Onnit Alpha Brain-Review
Product Claims of Onnit Alpha Brain
This comprehensive review of Alpha Brain unpacks its formulation in a bid to understand its potential efficacy as a nootropic. Alpha Brain was introduced to the market in 2010 and enjoyed immense popularity, not least thanks to its media coverage. One of the factors to bear in mind with any nootropic is that it can never be a single solution for everyone. Inherent individual brain composition, lifestyle risks and factors and diet all play a role in the baseline health and receptivity of a brain towards a so-called brain-booster. Someone who has made little effort to enhance their brains functioning through correct foods and exercise - mental and physical - will experience more pronounced effects from a supplemental brain function enhancer.
Onnit is made from earth-grown ingredients, many of which are well-known to the scientific community. As such, it is a natural supplement. The proprietary formulation lies in the synthesis of this particular group of ingredients, and the amounts that have been selected for inclusion.
The manufacturer asserts that the product provides enhanced mental agility, improved cognitive function included but not limited to processing, memory and recall; focus and general mood buoyancy.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are in each serving, a serving being 2 capsules:
- Bacopa .
- Cat’s Claw
- Huperzia Serrata
- Oat Straw (Avena Sativa)
- Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCI)
- Onnit ‘Flow blend’, a mixture of L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat Straw Extract, Phosphatidylserine
- Cat’s Claw extract
- Onnit ‘Focus Blend’ - L Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (GCP), Bacopa extract, Huperzia Serrata
- Onnit ‘Fuel Blend’ - L-Leucine, Vinpocetine, Pterostilbene
Alpha GPC is important as it provides raw choline for the brain. It helps the formation of a brain chemical called acetylcholine. This is important for the cholinergic system in the brain which is used almost every second for processing and sending messages via nuerotransmitters and is in use during memory function. Huperzia supports this process.
Vitamin B6 helps with memory and concentration, and as many diets tend to be deficient, this 10mg inclusion is good.
Bacopa has been used in Indian villages for thousands of years. It can significantly improve cognitive abilities, but Alpha Brain contains only 100 mg, which is probably not a sufficient dosage. Cat’s claw (uncaria tomentosa) is not well researched enough to be linking to any cognitive advantages. It is a good antioxidant though.
The manufacturer has also been called out for having lower than effective doses of certain compounds. The 300 mg of L-tyrosine, a stress-fighting amino acid, for example, is a low dosage for a well-researched and safe nootropic compound. Alpha also contains 200 mg L-theanine, and this dosage can increase brain dopamine and serotonin and also improve alpha brain waves. This would account for the mood enhancement reported by many.
Dosage Instructions
Take one serving of 2 capsules morning or early afternoon, with a meal but not more than 3 capsules in any 24-hour period.
Cost and Guarantee
Alpha Brain was not available on Amazon at the time of this review but it can be bought online directly from the product website for $29.71. No bulk discounts were apparent.There is a keep-it money-back guarantee on the entry level bottle containing 30 capsules, which is only a 15-day supply. The guarantee holds for 3 months. Only the first purchase of an entry-size product qualifies for a refund.
Summary Of Our Onnit Alpha Brain Review
The product appears safe for use. Alpha Brain makes sense as a formulation and the ingredient composition is transparent. Clinical trials have shown promise in that some patients recorded a 12% increase in mental agility compared to those who took a placebo. Everyone’s handling of the product will vary though compared to individual brain composition and lifestyle health habits.
The most common advantage reported by users is general mood upliftment. Some patients complain of vivid dreams and also jaw pain. The latter is probably influenced by the high amounts of acetylcholine in an individual’s brain already present. It would take considerable time to assemble these ingredients yourself so this product represents a convenient way to take them.
The product is earth-grown which is not synonymous with organic so the quality of some sources may be questionable. On the whole, this nootropic is probably rooted in 60% science and 40% hype. As noted, some ingredients could be increased in dosage and one or more has not been adequately linked to anything other than antioxidant benefits. Those who are likely to gain are those with a deficient vitamin B6 diet. The product is slightly pricey as well. Since nootropics vary so much in effect from person to person it may be best to proceed with a product offering a longer 90-day guarantee which allows for a full 3 months of consumption as two weeks is too short a test period.
