Last Updated: November 25, 2024
Editor's Choice

Avanse "LumUltra"

TCE Overall Rating 98.7%

What happens when you take the most potent (legal) memory enhancer – Noopept – and add in a couple of 'clean' stimulants such as Guarana for powerful motivation and mental drive, and a handful of neuro-protectants, and focus boosting plant extracts? The answer is LumUltra - a Noopept based 'super pill' promising to help you develop a smarter, calmer, more focused mind after just 30 days use. But does it work?... Well your emails and reviews seemed to agree with our judging panel who were quick to fall in love with this new 'daily essential'.

Top-Rated Brain Supporting Supplements

Which Have Made To The Top This Year?

68 Nootropic Supplements

3 Experts Consulted

10 Top Picks

Today, one of the most sought-after supplement categories revolves around enhancing brain and memory functions. Referred to as nootropics, these supplements aim to bolster memory, concentration, mental vitality, and problem-solving abilities.

The demand for nootropics isn't solely driven by the 73 million baby boomers residing in America but also extends to college students, investment bankers, career-driven individuals, and even busy moms, all striving for a competitive edge.

However, this surge in popularity has inundated the market with numerous nootropic supplements. Despite their promising claims, many of these products fail to deliver. Some prominent brands utilize ineffective or inadequate ingredient doses, while others incorporate low-grade fillers.

Given the abundance of options, it's understandable if consumers feel uncertain about selecting a quality brain and memory supplement. To streamline the decision-making process, we've conducted extensive research to identify key ingredients proven to enhance cognitive health.

This concise guide aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to discern quality supplements from subpar ones, enabling you to make informed choices regarding your nootropic needs. Additionally, we'll highlight the top 10 nootropic supplements available today.

Before delving into specific products, let's take a moment to explore how nootropics function to enhance cognitive health and why integrating them into your daily regimen is crucial.


What to Avoid When Buying a Cognitive Supplement

Here’s an important quick guide when looking at a brain enhancement product and trying to decide if it’s the right one for you:

  1. NO: If its formula lacks essential vitamins and nutrients
    Your brain gobbles up an ongoing supply of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for its proper - and outstanding - functioning. Avoid products that don’t offer these important components. 
  2. YES: Backed by clinical data and experts
    Effective nootropic support requires a solid scientific basis by way of independent, third-party research data on product effects and benefits. A great formula is supported by a credible health care expert who has the background and experience in brain enhancement. 
  3. NO: Insufficient return policy and fraud
    Reputable nootropic companies offer 100% money-back guarantee on their supplement if they are confident enough that it works. They also won’t fool around with a limited and deceitful return policy, as well as auto-shipping that you aren’t even aware of! Make it a habit to read the fine print for your protection. 
  4. YES: Independent reviews (Not just Amazon!)
    The internet is filled with unverified as well as bought reviews, so vigilance is key. Develop an eye for truly impartial reviews that have your best interest at heart, not content masquerading as independent reviews in order to get you to buy a specific brand. This is why we have our own circle of product testers to separate facts from myths and really present the best performers in the market. 

A key here is your due diligence in product research and review, so that you have accurate and up-to-date information helping you choose a the right supplement for you. 


Nootropics: What Are They All About?

Understanding Cognitive Decline


Top 4 Criteria For A Quality Nootropic Supplement

We spent months researching nootropic supplements and gathering user feedback. There are specific ingredients that, when present in a formula, help differentiate high-quality nootropic supplements from generic ones. Below are the three most essential ingredients to consider before deciding on which nootropic brand is best for your needs.

#1 lpha GPC (alpha-lycerophosphocholine) 

Alpha-GPC is a natural compound found in the brain and various food sources. It serves as a choline donor, contributing to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a crucial role in cognitive function, memory, and muscle control. Alpha-GPC is often used as a dietary supplement to support cognitive health, enhance memory, improve learning, and promote athletic performance. It's valued for its high bioavailability and ability to readily cross the blood-brain barrier, making it an effective option for supporting brain health and cognitive function.

#2 Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid compound found in high concentrations in the brain. It plays a vital role in various brain functions, including cell membrane structure, signal transduction, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic activity. Phosphatidylserine is known for its potential cognitive benefits, such as improving memory, attention, and cognitive performance, particularly in older adults. It's also involved in stress response and may help mitigate the negative effects of cortisol, a stress hormone, on the brain. Phosphatidylserine supplements are commonly used to support brain health, particularly in individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline or memory problems.

#3 Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China, revered for its brain-enhancing properties. Derived from its leaves, ginkgo biloba extract is a popular supplement known for improving memory, concentration, and cognitive function. It's believed to enhance blood flow to the brain, promoting mental clarity and reducing age-related cognitive decline. 

#4 Noopept

Noopept is a synthetic nootropic compound known for enhancing cognitive function and brain health. It improves memory, learning, and cognitive performance while also providing neuroprotection against oxidative stress. Additionally, it may boost mood and promote brain plasticity. May Increase brain plasticity as it may support the growth of new neural connections and promote brain plasticity, which is important for learning and adaptability.


Our Winning 5 Brain Boosting Supplements for 2024

#1 LumUltra

LumUltra
Overall Success
Supplemental Facts
Formula & Ingredients
Effects & Benefits
Side Effects Free
Value for Money
Online Reviews
Price per serving
$1.97
Money back Guarantee
60 days
Price
$47.97
A+Overall Grade

Pros

  • Incredible results from a potent, fast-acting formula
  • Effects are very well-rounded: improvements to memory, focus, mood, energy
  • Formula is a fantastic combination of potent Noopept and many other natural nootropics
  • Information online is very detailed and simple to understand, love their design and content
  • Premium ingredients at a great price (daily cost is cheaper than a cup of coffee!), we suspect this won’t last long, they might be trying to reach a certain market share then raise their price.
  • 90-day return policy!

Cons

  • They communicate everything via ticketing for quality assurance reason, so if you don’t know how to place order online, then you are out of luck
  • Might want to supplement with a multivitamin (only contains B12)

Why It’s TCE-Approved:

Avanse Nutraceuticals’ LumUltra (New and Improved) blows all our editors away with an innovatively new formula utilizing the potent Noopept, in combination with select key natural nootropics. Hands down, LumUltra is the best cognitive enhancer we’ve ever reviewed, and will probably top our list for a very long time.

#2 Brain Pill

Brain Pill
Overall Success
Supplemental Facts
Formula & Ingredients
Effects & Benefits
Side Effects Free
Value for Money
Online Reviews
Price per serving
$2.66
Money back Guarantee
67 Days
Price
$76.99
AOverall Grade

Pros

  • Good market presence, or product recall
  • Availability of scientific studies delving on ingredient and product levels
  • Proprietary ingredients for uniquely positioned benefits
  • Discounts and savings for bulk orders

Cons

  • Relative shortage of customer testimonials
  • Lacking imagery around supplement facts and product labeling

Why It’s TCE-Approved:

We are impressed by the speed and precision at which BrainPill responds to brain enhancement needs – and without unwanted effects that could turn off first-time users. The benefits are sustained and evident from the first dose, and this doesn't happen every time with nootropic products.

#3 Alpha Brain

Alpha Brain
Overall Success
Supplemental Facts
Formula & Ingredients
Effects & Benefits
Side Effects Free
Value for Money
Online Reviews
Price per serving
$1.98
Money back Guarantee
30 days
Price
$59.41
A-Overall Grade

Pros

  • Good for focus
  • Great customer service team
  • Could be great as a workout supplement

Cons

  • Effects are a bit limited
  • New formula might actually be less potent due to new focus on fitness and health

#4 Prevagen

Prevagen
Overall Success
Supplemental Facts
Formula & Ingredients
Effects & Benefits
Side Effects Free
Value for Money
Online Reviews
Price per serving
$2.00
Money back Guarantee
30 days
Price
$59.95
B+Overall Grade

Pros

  • Unique formula and ingredient “Apoaequorin”
  • Website is rich in information and resources for further reading
  • Clear video on website that explains Prevagen in simplistic way

Cons

  • Little to no effects on focus and mood
  • Poor value at $59.95 (better nootropics available at that price)
  • Studies on Apoaequorin are still quite limited today.

#5 Neuriva

Neuriva
Overall Success
Supplemental Facts
Formula & Ingredients
Effects & Benefits
Side Effects Free
Value for Money
Online Reviews
Price per serving
$2.27
Money back Guarantee
Price
$32.99
BOverall Grade

Pros

  • Low to no side effect potential
  • Offers targeted benefits for five areas of brain function
  • GMO and caffeine free
  • Vegan-friendly supplement

Cons

  • Contains only two major ingredients, which are relatively standard in nootropics
  • Lack of ample clinical research presented
  • Soy lecithin content is a potential allergen

Sources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690227/
  2. https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/cognitive-enhancers-what-they-are-how-they-work-and-what-is-in-the-pipeline/11117394.article?firstPass=false
  3. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/2018-09-27/what-are-nootropics
  4. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/peak-nootropics-llc-aka-advanced-nootropics-565256-02052021
  5. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/fortifying-your-memory-with-supplements
  6. https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/natural-brain-boosters
  7. https://www.managedhealthcareconnect.com/article/role-nutrition-prevention-cognitive-decline
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3311304/
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423755/
  10. http://theconversation.com/the-economics-of-the-money-back-guarantee-80876
  11. https://ispe.org/initiatives/regulatory-resources/gmp
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5545206/
  13. https://www.npr.org/2018/07/30/629800775/some-amazon-reviews-are-too-good-to-be-believed-theyre-paid-for
  14. https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/auto-renewals-endless-charges-complaints-1282.php
  15. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects
  16. https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/
Citations
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Most Read Reviews

What do they know that you don't? Take a look at what's trending in the world of cognitive enhancement supplements. Here are the most commonly read reviews.

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