Top-Rated Brain Enhancement Supplements for 2020:
Which Nootropics Make It to the Top?
Here’s our most commonly asked question: Which brain-enhancing supplement is best for me?
Time and time again we get emails from people wanting to know which brain enhancement supplements (nootropics) work, which don’t, and which one would be best for them and their particular goal or desired areas of improvement, such as focus, memory, overall brain function.
The first two questions can be answered through simple testing and measuring, but the third is more complex. People take nootropic brain enhancers for many different reasons, and nootropics can affect people in different ways.
Why You Can 100% Trust Our Reviews...
The best way to start finding the answer is to read our reviews. Each review has an initial summary, so within a few short lines you can decide whether you wish to continue reading or not. And we offer expert, real-world feedback on the products the way other nootropic reviews can’t.
We review each brain-empowering product by taking a look at so much more than just the product itself. We take into consideration the company, the lab, the website, pricing, business strategy (i.e., who’s running credit card rebilling systems), testimonials, and online reviews in online forums, social listening posts, and various authoritative websites. We also conduct our own product trial, where we use the supplement for weeks with utmost caution and regard for safety and the scientific process.
Most importantly, we take into consideration the views and opinions you share with us when sending in your reviews to our site here. With your help we are able to review many more products. If you wish to submit a review, please hit the Contact Us button or directly on each product review page’s Write a Review form.
Without any more time wasted, let’s take a look at the products and choose the best supplements for your brain and needs today with a deep dive into our Top 5 rated smart pills.
What Are Nootropics Anyway?
There’s so much buzz around nootropics and how they can supercharge your memory, focus and concentration, and overall cognition, as well as enhance your energy and mood to perform life’s most complicated tasks and demands.
Nootropics are known by many names, mainly brain enhancement aides, memory-enhancing drugs, smart drugs, and brain boosters. There are two kinds of nootropics: (1) synthetic, created in a lab and (2) natural nootropics, which are herbal or nutrient-based in their composition. This review site focuses on natural nootropics, coming in supplement form to help take charge of your brain’s needs.
Natural nootropics are plant-based extracts that promise to improve mental function. They have become so popular in many recent years due to their overall safety and relative lack of side effects compared with their synthetic counterparts. Natural nootropic stacks are composed of herbal or nutrient-based ingredients to achieve your cognitive targets.
A good nootropic helps you live life to the fullest with many specific benefits, such as:
Memory enhancement
Better focus and attention
Increased alertness
Better learning and analytical thinking
Mental and visual acuity
Energy boost
Stress management
Uplifted mood
Better chances against aging and cognitive decline
There are different types of natural nootropics. First, neurotransmitter enhancers, which increase the activity of brain chemicals responsible for mental sharpness. These include acetylcholine, as well as other neurotransmitters. Second, vasodilators, which work through boosting blood flow to the brain via widening the blood vessels. Third, there’s antioxidants, which preserve and protect brain cells from the damage caused by free radicals in the body.
The focus of our reviews are the specific beneficial ingredients of each top-rated nootropic, which can be classified under one or more of these three groups. There are also products that say that contain a proprietary formula, for which often there isn’t a big deal of transparency in ingredient specifics (exact dosing, etc.) because they can keep the details of the formula to themselves as their property
What to Avoid When Buying a Nootropic 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:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 nootropic.
Citations
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- Beaty, Roger E., Yoed N. Kenett, Alexander P. Christensen, Monica D. Rosenberg, Mathias Benedek, Qunlin Chen, and Andreas Fink et al. 2018. “Robust Prediction Of Individual Creative Ability From Brain Functional Connectivity”. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences 115 (5): 1087-1092. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi:10.1073/pnas.1713532115.
- Glade, Michael J., and Kyl Smith. 2015. “Phosphatidylserine And The Human Brain”. Nutrition 31 (6): 781-786. Elsevier BV. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014.
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- Kato-Kataoka, Akito, Masashi Sakai, Rika Ebina, Chiaki Nonaka, Tsuguyoshi Asano, and Takashi Miyamori. 2010. “Soybean-Derived Phosphatidylserine Improves Memory Function Of The Elderly Japanese Subjects With Memory Complaints”. Journal Of Clinical Biochemistry And Nutrition 47 (3): 246-255. The Society for Free Radical Research Japan. doi:10.3164/jcbn.10-62.
- F, Russo. 2020. “Bacopa Monniera, A Reputed Nootropic Plant: An Overview. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed February 7 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15898709.
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- Peth-Nui, Tatimah, Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Supaporn Muchimapura, Terdthai Tong-Un, Nawanant Piyavhatkul, Poonsri Rangseekajee, Kornkanok Ingkaninan, and Sakchai Vittaya-areekul. 2012. “Effects Of 12-Weekbacopa Monniericonsumption On Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, And Functions Of Both Cholinergic And Monoaminergic Systems In Healthy Elderly Volunteers”. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine 2012: 1-10. Hindawi Limited. doi:10.1155/2012/606424.
- Aguiar, Sebastian, and Thomas Borowski. 2013. “Neuropharmacological Review Of The Nootropic Herb Bacopa Monnieri”. Rejuvenation Research 16 (4): 313-326. Mary Ann Liebert Inc. doi:10.1089/rej.2013.1431.
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Avanse "LumUltra"
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'.
Our Winning 5 Brain Boosting Supplements for 2020 - 2021
#1 LumUltra
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
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
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
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
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
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690227/
- 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
- https://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/2018-09-27/what-are-nootropics
- https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/peak-nootropics-llc-aka-advanced-nootropics-565256-02052020
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/fortifying-your-memory-with-supplements
- https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/natural-brain-boosters
- https://www.managedhealthcareconnect.com/article/role-nutrition-prevention-cognitive-decline
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3311304/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423755/
- http://theconversation.com/the-economics-of-the-money-back-guarantee-80876
- https://ispe.org/initiatives/regulatory-resources/gmp
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5545206/
- https://www.npr.org/2018/07/30/629800775/some-amazon-reviews-are-too-good-to-be-believed-theyre-paid-for
- https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/auto-renewals-endless-charges-complaints-1282.php
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects
- https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/
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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