There’s a category of supplements called nootropics, which seem tailor-made for working folks. Nootropics, also known as “cognitive enhancers,” supposedly help with things like focus, mental processing, memory, and general cognitive support—all essential tools for a productive work week. But is there any research behind them?
We looked at one product in this category, called Alpha Brain, to examine ingredients and claims. We also asked a tester to try it and share his feedback with us. Here’s what we learned.
Key Takeaways
- Onnit Labs’ Alpha Brain supplement is a caffeine-free daily nootropic that the company says helps with cognitive support, including memory, focus, and mental processing speed.
- We used our comprehensive testing methodology, focusing on clarity and transparency, to evaluate Alpha Brain and report our findings.
- We’ve also previously reviewed iron supplements, NMN supplements, vitamins for energy, and omega-3 supplements.
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Onnit Alpha Brain
| Fortune score | 3.5/5 |
at Onnit
- Our thoughts: Our tester’s experience was fine overall, but he disliked the lack of ingredient transparency.
- Who it’s for: It’s designed for adults, ideally those who have first spoken with a healthcare provider.
- What makes it different: The caffeine-free formula might appeal to people looking to avoid coffee.
Pros
- Caffeine-free formula
- User-friendly packaging
- Clear instructions
Cons
- Not third-party tested
- Lack of ingredient transparency
- Fairly pricey cost per serving
Onnit Alpha Brain Specs
Our Experience with Alpha Brain
Onnit Labs’ Alpha Brain supplement is designed to be taken daily, starting with one capsule and building up to two, the full serving size. The advertised benefits include memory support, improved focus, help with mental processing, help achieving a flow state (or “being in the zone”), and even enhanced productivity during work.
The formula is free of caffeine, and the key ingredients are listed on the company’s website with accompanying claims about their efficacy. For example, vitamin B6 is described as having a role in “the production of neurotransmitters that support brain health and cognitive function,” while L-theanine is listed as an ingredient that “helps to deepen concentration and encourages alpha brain wave activity that promotes flow state.”
It’s also worth mentioning that Onnit Labs was involved in a 2024 class action lawsuit, with the plaintiff claiming that Alpha Brain was falsely advertising its benefits. However, the following year the case was dismissed after the parties involved reached a settlement in principle.
Our tester, Pete, tried this product. Here’s what he had to say about the experience.
What We Liked
Here are some of the things we rated highly.
- Clarity of instructions (5 out of 5): Pete found the instructions easy to read and follow, noting that they included the following: “Adults, as a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily, preferably with a light meal. Do not take more than one serving in a 24-hour period.”
- Packaging (5 out of 5): Onnit’s Alpha Brain comes in a plastic bottle, and Pete said, “The label design is excellent—all of the font is easy to read, and the label highlights the product’s key features.”
- Tolerance (5 out of 5): Pete reported, “I didn’t notice any negative side effects or digestive issues,” though he also added that he only used the supplement for one day.
According to Pete, Onnit Labs’ Alpha Brain comes in a translucent bottle that allows you to easily see the capsules inside, and the lid’s rubbery coating made it “easy to grip to open and close.” Pete also loved the label design, noting that it was easy to read and clearly highlighted the product’s main features.
Even though instructions say to take two capsules daily, preferably with a light meal, we noticed that the company’s website recommends starting with one capsule at first and building from there. The company also advises consumers not to take more than one serving in a 24-hour period. After taking the supplement Pete said he didn’t experience any side effects.
What We Would Change
While Pete rated this product favorably, there were a couple of drawbacks.
- Swallowability (3 out of 5): While Pete didn’t necessarily mind taking the capsules, noting they were “average in size,” he still thought there was for improvement.
- Taste (3 out of 5): Pete reported that the capsules were tasteless, so gave a fairly neutral rating. However, some people may prefer flavored supplements instead.
Another drawback, according to Pete: “I didn’t notice any beneficial effects in terms of focus, memory, reaction time, or mood when using this product.” However, there’s a big caveat, as Pete also said, “I did only use this supplement for one day, and nootropics appear to work best with consistent use over time.” So, while we won’t consider that a strike against the product given our tester’s short-term use, we do want to mention it’s worth paying attention to whether you’re experiencing any noticeable changes.
Lack of transparency was another issue. As Pete explained, “The issue is that these ingredients are included in proprietary blends, meaning we don’t know the actual amount of each ingredient in the product. This makes it impossible to know whether the ingredients are in research-backed doses. I personally wouldn’t buy a supplement that uses proprietary blends.”
We also noticed a significant number of negative reviews on the company website, including some from people who felt the product was ineffective, and others are from people who say they felt unwell while taking the product. As always, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Supplements are seldom one-size-fits-all. Here’s who this product is better suited for.
Comparing Alpha Brain to Other Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpha Brain FDA approved?
No. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so ingredients and their amounts may differ from what’s on the label. For that reason, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy.
Is Alpha Brain bad for the liver?
We didn’t find any information on the company’s website warning against possible liver damage, but there is a general note of caution that says, “Warning: Consult a medical doctor before taking this or any other nutritional supplement if you have or suspect a medical condition and/or are taking any medications. Not to be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in adolescents under 18 years of age. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children.”
What are the potential side effects of Alpha Brain?
The Onnit Labs website didn’t mention specific side effects to watch for, but we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Your provider should be able to help determine whether this is the right supplement for you, and advise on possible side effects.
