stack that’s at least as good as Onnit’s original formulation.

The post Alpha BRAIN Instant Review: Quicker Focus from Onnit? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

View Results Of Alpha Brain’s Clinical Trials

We were very excited to try Alpha Brain after a few friends recommended it as a great compliment to their morning routines (including coffee; this is a caffeine-free nootropic). Read on to find out what we learned about this popular nootropic with lots of mainstream hype in our full Alpha BRAIN review.

Get the best price on Alpha BRAIN by checking out our coupons page for special discounts!

Alpha Brain Label Ingredients

The Ingredients

Alpha Brain comes in vegetable capsules, with 30 two-capsule servings per bottle.

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCI) – 10mg
  • Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble essential vitamin, involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Studies show that when taken in conjunction with Magnesium, B6 improved school attention in children diagnosed with ADHD.

Onnit Flow Blend

• L-Tyrosine
  • L-Tyrosine is well-linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress, and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.
• L-Theanine
  • L-Theanine is an amino acid known to support a calm mood without inducing sleepiness. When used in conjunction with caffeine, it has been observed to reduce error rates while performing tasks.
• Oat Straw Extract (Avena Sativa)
  • Oat Straw Extract has been tested as a cognitive performance enhancer. It works by reducing symptoms of both neurological stress and exhaustion.
• Phosphatidylserine
  • Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid required to maintain healthy nerve cell membranes. It supports cognitive function and the ability to learn and recall new information.
• AC-11 (Uncaria tomentosa Extract) – 350mg
  • AC-11 is a proprietary Cat’s Claw Extract. Cat’s Claw has been studied for its ability to repair DNA and its anti-inflammatory properties.

Onnit Focus Blend

• L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC)
  • Choline is a vital compound in neurotransmission, and research suggests many Americans don’t get enough from their regular diets (in fact, choline-based nootropics are increasingly common, and some of our testers have experienced enhanced memory and focus simply from supplementing choline). It’s a common ingredient in many nootropic stacks, and we’re not surprised Onnit has included it in Alpha Brain.
• Bacopa monniera Extract
  • Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as an antidepressant, and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, those taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects and reduced stress and cortisol levels.
• Huperzia Serrata Extract
  • This plant extract is an Acetylcholinesterase (AchE)inhibitor. AchE breaks down the Acetylcholine, and Huperzia Serrata restrains the process, allowing more Acetylcholine to be available for the brain’s neurons.

Onnit Fuel Blend

• L-Leucine
  • Leucine is an essential  branched chain amino acid involved in protein synthesis and a number of other metabolic functions. We’ve seen it in many energy stacks before to great effect.
• Vinpocetine
  • Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant and is known to increase cerebral blood flow. Doctors in Hungary have been prescribing this compound to treat cerebrovascular disorders for decades.
• Pterostilbene
  • An antioxidant found in blueberries and grapes, this compound has known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. Recently, studies have indicated a link between pterostilbene and improved brain health.
• Other Ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule (Cellulose, Water), Bamboo Silica

Read our review of Onnit’s fast-dissolving Alpha BRAIN Instant formula.

Usage Guidelines

For mental performance: Take 2 capsules in the morning or early afternoon. For enhanced dream state aka lucid dreams: Take 1-2 capsules 4-6 hours before sleep. For those over 200 lb., dosage can be increased to 3 capsules per day. Do not exceed 3 capsules in a 24 hour period.

We had several BrainWiz testers take between 1 and 3 capsules per day.

What Our Testers Say

“Alpha Brain is one of the best nootropics I have tried. I feel alert and focused within 20 minutes of taking the pills and there is no jitteriness or crash. There is no afternoon fogginess, and I also noticed that I was remembering things quicker. I worked my way up to three capsules a day, but I felt the effects diminish the longer I took it.”

“I tried this as both a cognitive enhancer and, in the afternoon, as a lucid dream inducer. I like the clarity I get when I take it in the morning, and I have never experienced dreams like this before. When on Alpha Brain, I’m aware that I am dreaming, and the details are vivid.”

“I’ve been taking Alpha Brain first thing when I wake up, along with my morning coffee. I feel clear-headed, and focused well into the afternoon. I didn’t feel any jitters, and I appreciated that I didn’t have to modify my caffeine intake around this supplement.”

“I really enjoy the way I feel on this when reviewing Alpha BRAIN. I can feel an improvement on my decision-making time under stress, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a nootropic. I did feel the effects start to diminish after two weeks on it, so I took a couple of days off, and the effects came back.”

My Alpha Brain Experience

Alpha Brain is one of the most popular nootropics I’ve ever come across. So when it came time for me to review it, I was very excited.

I was excited for two reasons… First, Alpha Brain is the supplement that initially peaked my interest in nootropics a long time ago (after hearing about it on the Joe Rogan podcast). Second, I’ve read a lot of positive personal experiences.

Below is my day-by-day review of Alpha Brain…

Day One

I’d received my package from Onnit two days prior but knew that I wouldn’t have enough time to properly review it during those days so I waited until I had seven consecutive days to start.

I started day one by opening up the box it came in and took a half dose. I do this every time I take a new supplement just to see how my body initially reacts the first day. If there’s worst case scenario, I can mitigate how bad it is.

Luckily there was no bad reaction the first day of taking Alpha Brain. Surprisingly I didn’t feel much on day one but I chalked it up to only taking half a dose.

Day Two

Since day one went off without any negative effects, I decided to take a full dose. About thirty to forty minutes later I started to feel the effects. The most noticeable initial change was a wave of mental clarity. It felt similar to drinking green tea but without the stimulant effects of caffeine. My brain felt “awake”, like when you wake up from a great night’s sleep and don’t feel groggy at all.

Day two was a Monday so after breakfast I got to work. There was a slight overall feeling of motivation/productivity during the morning that continued well into mid-afternoon. This mental clarity and motivation definitely helped me get a lot of things done that I would have previous procrastinated.

One thing I noticed on day two was that I wasn’t energized. This is probably because Alpha Brain doesn’t contain any stimulants. Since I’m used to drinking a cup of coffee or two in the morning, I didn’t feel that jolt of adrenaline from the caffeine.

Day Three

Day three was filled with work calls and client meetings. One interesting thing I noticed was that I was able to speak much more fluently — without “ums” and “ahs”. That’s not to say I became a perfect orator but I definitely noticed a difference in the efficient way I was able to form sentences. My brain and mouth seemed to be working a bit more in unison.

Day Four

Another day of emails, writing, and client work. The positive mental effects I noticed on days two and three hadn’t subsided, which surprised me.

I’ve yet to notice any negative effects. In fact, one of the nice positive effects was that I was able to get a nap in mid-day. For most people this is probably simple but since I usually drink a lot of coffee, it’s tough for me to take a nap (even when I’m tired). The caffeine keeps my brain awake. Since I had worked late the night before, I was starting to fade early afternoon so I laid down for a bit. During my 45-minute nap I noticed that my dreams were incredibly vivid. Upon waking up, I did a bit of research and realized this is a common occurrence among those who take Alpha Brain.

Day Five

Surprisingly, the effects of Alpha Brain haven’t subsided, even with daily use. My mental clarity and verbal intelligence were both at an all-time high.

I ended up having coffee around 2pm with a client of mine and noticed that the caffeine mixed with Alpha Brain gave me a big boost of energy. Upon getting to the office, I found myself able to get more done in the next 3 hours than I had all day.

Day Six

Because I experienced no negative side effects using Alpha Brain and drinking my daily morning coffee, I decided to have both in the morning on day six. This pepped me up a lot and led to me being able to get some big projects done.

One small negative was that I did find myself starting to become more mentally tired at the end of the day (at around 7pm). This could be because I was mentally exerting myself a lot during the day or because I was mixing caffeine and Alpha Brain.

Day Seven

The last day of me taking Alpha Brain and I started to notice a slight decline in its effects. Of course, this is totally normal with any supplement that is being taking consecutively. Onnit suggests cycling off of Alpha Brain once and a while so that your body doesn’t get used to it and progressively need more to feel its effects.

BrainWiz Tips

After comparing experiences and effectiveness, here are our best tips for getting the most out of Alpha Brain :

• Alpha Brain contains no caffeine, so it pairs well when you’re already taking in caffeine, like with your morning coffee. The quick energy “wave” our testers felt was also most desirable in the morning or early afternoon, to avoid an energy slump.
• Our testers experienced no negative side effects from this supplement. But as with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use.
• Take just before eating to take advantage of an active digestive system and promote absorption.
• If you’re using the supplement to induce lucid dreaming, start with one or two capsules in the afternoon and work your way up to three.

Supplement Summary

Alpha Brain is an effective caffeine-free and BSCG Certified nootropic stacked with a number of effective earth-grown ingredients. This BSCG certification signifies that Alpha Brain is drug-free and comprised only of naturally grown ingredients, making it somewhat unique in the nootropic space. We were initially skeptical about its effectiveness given such a clean pedigree, but all four of our testers experienced noticeable cognitive boosts.

In addition to a cognitive boost, some users feel increased focus and stamina. When taken in the afternoon, Alpha Brain can induce vivid, lucid dreams at night. Though its perceived effects seem to diminish over time, taking a break from the supplement for a few days seems to be enough time for its effectiveness to return.

The post Alpha BRAIN Review: Can Onnit’s Earth Grown Supplements Boost Your Brain? appeared first on Brain Wiz.