Nootropics are a range of medications and supplements that are believed to improve cognitive abilities by enhancing brain performance. With regular use of such cognitive enhancers, you should be able to see an improvement in memory, learning, focus, attention, problem-solving, and reaction time, and some even state that they can reduce the risk of or delay the onset of cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia. The medical drugs were developed with specific outcomes in mind, like ADHD, OCD, narcolepsy, or anxiety. However, the natural supplement options claim to boost overall mental and physical abilities by keeping the brain healthy. Natural brain supplements also claim to be safe. While the FDA regulates the drugs, there is no strict regulation around the formulation, marketing, and sale of natural nootropic supplements. Thus, this makes it infinitely easier for brands to create products that may cause harm or, at the very least, have no effect whatsoever.
Whereas, with medical drugs, unless you have a diagnosed medical condition, it becomes a task, even illegal, to attain or use them. So, if you are looking for a way to boost your everyday brain performance, adopting brain supplements is a possible solution. However, choosing the right one is a task though. It takes time, effort, and research to cull out the brain pills that have some benefits out of the several hundred on the market today. Your time is valuable, so we took it upon ourselves to help us. We compared three nootropic dietary supplements that claim to be the best and a wise investment. Let’s see if they actually are.
Alpha Brain v/s Focus Factor v/s NooCube: Brain Pills for Better Brain Health
No. #3 – Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain is brought to you by Onnit, a supplement company with products for almost every affliction and health issue. Alpha Brain is a nootropic supplement that is formulated to support cognitive function and eliminate brain fog. BSCG-certified, this brain pill does not contain any banned substances or drugs, not even caffeine. Alpha Brain is built on the principle of brain waves, and to a certain extent, the principle does affect brain performance. The natural ingredients used claim to help you stay in a ‘flow-state’– an optimal state of cognitive functioning where you work at optimal speed and quality. To get into this flow state, the brain must generate alpha waves which improve creativity, focus, and productivity. This helps you to complete a task without getting distracted. You accomplish more at speeds that would surprise you.
How to use Alpha Brain?
Healthy adults have suggested a dose of two capsules a day with a light meal.
No. #2 – Focus Factor Strength formula
From Synergy CHC Corp comes Focus Factor. The brand is a well-established natural nootropic supplement brand and has several product success stories. Focus Factor is available in Original, Extra Strength, and Max Strength. For this review, we will be looking at the Extra Strength formula. The clinically tested formula was found to be effective and potent when a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group study was conducted by a third party. However, we aren’t exactly sure which strength of the product was used for the study. The supplement aims to alter the environment in the brain, which should promote better mental clarity and cognitive performance. The principle here is to provide the brain which neuro-nutrients that help to keep the brain nourished and to increase circulation to the organ so that there is a steady supply of oxygen. The results expected are phenomenal.
How to use the Focus Factor Strength Formula?
Adults are suggested to start with 4 tablets a day with food. The dosage depends on body weight, physical activity, and diet. To account for these variables, you may consider taking up to eight tablets per day.
No. #1 – Noocube
NooCube Brain Productivity is not from a supplement giant company like the previous two products but is a stand-alone brain pill by Wolfson Brands (UK) Limited, that is giving some reputable brands a run for their money. Released with the sole purpose of replacing the use of caffeine, Adderall, and other similar drugs, this nootropic supplement is designed to support brain function by providing nutrition, eliminating oxidative stress, and reducing inflammation. These actions, in tandem with clinically tested botanicals and herbs, support brain health, cognitive processing speed, and mental stability.
NooCube dietary supplement takes into account age and strongly recommends the pills to also those over the age of 50, as cognitive decline begins at this stage of life. It also addresses issues like stress, environment, disease, and other factors that affect brain function and cognitive function. So, in practice, NooCube can be used by men and women of all ages.
How to use Noocube?
It is recommended to take 2 tablets of Noocube’s Brain Productivity™ every day, with or without food. For optimal results, it is suggested to take the capsules early during the day.
Click here to learn how Noocube can boost your brain and ace those deadlines!
What Do These Dietary Supplements Claim to Do?
Before we go further, you must know that natural nootropic pills don’t work overnight, and they do take some time to work. You may notice some changes in mood and energy levels in the initial days, eventually, the cognitive enhancements will catch up. The chances of side effects are slim, but just to be on the safe side, you may want to consult a healthcare professional before you start the use of any of these products.
Even though they are all brain pills, there is some degree of difference in what they claim to do.
| Onnit Alpha Brain | Focus Factor Extra Strength | NooCube Brain Productivity |
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What Natural Ingredients Go into The Making of These Brain Supplements?
Each product takes its individual path to bring you the benefits you deserve. Since they all claim to enhance the way your brain functions and arrest cognitive decline, you will see a certain degree of overlap when it comes to the ingredients.
The Alpha Brain Ingredients List
Vitamin B6 10mg
The nutrient reduces levels of homocysteine – a protein that causes damage to brain cells thereby increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. It can also increase dopamine and serotonin levels.
Onnit Flow Blend 650mg
This group includes amino acids such as L-tyrosine and l-theanine, which improves mental performance, energy, focus, and concentration, Oat Straw extract for its antioxidant properties, and phosphatidylserine, which is a phospholipid that protects the brain cells from age-related wear and tear.
Cat’s Claw 350mg
The herb has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help with the smooth functioning of the brain. It is also being looked at as a potential remedy for anxiety.
Onnit Focus Blend 240mg
Including Alpha GPC for increasing blood flow to the brain, herbs like Bacopa Monnieri are used for its anti-anxiety properties and improved cognitive performance, Toothed Clubmoss for better neurotransmitter production, and Huperzine A for the prevention of the breakdown of acetylcholine and to protect brain tissue.
Onnit Fuel Blend 60mg
L-leucine is needed for metabolic processes, fat loss, and stimulating muscle protein synthesis, and its appearance in a nootropic is a mystery. Pterostilbene works to protect the brain from age-related decline but works better in the presence of resveratrol which is missing in this formula.
The Focus Factor Ingredients List
Vitamin A 1200mcg, Vitamin C 300mg, Vitamin D 25mcg, Vitamin E 20.1mg, and Vitamin B Complex: The essential nutrients play vital roles in physical health and mental function. Vitamin A improves communication between the neurons, C is an antioxidant that reduces free radical stress, D is neuroprotective, and E delays the onset of neurological disorders.
Choline 30mg, Calcium 50mg, Iron 5mg, Iodine 75mcg, Magnesium 100mg, Zinc 10mg, Selenium 70mcg, Copper 0.4mg, Manganese 2mg, Chromium 100mcg, Molybdenum 30mcg, and Potassium 50mg: These minerals are required for a number of physiological processes in the body. Choline is added for the production of acetylcholine – a brain chemical that improves memory, brain function, and mental health, calcium for neurotransmitter manufacture and memory formation, iron for improved blood flow to the brain and nutrient metabolism, iodine for the prevention of brain degeneration, magnesium to reduce age-related memory loss, zinc for improving protein synthesis within the brain, selenium to protect the brain from physical and psychological harm, copper which reduces free radical damage to brain tissue, manganese to maintain and repair neuron and brain tissue, chromium for better focus, mood and motivation, molybdenum for accurate firing between the neurons, and potassium for better communication between the neurons.
Focus Factor Proprietary Blend
This blend looks scary as some of the ingredients are hard to comprehend. The list looks something like this – Dimethylaminoethanol (as DMAE bitartrate), L-glutamine, Bacopa monnieri extract, L-pyroglutamic acid, phosphatidylserine, docosahexaenoic acid concentrate from fish (anchovy, sardine, and salmon, inositol, N-acetyl tyrosine, bilberry fruit standardized extract (25% anthocyanosides), gamma-aminobutyric acid, grape skin, and grape seed extract, vinpocetine, Trace-Lyte electrolyte concentrate, huperzine A (extract of Huperzia Serrata), boron and vanadium. While some of these components have clinical research on their side, some are still being looked at for nootropic benefits.
Since this supplement is nutrient heavy, you might want to consult your doctor before you begin use, especially if you are taking a multivitamin supplement.
The NooCube Ingredients List
In addition to Bacopa Monnieri, Pterostilbene, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, choline, and cat’s claw extract, the NooCube formula also includes:
Lutemax®
A registered marigold extract that enhances vision, relaxes the mind and helps you to stay calm and rational in times of stress. Thus, Lutemax fulfills several roles for the brain pill.
Panax Ginseng 20mg
This herb can improve the body’s defenses against disease and infection but is also known to have nootropic benefits like the ability to improve memory, enhance cognitive speed, improve focus, and quicken problem-solving.
Resveratrol 14.3mg
Used in tandem with pterostilbene, resveratrol preserves brain cell health, reduces oxidative stress, and keeps brain function on point. It also has neuroprotective properties. Since the compound is found in red wine, it would explain why wine was used for a number of ailments in the past.
Vitamin B1 1.1.mg
Usually required for proper metabolism of the food one eats, B1 is also needed for the manufacture and release of neurotransmitters, forming effective neural connections, proper brain functioning, and energy production within the brain.
D-Biotin 50mcg
Biotin or B7 is required for the metabolization of fatty acids and amino acids in the body and brain. These functions further facilitate the upkeep, repair, and functioning of the organ.
Vitamin B12 2.5mcg
Scientific studies suggest that low levels of B12 are directly linked to depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and even the physical shrinking of the brain. It is being looked at as a possible way to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairment.
Where & How Can You Get These Supplements?
To make certain that you have the original product, it is best that you order the supplements directly from the manufacturer. This also helps if you are unhappy with the results, refunds are a lot easier when you have dealt with the brand from the very start.
Buy Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain can be purchased from the official Onnit website, Amazon, and various other websites.
- The product is available in packs of 30 pills for $34.95 and 90 pills for $79.95. You are also offered the option to subscribe, and if you do, you save 15% on your purchases made from the brand, and the nootropic pills will be sent to you after a period of time automatically. You get free shipping for orders over $150. Onnit offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on your purchase. However, this is only available for your first purchase of the product.
Buy Focus Factor Extra Strength
Focus Factor Extra Strength is available in single packs, 3 packs, or 6 packs.
- A pack costs $39.99 regardless of how many packs you buy at once.
Here too, you have the option to subscribe, and if you do, the cost of the product falls by 10%. There is no standing policy for refunds, so ensure that you read the terms and conditions thoroughly before you buy the product.
Buy NooCube
NooCube can be purchased from its official website, click to order!
- Where a month’s supply of the nootropic pills comes for $64.99.
- If you purchase a two-month supply for $129.99, you get a third bottle free, hence, for the price of 2, you get 3 bottles.
- And when you buy three bottles, you get two bottles free, hence, for the price of 3, you get 5 bottlesin total. This pack of 5 bottles costs $194.99.
Fast and free shipping is available on all purchases. The bulk purchases would also get you instant access to NooCube’s e-guides and newsletter. Additionally, NooCube offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on your purchase in case the product does not meet your expectations.
Are All Brain Boosting Supplements the Same?
No, they aren’t. That is the short answer, so let us tell you how Alpha Brain, Focus Factor, and NooCube are different.
The easiest comparison is the ingredients. The use of proprietary blends is a frowned-upon practice that is openly used by both Alpha Brain and Focus Factor. This is because blends are easy places to hide mistakes or lack of effort. A blend can mention names, but you cannot see how much of what has been added to the group. So, you see impressive ingredients, but they may be added in doses that have little to no effect, and the rest of the blend could be fillers. There is no way to figure this out unless you own serious laboratory equipment. Alpha Brain’s ingredients, save two of them, are all grouped into blends. Focus Factor mentions the doses of nutrients but clubs the other components together. Whereas NooCube mentions each ingredient separately by dose, and the website even offers an explanation of each inclusion. The more conscious customers prefer using Noocube to long and unexplained supplement labels.
Also, longer ingredient lists don’t necessarily translate to efficacy. While Focus Factor boasts the longest list of ingredients among the three supplements, its effectiveness falls short in comparison. We know this because of customer reviews.
Customer reviews are a great way to gauge whether a product is worth the hype it’s getting. We also recommend looking for customer reviews outside the official website – no censorship.
Reviews
- Reviews for Alpha Brain are mixed at best. While some customers are happy with the product, many others claim that they felt no difference after taking the supplement. One Alpha Brain review mentions a severe allergic reaction, but that is just a one-off.
- Focus Factor Extra Strength has been better received. Positive reviews except for a few who were disappointed. But this product seems to be a winner with the customers.
- NooCube reviews are positive too. The only complaint is the price, but the product itself is well-received.
Achievements and Purpose
Let’s talk about each brain booster.
- Taking Alpha Brain does not guarantee the achievement of flow states. The research is sound, but the alpha wave activity is influenced by a number of factors like physical health, stress, environment, and even the nature of the task at hand. Since the premise of the product is to achieve flow states, it can only contribute to that end but cannot guarantee its achievement.
- Focus Factor has too much going on at once. The ingredients list is too complicated, and the multiple ranges of the brain pills are confusing. How is someone to determine how much stronger the Extra Strength is compared to the Focus Factor Original? One can’t, and that makes for bad marketing. The various products all seem to use the same formula, only with different dosages. Also, in the fine print of the product, it mentions that the product is not recommended for women who are of a childbearing age, which means it is excluding a vital demographic of customers. Focus Factor’s clinical trials are also a bit inconclusive, with too many loose ends. We aren’t sure which product was clinically proven.
- NooCube seems to be the only one not stirring much trouble. But some are unhappy about the price of the product, but the brand claims that the price is higher than most because of the use of clinically tested nootropic ingredients. The pill tackles issues like age-related cognitive decline, stress, physical health, and even sleep. Its one-pill approach makes life easier.
To give you a clearer idea of what each brain supplement has to offer, here is a side-by-side comparison of the three.
| Onnit Alpha Brain | Focus Factor Extra Strength | NooCube Brain Productivity | |
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| Audience | Men & women over the age of 18. | Men & women over the age of 18. Not recommended for women of childbearing age. | Men & women over the age of 18. Especially recommended for those over the age of 50. |
| Dosage | 2 tablets a day with a light meal | 4 to 8 tablets a day. | 2 tablets a day |
| Reviews | Mixed | Positive | Positive |
| Price | $34.95 for 30 capsules | $39.99 for 60 tablets | $64.99 for 60 capsules |
| Refund Policy | 90-day money-back guarantee. | Terms & conditions applied. | 60-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy? | Alpha Brain is available on its official website and also on third-party sites like Amazon, GNC, Walmart, etc. | Focus Factor is available on its official website and also on third-party sites like Amazon, GNC, Walmart, etc. | You can buy Noocube exclusively from its Official Website, click here! |
Alpha Brain v/s Focus Factor v/s NooCube: Summary & Verdict
Stress, age, health, and environment would cause the eventual inability to perform complex tasks, learn, form memories, or recall them and could even physically shrink the brain. Adding a natural nootropic supplement would arrest this slow decline in brain health and brain aging. However, the impact of a product on your mental processing would depend on the quality of its ingredients. This is why it is imperative that you choose the right dietary supplement for optimizing brain health and performance.
We compared three popular dietary supplements that have been making waves in the health and wellness industry for a while now – Alpha Brain, Focus Factor Extra Strength, and NooCube. As individual brain pills, they are all good products that may improve cognitive health. However, when equated against one another, it is evident that NooCube stands superior as a natural nootropic supplement. Not only does the supplement boost cognitive function and eliminate brain fog, but it also addresses other issues that affect the way you process information, like stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and lack of nutrition in the brain. NooCube has made amends for all these factors. Even though there are products available for more competitive prices, you get more value for your money with NooCube, and that is the product we recommend.
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