Brain health is an abstract concept and not many buy into the fact that it is vital and has to be taken care of separately. A healthy brain supports everything; from the most important physical functions like the conversion of food into energy, automatic actions like breathing or blinking, higher cognitive functions like memory, learning, and attention to supporting mental faculties like an emotional response, adjustment to stress, or sense of fulfillment. We take these functions for granted because, in most cases, these processes just happen. But this tendency of the brain to routinely complete its physiological, cognitive, and mental functions declines with every passing day.
Brain cells have to be replenished because of the constant wear and tear. If that does not happen, brain function begins to slow down. Stress, poor diet, bad lifestyle habits, and a sedentary lifestyle only contribute further to the decline of brain function. The healthiest option to arrest this slow decline is a lifestyle overhaul which is difficult because we are creatures of habit. Your next best option is to change what you eat. Bolstering your diet with critical vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and adaptogens would help to keep the brain healthy and support healthy brain function.
There are also brain health supplements, nootropics, or brain supplements that are designed to help the brain stay healthy, stop cognitive aging, and improve cognitive abilities like memory recall or learning. Good supplements can do all that and more. You only have to make an informed choice. To help you do that here is an honest and comprehensive comparison of 3 brain health supplements that claim to be backed by clinical research and natural ingredients that can improve memory, and thinking skills and keep the brain physically healthy.
Neuriva, Focus Factor & NooCube: What Are They & What Benefits Do They Claim to Have?
No. #3 – Neuriva
Neuriva Original is brought to you by Schiff Vitamins. Schiff Vitamins is already an established name in the supplement community and Neuriva is its nootropic contribution. The dietary supplement is designed to support brain health and, in the process, enhance cognitive performance. The main selling point of the supplements is that it uses only two ingredients to achieve this feat. Neuriva claims that while other brain health supplements throw all sorts of ingredients into the mix, it has managed to find two potent ingredients to do all the work. This also reduces the chances of side effects and drug interactions. Not just the formula, but even the dosage is simple with just one pill a day.
With this one pill that contains two ingredients, Neuriva claims that it can give you the following benefits from continual use:
- Greater focus and attention
- Improved memory recall
- Easier and quicker learning capabilities
- Brain health and function support
- Stronger connection and communication between brain cells.
No. #2 – Focus Factor
Focus Factor is a well-established nootropic supplement brand in the US – called Factor Nutrition Labs and has been dishing out brain health products for over 20 years now. The brand has a series of intensities for its nootropic pills, so, for the purpose of this review, we will be discussing Focus Factor Extra Strength. Focus Factor takes cognitive function seriously and to prove that its products work, it conducts double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies. These studies have proven that the Focus Factor formula is indeed effective and capable of changing the physiological environment of the brain. This brain supplement is rather well-received in the market. The dosage is dicey though. The starting dose is 4 tablets a day but you can take up to 8 a day.
Focus Factor mentions a list of benefits and promises that these results have clinical backing.
- Better brain health with better nutrition
- Enhanced memory and recall function
- Improved focus, attention, and concentration
- A sense of well-being
- May positively affect vision.
No. #1 – NooCube Brain Productivity
NooCube Brain Productivity was launched with one purpose in mind – to replace caffeine and Adderall use for improved mental acuity. NooCube by Wolfson Brands (UK) Limited includes a clinically tested formula that supports brain health by supplying vital nutrients and enhancing cognitive function and mental health through the use of adaptogens and botanicals. Anyone can use the product.
However, NooCube takes into account that age is a player with the brain. The brain supplement recommends the use of the product to all over the age of 50 as this can curb the descent to cognitive decline and arrest certain physiological processes that damage the brain physically. The dosage for healthy adults is 2 -caffeine-free pills a day.
NooCube’s contributions include:
- Enhanced focus and concentration
- Improved memory formation and recall
- Increased span of attention
- Stress-relief
- Calm and peaceful disposition
- Better motivated
- Boosted problem-solving skills
- May boost creativity too.
When simply looking at the range of benefits, NooCube wins this round. For more information click here to visit the Official NooCube Website.
How Do These Dietary Supplements Affect Mental Performance?
Supplement formulation is key regardless of what the supplement is for. When using natural ingredients, there should be two things that must be kept in mind by the manufacturer – dosage and possible interactions. Unlike chemical concoctions where it is easy to trace the cause and effect in the body, with natural ingredients it is slightly difficult to do so. This is especially true in terms of vitamins and minerals. Too many of them and in larger quantities can cause harm. This is why it is important that you check dosages before you buy a product. You must take into account the fact that nutrients would also come from your food.
Also, speak to your physician before you begin the use of nootropics. This is pertinent if you are being medicated or are suffering from a pre-existing medical condition.
The Neuriva Formula
As mentioned before, Neuriva uses just two ingredients, and with it influences the five indicators of brain function – focus, memory, learning, accuracy, and concentration. The supplement claims to increase levels of the neuroprotein BDNF – a brain-derived neurotrophic factor that is known to improve communication between brain cells. The product is also GMO-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and decaffeinated. The components used are:
Coffee Fruit Extract (Coffea arabica)
The main role of this component is to increase BDNF. Low levels of BDNF are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other age-related cognitive declines. The coffee fruit extract is relatively low in caffeine and rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. All these elements protect the brain from free radical damage and positively affect mental cognition, sleep, and focus.
Phosphatidylserine
This lipid is like a messenger service between the brain cells and also provides the brain with a layer of protection. It is a common addition to brain health products because it has been proven to help with stress-related cognitive deterioration and mild memory issues.
The Focus Factor Formula
This brain health supplement takes a different approach. By supplying all the nutrients that are vital to keeping the brain healthy, Focus Factor says that it is capable of improving cognitive health and decreasing the risk of age-associated memory loss. There is some logic to the approach. To support this claim, Focus Factor has packed itself of all things healthy.
Vitamin Blend
With the exception of vitamin K, Focus Factor includes all other vitamins in the nutrient profile. Each vitamin comes with a range of health benefits for both mental and physical health. Vitamin A is associated with brain signaling and vision, the B vitamins range is responsible for the metabolism of food and neurotransmitter production, Vitamin C is an antioxidant and stops free radical damage, vitamin D is for brain fog and protection of brain tissue and vitamin E can delay the onset of physiologically based cognitive decline.
Mineral Blend
The answer to the question “why, if, at all, does Focus Factor work?” is that it is bolstered by all sorts of minerals that aid brain function. Choline for processing speed, Calcium for neurotransmitter production and release, and Iron increases blood flow to the brain. Magnesium influences memory and curbs age-associated memory loss and improves protein synthesis in the brain. Copper and Manganese work in cohesion to stop damage to the cells and help the cells recover from stress. Chromium acts as an adaptogen lifting mood, motivation, and energy. Molybdenum stops frivolous firing between the neurons and Selenium acts as a shield protecting the brain from damage. How much of these nutrients actually reach the brain and cross the blood-brain barrier is a different discussion entirely. These minerals help the human body in several ways too but their effects on the brain and the extent of it are not clear.
Proprietary Blend
This is what the proprietary blend used in Focus Factor looks like Dimethylaminoethanol (as DMAE bitartrate), L-glutamine, Bacopin®, 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. The only information about this blend on the website is that the whole group contributes to 798mg. How much of each component has been used though is unclear. This makes it difficult to comment if the blend is actually useful or otherwise.
The NooCube Formula
While Neuriva handles the communication between brain cells, Focus Factors addresses the nutrition of the brain tissue which allows for better working memory and cognition. NooCube is a brain health supplement designed to take on the upkeep of all factors of the brain, be it physical, mental, or cognitive. To keep with the theme, NooCube even improves sleep. This approach is reflected in the components that the product uses.
Lutemax®
- A supplement in itself, Lutemax is a marigold extract that benefits vision because it contains carotenoids.
- It also has certain nootropic properties which allow it to aid verbal skills, processing speed, and efficient stress response.
Bacopa Monnieri
- This herb is an adaptogen that allows the mind and body to properly respond to stimuli from the environment.
- It also provides protection against epilepsy and inflammation.
- Bacopa may also improve spatial learning and retention.
Huperzia Serrata
- This herb acts as a line of defense for the brain as it stops the action of free radicals and toxins from hurting the brain.
- It also allows the brain to quickly recover from stress.
Pterostilbene & Resveratrol
- Both these ingredients work with each other to act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory team.
- Derived from grapes, these components have great bioavailability which makes their inclusion in NooCube practical.
- They can also protect the brain from physiological diseases that affect memory like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
L-Theanine & L-Tyrosine
Both these amino acids feature in many nootropic supplements.
- Not only can they improve protein synthesis but they can also protect the brain from physiological wear and tear.
- Furthermore, it can also promote sleep, calm anxiety, and reduce the effects of cortisol.
Alpha GPC
- A precursor to acetylcholine, Alpha GPC can boost levels of the compound in the brain which can positively influence attention, memory, and focus.
- It may also be responsible for the alleviation of brain fog.
Oat Straw Extract
- Directly influencing NO-nitric oxide, levels in the body, oat straw can dilate the blood vessels improving blood flow to the brain.
- With nutrients and oxygen being supplied to the brain at a greater pace, brain function would automatically improve.
Cat’s Claw Concentrated
- This South American herb is said to alleviate brain fog, improve working memory and sharpen focus.
- The actual working of the herb is unclear but the botanical is effective and safe.
B Complex Vitamins B1, B7 & B12
The B vitamins have many responsibilities spanning from metabolism to neurotransmitter synthesis. B vitamins definitively affect mood, energy, and motivation while protecting the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. They are also responsible for energy output from the brain and prevent damage to the cells of the brain.
One thing that credits all three supplements is that they include only natural ingredients. Because of this, the probability of side effects is markedly lower.
What Do We Know About These Supplements?
- With Neuriva, there isn’t much to know. With the inclusion of only two ingredients, there isn’t much you can expect from the supplement. Neuriva promises to improve focus and increase memory recall based on better communication between brain cells. Unfortunately, a healthy brain needs a lot more than that.
- Focus Factor has a lot going on – too much really. As far as nutrients are concerned, this product is thorough. However, concern is raised about the use of proprietary blends. The brand only mentions the names of ingredients and the source of a few. There are no dosages mentioned for the proprietary blend components. Also, this Focus Factor review is about the ‘Extra Strength’ but the same formula is used for Focus Factor Original. The strength of the ingredients varies slightly but there isn’t much of a change in terms of the formula. Moreover, the randomized clinical trial that is repeatedly mentioned did show some change with mild memory loss when compared to the placebo group. This trial was conducted by an independent research team hired by Factor Nutrition Labs.
However, it doesn’t specify which of the Focus Factor products was actually tested and there were no peer-reviewed studies conducted. Also, Focus Factor mentions that the user should adjust dosage as per body weight and physical health. How someone without a medical degree can safely do that is not mentioned.
- NooCube has ingredient and dosage transparency. Moreover, this nootropic addresses physical brain health, brain function, cognitive function, and mental health. Because of this complete approach, NooCube seems to win this round as well.
Buying Options & Refund Policies
The best option for purchase is to buy all three products directly from the official websites, or Neuriva and Focus Factor can also be purchased from other e-commerse websites like Amazon, Walmart, GNC and other health stores.
Neurive Cost
- A month’s supply of the supplement would set you back $32.99.
If you are not satisfied with the product, you can return sealed and re-sellable products within 30 days from the day of purchase. Several terms and conditions apply for a refund, so ensure that you read all product details before you buy the product.
Focus Factor Extra Strength Formula Cost
- When you buy a single bottle, it would cost $39.99.
- You have the option of purchasing a 3-pack for $105.81 or a 6-pack for $207.35.
You are also offered a subscription. This would save you 10% on every purchase. There is no standard return or refund policy. You should read all the literature before you make any large commitments.
Noocube Cost
In comparison to the other two, NooCube is easier to deal with. At the Noocube Official Website, visit here, you are offered several purchase options.
- A single bottle costs $64.99.
- When you buy 2 bottles, you get a third one for free and brain guides too – cost $129.99.
- Three bottles would cost you $194.99 but you get two free bottles and brain guides for free.
Shipping is free on all purchases. NooCube extends a 60-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee.
Click Here to Order NooCube Brain Productivity and GET 1 Month Free!
A Quick Recap
There is quite a lot of information to sift through. To give you a quick idea of all that has been mentioned so far. Here is a recap.
| Neuriva Brain Performance | Focus Factor Extra Strength | NooCube Brain Productivity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefits |
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| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Audience | Can be used by healthy adults over the age of 18. | Designed for adults who need higher focus and concentration. Products available in varying strengths and also for children. | For athletes, students, office workers, parents, and adults over the age of 55. |
| Dosage | 1 pill a day | 4 to 8 pills a day | 2 pills a day |
| Price | $32.99 | $39.99 | $59.99 |
| Refund policy | 30-day refund. Conditions apply | No standard refund policy | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Where to Buy the Best Nootropic Supplement? | Neuriva can be purchased from Amazon, Walmart, GNC, health stores and even from its Official Website. | Focus Factor can be purchased from Amazon, Walmart, GNC, health stores and even from its Official Website | To purchase Noocube, click here to visit the Official Website. |
Summary & Verdict
If you are looking for a way to maintain overall brain health, then brain supplements are the way to go. To help you choose the best nootropic products for you, we compared three such supplements for you. Neuriva, Focus Factor, and NooCube are market brands aimed at improving the health and function of the brain and also boosting cognitive and mental performance.
From the comparison, it was clear to see that NooCube is the best possible option for several reasons. NooCube includes components that not only safeguard the brain’s physical condition but can also delay age-related memory loss, uplift mood, and aid mental health too. When the brain is healthy, physical health is also positively influenced. Moreover, the ingredients used have scientific evidence backing their efficacy. On the whole, NooCube is what we recommend as the safest, most effective brain supplement for you.
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