4 weeks ago
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1
Best overall
mindbodygreen - creatine brain+
Save 10% with code TKTK
Clinically researched Cognizin® citicoline for memory & long-term brain health*
5 grams of creatine to fuel mental energy
2
Best for focus
ONNIT - Alpha BRAIN®
Includes cognition-supporting ingredients like Huperzine A, Alpha CPC, and L-theanine
Helps create that “in-the-zone” feeling*
Supports quicker processing*
3
Best for athletes
Momentous - Brain Drive
Features science-backed ingredients like bacopa
NSF Certified for Sport®
Caffeine-free for steady focus
4
Best with caffeine
Thesis - Clarity
Good for focus & brain fog*
Includes lion’s mane extract and panax ginseng
100 milligrams of caffeine for mental energy*
5
Best nootropic complex
Qualia - Mind
20+ ingredients for whole-brain support*
Includes research-backed nootropics like citicoline, lion's mane, and rhodiola*
Supports memory, focus, mood, and mental energy*
6
Best chewable
Humann - Memory + Focus
Clinically researched resveratrol with coffee fruit extract
Supports healthy blood flow to the brain*
A blueberry pomegranate-flavored chewable
Do brain supplements work?
They can—if they contain ingredients backed by research and are used consistently.
Different ingredients may also support different types of memory, such as:
Which ingredients are science-backed?
It’s not always easy (or intuitive) to tell which ingredients are actually effective. Here are the ones that have research to support their use.
Comparing the best brain supplements
| creatine brain+ | Powder | Clinically effective dose of Cognizin® citicoline | Daily & long-term brain health* |
| ONNIT | Capsules | Huperzine A | Improving attention span* |
| Thesis | Capsules | Lion’s made & panax ginseng | Mental clarity* |
| Momentus | Capsules | Bacopa monnieri | Athletes |
| humann® | Chew | Beetroot/ resveratrol/ coffee fruit | Vascular health support* |
What to look for in a nootropic
When looking for a nootropic, consider these qualities.
1.
Science-backed ingredients
The best nootropics contain ingredients that have been studied in humans for their effects on memory, focus, and overall brain health.* Some of the most researched ingredients include creatine, citicoline, bacopa monnieri, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, Huperzine A, and select B vitamins.
The ingredient list only tells part of the story. A supplement should provide enough of each ingredient to match the amounts used in research whenever possible. Products that are transparent about their dosages make it easier to know what you're getting.
3.
Ingredients that match your goals
Different nootropics are designed for different needs. Some formulas focus on memory and long-term brain health, while others are better suited for focus, mental energy, stress resilience, or healthy blood flow to the brain.* Choosing a supplement that aligns with your primary goal can help narrow your options.
Look for supplements made with clean, high-quality ingredients and minimal unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. Third-party testing and transparent labeling are also good indicators of a brand's commitment to quality and purity.
5.
Caffeine vs. caffeine-free
Some nootropics use caffeine to provide a quick boost in alertness and energy, while others rely on non-stimulant ingredients that support cognition without the jitters. The right choice depends on your caffeine tolerance and when you plan to take the supplement.
Who may benefit from a nootropic?
They can be especially helpful for people who:
Different ingredients support different needs. Some may help with short-term focus and alertness, while others support memory or stress resilience. That’s why many nootropic blends include a mix of vitamins, amino acids, and plant compounds.
We reviewed 5 brain health supplements, and mindbodygreen’s creatine brain+ came out on top. This unique powder combines 5 grams of pure creatine monohydrate with 500 milligrams of Cognizin® citicoline, which has been clinically shown to further promote long-term brain health while improving processing speed, attention span, and memory performance.* Other brain health supplements that include citicoline do so at half of that dose.
