Onnit nootropics: Do these cognitive enhancers work?

Cognitive enhancers, or nootropics, are supplements that are supposed to boost your academic or work performance. One brand that has caught the public’s eye in this relatively new industry is Onnit, largely due to Joe Rogan’s endorsement. Onnit sells various nootropics that can allegedly boost your focus, memory, and other brain functions.

We’ll evaluate Onnit nootropics to determine whether they're effective, safe, and worth your money. Discover their mechanism of action, the list of ingredients, and user reviews to decide whether to include them in your health routine.

What are Onnit nootropics?

Onnit is a U.S.-based company that sells a wide range of products, including supplements, fitness equipment, and apparel. You can purchase them:

• Online, via the Onnit website

• In one of many Onnit physical stores around the U.S.

• At an authorized location, such as CVS and Walmart/Walgreens

Source: Onnit

The manufacturer is most famous for Alpha BRAIN, a dietary supplement that aims to boost your cognitive performance. Besides the standard version, Onnit offers several variations of this flagship product:

1. Black Label: This formula is a refined version of the original. It contains caffeine, purportedly has enhanced effects, and protects your eye health.

2. Instant: This formula is similar to the original but comes in the form of a powder mix and is easier for the body to absorb.

3. Focus Shot: This is a liquid version of Alpha BRAIN that comes in a small bottle and contains caffeine.

4. Pre-Workout: This is a caffeinated formula designed to boost energy and cognitive and athletic performance.

You can also get Alpha BRAIN as part of Onnit’s Total Human all-in-one nutrient packs.

Important: Alpha BRAIN is intended for adults only, excluding pregnant and breastfeeding women and those with a diagnosed or potential health condition. You should consult your healthcare provider before taking the supplement to ensure you’re eligible. 

Alpha BRAIN nootropics: Dosage and intended effects

The original Alpha BRAIN comes in capsule form. Onnit recommends taking two capsules daily with a light meal. The onset time is around 30 minutes to two hours, and the effects typically last for a few hours.

According to Onnit, Alpha BRAIN contains various types of nootropic ingredients that should improve your:

• Memory

• Focus

• Mental processing

The basic concept of Alpha BRAIN is to help you achieve the “flow” state, which the company defines as being “in the zone.” 

Source: George Milton

Alpha BRAIN can supposedly promote the production of alpha brain waves, electrical pulses associated with relaxation, creativity, and cognitive control. The supplement is also said to boost and sustain the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that supports many functions, including neuronal communication, memory, motivation, and attention.

Other products, which contain different ingredients, can purportedly induce alertness, mental clarity, faster reaction times, and uplifted mood.

Bonus read: Check out our other reviews of popular nootropic brands:

• Thesis nootropics

• Limitless Life Nootropics

• Cosmic nootropics

Reviewing Alpha BRAIN nootropics by Onnit: 4 key aspects to consider

In the next sections, we’ll explore Alpha BRAIN in-depth, diving beyond Onnit’s claims and into scientific research and users’ first-hand experiences. Our focus is on five crucial aspects:

1. Ingredient list

2. Efficacy and benefits

3. Safety and side effects

4. Value for money

1. Ingredient list 

Alpha BRAIN supplements contain various substances that are thought to have nootropic effects. Check out the ingredients that Onnit highlighted for each product in the table below:

| Onnit nootropic         | Key ingredients                                                                                                        |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Alpha BRAIN             | • L-theanine <br> • Phosphatidylserine <br> • Alpha GPC <br> • Huperzia serrata extract <br> • Vitamin B6                                        |
| Alpha BRAIN Black Label | • Cognizin citicoline <br> • Huperzia serrata <br> • Caffeine anhydrous <br> • L-theanine <br> • Phosphatidylserine <br> • Lutemax 2020 (lutein and zeaxanthin) <br> • Mucuna pruriens |
| Alpha BRAIN Instant     | • L-theanine <br> • Alpha GPC <br> • Huperzia serrata extract <br> • Vitamin B6                                                           |
| Alpha BRAIN Focus Shot  | • Cognizin citicoline <br> • Lion’s mane <br> • L-theanine <br> • Caffeine (from green tea extract) <br> • Huperzia serrata extract               |
| Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout | • Noogandha (a form of ashwagandha) <br> • L-citrulline <br> • Alphasize (a form of Alpha GPC) <br> • Beta-alanine <br> • Caffeine anhydrous <br> • Dynamine (a form of methylliberine)

The original Alpha BRAIN consists of three proprietary blends — Flow, Focus, and Fuel — each devised to achieve a specific nootropic effect.

While Onnit disclosed the amounts of these blends and a few ingredients, the rest of the amounts are unknown. For example, we know that the product contains 60 mg of the Fuel blend, which consists of L-leucine and pterostilbene, but we don’t know how much of these ingredients are in the blend. That’s why it’s not possible to assess whether each substance is dosed in a clinically effective and safe way. 

Source: Onnit

Bonus read: Discover other nootropics, supplements, and biohacking tips:

• Adaptogens and nootropics

• NAD benefits

• Sleep tracking

2. Efficacy and benefits 

Many ingredients in Alpha BRAIN have demonstrated positive effects in research. Still, the lack of information on their amounts prevents accurate evaluation of their efficacy in this particular context. Also, only two studies have tested the efficacy of Alpha BRAIN specifically.

The first study showed that participants who used the supplement for six weeks saw a significant improvement in verbal memory and executive function. The other study, which was conducted on U.S. soldiers, found no significant influence on the participants’ marksmanship performance. 

That said, both studies were funded by Onnit, and neither was entirely methodologically sound. We need more independent clinical trials to confirm Alpha BRAIN’s effectiveness, especially in different populations.

User experiences are also mixed. While some claim they felt enhanced mental clarity after taking the supplement, most shared that they noticed mild or no effects at all. Many users also claim that Alpha BRAIN, like many other nootropics, induced more vivid dreams. 

A portion of users also reported that the recommended dose worked too well and was even overwhelming. Here’s what one person said:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/HubermanLab/comments/15i166y/comment/jurp6hb/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

3. Safety and side effects 

Neither efficacy nor safety of Alpha BRAIN has been demonstrated in research, and according to user reviews, side effects are possible. Some consumers shared that the recommended dose was too high for them, so it may be advisable to start with a lower one. They’ve reported the following adverse reactions to the supplement:

• Headaches

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Muscle cramps

• Increased heart rate

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

Also, some people shared that they experienced negative effects, such as depression, after stopping Alpha BRAIN intake — here’s one example:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/onnit/comments/xizdqo/comment/l0xxak3/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

Besides pregnant and breastfeeding women, those with soy or gluten allergies should be careful as some products contain these ingredients. 

Also, while Onnit follows industry standards and tests its products for purity, strength, and contamination, it doesn’t share its test results publicly. The company isn’t transparent about the sources or amounts of its ingredients or the production process.

It’s also worth noting that since Alpha BRAIN is a supplement, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t impose strict standards on it as it does for prescription drugs. 

4. Value for money 

Onnit’s Alpha BRAIN supplements are relatively expensive, though not the most expensive available. You can save up by subscribing to Onnit or buying larger quantities. As of November 2024, the one-time purchase costs (without shipping) are as follows:

| Supplement              | Cost           |
| ----------------------- | -------------- |
| Alpha BRAIN             | $34.95–$159.90 |
| Alpha BRAIN Black Label | $124.95        |
| Alpha BRAIN Instant     | $59.95         |
| Alpha BRAIN Focus Shot  | $23.99–$76.77  |
| Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout | $59.99

Onnit also offers a free trial for Alpha BRAIN, so you can get a 15-day supply for the price of shipping. If you’ve made a purchase but you’re not satisfied, you can get a refund for eligible products.

As Alpha BRAIN comes with a free trial, it’s worth giving a shot. Still, other products, namely individual nootropic substances, may be more effective. You can create your personalized nootropic stack with the help of your physician — and thus know exactly what you’re taking and in what amount.

The takeaway: Should you try Alpha BRAIN nootropics?

For a summary of Onnit nootropics, review their pros and cons below:

| Pros                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | Cons                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| • Some ingredients have demonstrated nootropic effects in research <br> • Some users report enhanced mental clarity <br> • Various forms, formulas, and flavors <br> • Medium price range <br> • Free trial and refunds                        | • The exact ingredient amounts are unknown <br> • Insufficient research on the supplement’s efficacy and safety <br> • Many users report mild or no significant effects <br> • Some users report side effects during and after stopping intake

Onnit’s claims about the effects of specific ingredients have merit, but the lack of transparency about their amounts and negative user reviews raise questions about the product’s actual value. 

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Featured image source: geralt