Alpha BRAIN Review: A Caffeine-Free Mental Boost

Have you ever wondered why some days you can read or study for hours, but other days, you can’t seem to get beyond the first page?

Although caffeine is a popular brain-boosting go-to, other compounds can also affect cognitive function.

The makers of the supplement Alpha BRAIN and its high-profile endorsers (including Joe Rogan) say it has the perfect mix of ingredients to give you a mental edge without jittery side effects.

This review discusses the effectiveness and safety of Alpha Brain to help you decide if it’s the right supplement.

What Is Alpha BRAIN?

Alpha BRAIN is a dietary supplement developed by Onnit Labs that claims to help your brain work more efficiently.

The supplement is considered a nootropic, which supports brain functions like memory, focus, and mental speed. (1)

People take Alpha BRAIN because they want to think more clearly and focus better.

Anyone can purchase Alpha BRAIN without a prescription. The recommended dosage is two daily capsules.

You can also find different varieties of Alpha BRAIN as a premixed shot or flavored powder supplement to mix in water.

However, like all dietary supplements, Alpha BRAIN is unregulated — its health claims haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The manufacturers of Alpha BRAIN state that it’s:

• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• Nut-free
• Paleo and keto-friendly

Unlike stimulants like coffee and energy drinks, Alpha BRAIN doesn’t contain caffeine. Instead, it combines ingredients that include a blend of vitamins, amino acids, and herbal extracts.

The podcast host and comedian Joe Rogan has helped popularize Alpha BRAIN by endorsing the product and claiming it helps him “form sentences better.”

Several other famous names have endorsed Alpha BRAIN, referred to by the brand as the “Pro Team,” including a long list of MMA and UFC fighters, Olympic athletes, fitness entrepreneurs, and health professionals and researchers.

How It Works

Alpha BRAIN is based on the idea that alpha waves in the brain help you get “in the zone.”

And being in the zone describes a flow state of optimal brain performance, meaning you’re thinking clearly and feeling creative and productive.

Alpha BRAIN uses a combination of vitamins, amino acids, and plant products to help accomplish those benefits.

According to the label, Alpha BRAIN contains a high dose of vitamin B6 and the amino acids:

• L-Tyrosine
• L-Theanine
• L-Leucine

The supplements also contains:

• Oat straw extract
• Phosphatidylserine
• Cat’s Claw extract (Uncaria tomentosa) (bark)
• L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC)
• Bacopa extract
• Toothed Clubmoss extract (Huperzine A)
• Pterostilbene

Outside of Onnit’s in-house research, not all of Alpha BRAIN’s ingredients have been studied in humans.

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Does Alpha BRAIN Work? Evaluation of Claimed Benefits

Onnit Labs states that Alpha BRAIN helps you get into a “flow state” by aiding mental processing or mental speed and promoting focus.

Alpha BRAIN is also supposed to support memory function.

This supplement isn’t proven to cure a disease or replace prescription medication or medical treatment.

It’s important to let your clinician know if you plan to start a new dietary supplement.

Below we will discuss what the research shows behind each of the company’s claimed benefits.

May Aid with Mental Processing and Mental Speed

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid present in Alpha BRAIN. However, your body makes it, and it’s not something you need to consume to survive.

Tyrosine is made in the body from another amino acid — phenylalanine. Nonetheless, there’s some evidence that tyrosine supplements improve brain function during times of stress. (2)

Studies demonstrated that when participants were exposed to cold weather and high altitudes, tyrosine supplements helped improve their ability to recognize patterns, optimize decision-making, code, and complete complex tasks like reading maps. (2)

Another study found that when exercising in a hot environment, soccer players given tyrosine had better reaction times and greater vigilance. (2)

However, in repeat studies, not all tyrosine supplements have demonstrated the same cognitive benefits.

May Promote Focus

L-theanine is a unique compound found in Alpha BRAIN because it’s a non-protein amino acid.

Green tea is a natural source of L-theanine. (3)

In a small study of 30 participants, 200 mg/day of L-theanine supplements led to higher verbal fluency and executive function scores after four weeks compared to placebo. (3)

The L-theanine group also experienced better sleep and less depression and anxiety. (3)

May Support Memory

A 10-month Alpha BRAIN study with 63 participants demonstrated verbal memory improvements after six weeks of supplementation compared to placebo. (4)

Participants were between the ages of 18 to 35 with no cognitive impairments.

Although there’s no long-term research on whether memory improvements continue beyond six weeks, or in other age groups, these findings validate Alpha BRAIN’s memory claim.

Additionally, this research is consistent with past study findings on some of Alpha BRAIN’s individual ingredients (including Huperzine A and Bacopa), which support memory function. (4)

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Alpha BRAIN Side Effects, Safety, and Dosage

Alpha BRAIN isn’t likely to cause negative side effects, but everyone is different.

Pay attention to any changes when you start a supplement and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Researchers from the Alpha BRAIN study stated the supplement was well-tolerated with no serious side effects reported.

Overall, 9% of participants complained of mild side effects, including vivid dreams, upset stomach, and headache. (4)

Additionally, none of the ingredients in Alpha BRAIN are known to cause dangerous side effects.

For example, studies show that L-theanine, phosphatidylserine, and toothed clubmoss are all well-tolerated and safe. (3, 5, 6)

However, because Alpha BRAIN combines several ingredients into one product, you may have trouble pinpointing the cause of side effects in case you experience any.

Unlike dietary supplements with just one or two ingredients, any of the 11 active ingredients could cause an issue, such as an allergy or intolerance.

The listed dosage is two daily capsules. If you notice any unpleasant symptoms after starting a dietary supplement, it’s best to discontinue it and talk to your clinician.

In general, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid dietary supplements that haven’t been approved by their physician.

Cost and Where to Buy

Alpha BRAIN can be ordered directly from the company’s website (Onnit.com) for the following prices:

• 1 Bottle, One-Time Purchase: $34.95/bottle of 30 capsules, $79.95 for 90 capsules
• 2-Bottle Package: $26.22/bottle of 30 capsules, $59.97 for 90 capsules
• 3-Bottle Package: $24.47/bottle of 30 capsules, $55.97 for 90 capsules

The 2 and 3-bottle packages come with the Facts of Life E-Book by Joe Rogan.

The following chart breakdowns the cost per serving based on the quantity you purchase at once:

As you can see, the per-serving cost ranges from $1.24 to $2.33, depending on the quantity you purchase at once. $1.24 per serving is lower than some of Alpha Brain’s competitors.

Keep in mind that the recommended dose by the manufacturer is two capsules per day, so a 30-capsule bottle, for example, is enough for 15 days. You would need at least 60 capsules for a full month’s worth.

Onnit Labs offers a 30-day “Keep It” guarantee. You can purchase a trial size of Alpha BRAIN and get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied after trying it for a couple of weeks.

Simply notify the company that you’d like a refund. You don’t need to send it back.

The 90-count bottle of Alpha BRAIN is also eligible for a refund.

You’ll need to return the product at least half-full within 90 days for a full refund. If 90 days have passed or you don’t have at least half the product remaining to send back, you may still be able to get store credit.

Shipping charges are not refundable.

Alpha Brain is also sold on Amazon for the same price (with the option to subscribe and save).

However, we recommend purchasing this supplement directly from Onnit’s website to get the 90-day money-back guarantee and other offers.

It’s generally cheaper to purchase Alpha BRAIN in bulk, but you may want to start with a smaller bottle first to see how well it works for you.

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How Alpha Brain Compares to Alternatives

Here’s how Alpha BRAIN stacks up against products that claim to offer similar benefits.

The Bottom Line

Alpha BRAIN has solid evidence behind its claim to support mental speed, focus, and memory. There are no significant safety concerns with Alpha BRAIN’s ingredients.

It would be nice to see more long-term research on Alpha BRAIN’s safety and effectiveness to help predict how it affects human health when taken for several months or years.

We would also like to see third-party testing to verify its ingredients to guarantee that you’re getting what you pay for when purchasing Alpha BRAIN.

Nonetheless, Alpha BRAIN has over 28,000 ratings on Amazon (averaging 4.2 stars), suggesting a long list of satisfied customers. Additionally, it is manufactured in the US and offers a refund policy.

Expert Tips

Lots of factors can make you feel like you need a brain boost. Some common issues that can affect mental clarity and sharpness include:

• Dehydration
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Lack of exercise
• Poor sleep
• Pregnancy
• Overworking
• Nutrient deficiencies (like anemia)
• Stress
• Unhealthy eating habits

As you consider nootropic supplements like Alpha Brain, remember to also think about your lifestyle habits. The best natural way to improve your energy is through:

• Getting enough sleep.
• Exercising regularly.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods.

Consider positive steps to enhance your brain power naturally, like adding short exercise breaks to your workday, getting enough sleep at night and taking a power nap during the day if needed, or drinking more water.

If you feel like your memory is fading or you’re having trouble concentrating, there may be an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed.

For instance, you could be struggling with adult ADHD, a sleep disorder, pre-menopause, or showing early signs of dementia.

Make an appointment with your doctor first to share your symptoms and figure out if you need testing.

Special Offer

Get Started with Alpha Brain

Alpha Brain may help assist you with improving focus and memory. The ingredients are well-researched and considered generally safe.

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Bundle & Save

SHOP NOW