Best Brain Supplements

Many people like you want to be at the top of their game on a daily basis. Chances are, though, that you run into problems with focus and mental stamina. Even worse, you may experience brain fog from fatigue. If you're looking to improve your mental performance, then you've come to the right place. We'll help you navigate the maze of natural supplements with our top picks, give you information on a food-first approach if you want to try that before diving into nootropics and supplements, and answer a host of common questions about brain supplements.

Skip down to our table of contents if you're pressed for time.

Let's start with some basics...

What is a nootropic?

Some of the best brain supplements on the market tout nootropics in their ingredients list, so what are they? You may have seen nootropics referred to as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers. They're natural supplements that are designed to enhance mental performance and cognitive function, particularly in the areas of executive functioning, attention, memory, creativity, and motivation. You may already be including nootropics in your life - these include caffeine and nicotine, but there are many, many more.

These performance-boosting qualities found in brain supplements are what make them very appealing to professionals in high-stakes jobs, entrepreneurs, and even students who need to study and concentrate a lot.

Who should take brain supplements?

We mentioned some typical users above, but brain supplements can be used by all sorts of people. If you experience any of the below, you could benefit from including a brain supplement:

  • Brain Fog
  • Feeling cloudy
  • Dementia
  • Short-Term Memory Loss
  • Long-Term Memory Loss
  • Lack of Concentration
  • ADD/ADHD

What can I expect from a brain supplement?

While each product varies in its composition and effectiveness, you'd want to see some of the following improvements from taking a brain supplement:

  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Mental clarity
  • Sustained energy
  • Cerebral circulation
  • Faster and clear thinking
  • Better hearing and eyesight

If you're not seeing any of these aspects of your brain function improving, then it's time to take a look at your chosen brain supplement so that you can stop throwing your money away. Below are our top picks with pros and cons, as well as a brief description of the product. Remember, if you're unsure about starting a brain supplement, have any conditions or allergies, or are already taking prescribed medication, consult with your healthcare provider first.

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick


  • Natural
  • Enhances Cognitive Ability
  • Plant-Based Capsules
  • Easy to Swallow
  • No Side Effects

Time and again,  Mind Lab Pro comes out on top in Best Brain Supplement categories when it comes to overall performance. Mind Lab Pro doesn't just focus on improving one or two cognitive functions, but optimizes the whole brain and it does this without stimulants and additives. 

It is a universal nootropic that boosts all the aspects of human cognition. The supplement works best for those who have an active lifestyle that demands dynamic brainpower. It boosts productivity and work-performance so that you can come up with creative solutions for your problems and multi-task easily even under stress. Another benefit is that it supports immediate mental demands while supporting long-term brain health and function.

For more details see our complete Mind Lab Pro review

The 10 Best Brain Supplements Comparison Chart

Best Brain Supplements 2024 – Product Reviews

Let’s take a closer look at each of our choices to understand why they can benefit you if you're looking to include a brain supplement in your day-to-day life. 

Do you want your brain to fire on all cylinders and deliver the best performance? With Mind Lab Pro it is not a dream anymore, rather it is a reality. With the human brain being the most complex object known, Mind Lab Pro delivers what the brain needs through 11 nootropic ingredients to support and enhance energy, brain chemistry, blood flow, brainwaves, protection and generation of neural pathways and cells.

This supplement promotes sharp and strategic thinking, clear memory, and a calm mindset, that will lead you to victory in many aspects of life. From the gym to the conference room or exam hall, Mind Lab Pro promotes optimal brain activity for improved willpower, intensity, and motivation.

With its perfectly tuned blend of ingredients, it is suitable for people from all walks of life. With no artificial flavors and additives, this is a supplement you will not regret taking!

PROS

  • Boosts Cognitive Performance
  • Universal Nootropic
  • Increases brain’s resistance to stress
  • Research-backed
  • High-potency
  • Patented
  • Plant-Based Capsules
  • Third-party tested

CONS

  • None
Performance Lab Mind

If you're looking for an ultramodern nootropic for brain health, burnout resistance, and brainpower, then Performance Lab Mind could be the answer for you. Designed specifically to aid performance-driven cognitive functions, this supplement boosts your brain energy and supports memory, speed, focus, and motivation.

As with any high performance activity, the brain also needs support with recovery. Performance Lab Mind does this so you can bounce back faster after burnout and help prevent it in the future.

Mind features compounds that boost brain energy by 36% and has the highest potency on the market of Maritime Pine Bark Extract (at 95%). Maritime Pine Bark contains chemicals that can help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and have antioxidant effects. So by taking 1-2 capsules daily, you can boost your brainpower.

It is ideal if you take the capsule with a source of dietary fat – something like milk, or a nut butter if you're vegan, or you can take Performance Lab MCT oil as well. In order to get better results, use the brain supplement consistently. 

The supplement combines multi-tasking nootropic ingredients that help in promoting peak performance even under extreme pressure. The plant-based capsules are very easy to swallow and are infused with prebiotics too, which will aid in better nootropic uptake into the bloodstream by supporting your gut health too. 

PROS

  • Works well in a high-pressure environment
  • Easy to swallow
  • Encourages brain blood flow
  • Restores brain chemicals
  • Clear cognitive lift
  • Enhances neural regeneration
  • Patented
  • No addictive ingredients

CONS

  • Do not exceed daily dose recommendations

If you love the effects of an energy drink or a cup (of 5!) of coffee, then Performance Lab Caffeine + should be your go-to brain supplement. Normally, caffeine stimulants and supplements provide to a quick fix but can cause short-term jitters and long-range exhaustion since it's just a boost without the backup. 

Another drawback of common sources of caffeine are that they're loaded with artificial flavors, sugar, synthetic colors, and preservatives. This is where Performance Lab Caffeine + sets itself apart from the caffeine crowd. It's a smart and clean brain supplement that has been fine-tuned to provide you with the levels of energy that you need.

One capsule of this supplement contains 50 mg of caffeine stimulation. It also contains Suntheanine®  that functions to deliver greater dosing precision, fewer side effects, and superior performance-tuned stimulation. Other compounds included in the formulation 
help restore caffeine-depleted brain chemicals to help you recover from caffeine-driven activities.

You can safely take up to five capsules (250mg) of Performance Lab Caffeine + a day and still enjoy a calm, controlled caffeine kick without the negative side effects of too much.

Each dose is a size 0 capsule of plant-derived compounds making it vegan friendly and easy to swallow. What more can you ask for!

PROS

  • No side effects
  • Faster bounceback
  • Less burnout
  • Promotes balanced responses
  • Patented
  • Easy to swallow
  • Supports comfortable digestion
  • Raises alpha brain waves

CONS

  • High doses can lead to over-stimulation

Onnit Alpha Brain® is a nootropic that affects the alpha brainwaves in your brain. Alpha brainwaves are one of a number of important waves in the brain, but what sets it apart is its ability to induce what researchers call a “flow state” this is when you’re highly focused and productive, yet calm and relaxed.

Examples of being in a flow state include meditation, and yoga, or when you’re “in the zone” at work or when you’re doing an assignment or studying. When you’re in a flow state, you feel less stressed, more relaxed, and are able to focus better.

Certain activities, like meditation, can induce alpha brain waves. However, there are also supplements you can take to help induce alpha brain waves too. This is where Onnit Alpha BRAIN® and its daily cognitive support comes in.

PROS

  • Enhances mental processing
  • Caffeine free
  • Improves flow state
  • Vegan friendly and allergen free

CONS

  • None

Focus Factor has an advanced formula that helps you improve your focus, memory, and concentration. With the help of neuro-nutrients, the Focus Factor extra strength formula is produced which has been clinically tested to show results. 

There are no sweeteners, artificial colors, fillers, or preservatives in this supplement.  It is a quality brand, which has been around for more than 15 years. The clinical trials and studies that were done on this supplement show promising results. Only after 6 weeks of usage, a lot of improvement in the cognitive functions was seen.

The FDA and GMP certification assure you that the product contains the finest of ingredients. The active ingredients in this product are Vitamin D, DMAE, Bacopa, and DHA. If you are not satisfied with the product, you have to return it within 60 days and get your money back.

PROS

  • High Potency Formula
  • Quality Ingredients
  • FDA certified
  • 60-days money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Pills are hard to swallow

Vital Vitamins Brain Booster reduces mental fatigue and also fights the effects of mental fog. The DMAE present in this brain supplements provides the user with mental clarity, enhances cognitive abilities, improves memory, and keeps your energy levels high. 

It is a natural brain supplement and contains highly effective ingredients that provide you with great results. Not only does your focus increase, but your mood also becomes better, and so does your logical reasoning. There are no harmful ingredients in this product. There are no hormones present in the product. Moreover, it is gluten-free and Non-GMO. 

The primary ingredient in this supplement is Ginkgo Bilboa. With the FDA and GMP certifications, you can rest assured that only the top quality product reaches you!

PROS

  • Reduces mental fog
  • Enhances brain health
  • Non-GMO
  • FDA approved
  • 60-days money-back warranty

CONS

  • It takes a month or so to show results

If you want to get rid of brain fog and clear the cobwebs on your mind, you should give Genius Consciousness a try. The product is clinically proven to show excellent and remarkable results. The product contains natural ingredients, and there are no preservatives. The Diamine and the natural caffeine present in the supplement ignite your neurons leaving you in high spirits.

Diamine elevates your mood, focus, and energy within 15 minutes. Even if you lack the motivation for the, with the help of this brain supplement, you will be able to focus and concentrate perfectly. The Alpha-GPC helps with the reduction in stress and anxiety.

PROS

  • Heightened Cognitive Performance
  • Clinically Proven
  • Fast Acting
  • Natural Ingredients

CONS

  • Wears off in a couple of hours

The Natrol Cognium Tablets have been clinically proven to help in memory recall in adults. The active ingredient in this product is Cognium. Cognium is found in a protein that is present in silkworm threads. It has been clinically proven to show remarkable results when it comes to enhanced cognitive abilities. 

The product is safe and natural. No hormones or stimulants are present in it. In less than four weeks, you will start seeing the results of using this supplement. It energizes the brain by increasing the flow of blood and glucose. It also acts as an antioxidant and keeps the brain safe from oxidative stress.

If you are not satisfied with the product, the safety net of a money-back warranty is there to break your fall!

PROS

  • Stimulant-free
  • Clinically Tested
  • Natural ingredients
  • Shows quick results

CONS

  • Not FDA approved

Memory health is a clinically proven health supplement that supports and improves memory in healthy as well as diseased brains. The best thing about this supplement is that it does so with a natural, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant formula and has zero side effects. 

The plant-based carotenoids present in Memory Health boost your cognitive functions. Omega-3 fish oil makes sure that you are less anxious, less depressed, and have an overall improvement in your mood. 

The product is gluten-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free. Moreover, it is cruelty-free as well. The product adheres to the US pharma grade standards. There is no GMO as well.

The clinical results of the product have been published in the Scientific Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. The active ingredients include Omega-3, Vitamin E, and Carotenoids.

PROS

  • Non-GMO
  • Cruelty-free
  • Clinically proven to show results
  • Natural ingredients

CONS

  • Expensive

If you are looking for an extra strong brain supplement that helps you focus and zone in, you should give Havasu Neuro Ignite a look. It helps in improving your mental health so that you will be able to perform better in your daily life. The Ginkgo Bilboa present in the supplements helps you achieve better focus and keeps your mind clear.

There is no caffeine in the product. So if you don’t want to experience shakes and jitters since you are caffeine sensitive, this supplement will be of great help.

The supplement is designed specifically to promote healthy blood circulation in your body. When your brain gets more blood flow and thereby oxygen, it acquires the ability to perform at its peak.

PROS

  • Fast-acting
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Complete transparency with ingredients
  • Reputable company

CONS

  • May cause headaches

Buying Guide

There are many brain supplements available on the market and the choice can be overwhelming. As with all things you can buy, some products are better than others. The best way to navigate the maze of choices is to learn what to look for with ingredients so you can make more informed choices at the checkout. 

Let’s take a look.

Benefits of Brain Supplements

The key benefits of brain supplements are:

Enhanced Memory

With the help of brain supplements, you can increase the capacity of your brain. Thus, you will be able to learn and remember things quickly and easily.

Better focus

If you take brain supplements, you will become more attentive and focused and will be able to complete your tasks perfectly.

Improved Clarity

If you want better clarity and peace of mind, you should give brain supplements a look.

Brain Repair

Brain supplements help you in repairing your brain and creating new, stronger brain cells that boost the overall performance of your brain. 

Prevention of disease

If you have a family history of Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any other neurological problems, brain supplements can keep your brain from deteriorating.

With the help of brain supplements, you can achieve loads of benefits. A few other benefits of brain supplements are:

  • Increase your productivity and focus.
  • Enhance your cognitive abilities
  • Keep your neurons safe from stress
  • Prevent Dementia

Things which cause your brain to weaken

There are a few things that cause your brain to get weak, such as stress and tension.

Children and Family

If you experience high stress, if you worry a lot about your family, it can affect your brain and can result in forgetfulness, general tiredness, etc.

Relationship Issues

If you are having issues in your relationship and problems with your partner, it can cause a lag in your brain performance.

Financial issues

If you are having financial issues, the fear and worry about the future can result in fatigue and brain fog. If you keep thinking about all these issues, then your brain health is bound to deteriorate.

Ways to improve your brain health

There are several ways with the help of which you can improve the health of your brain and keep yourself free from mental issues. Let’s take a look at them.

Exercising your brain

If you exercise your brain, your brain remains sharp and clear. You can use meditation, brain games, and puzzles to exercise your brain. The clearer your brain is, the better you will be at performing your daily tasks.

Exercise your body

It is not only your brain that needs to be exercised. You need to keep your body fit and regularly exercise to keep yourself healthy and fresh. If you are physically fit, the health of your brain will become better as well.

Eat Healthily

What you eat has a direct effect on your health. The right nutrients are very important for the better performance of your brain. You should eat loads of food with Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. They will help you with improving your focus and memory.

People who should take brain supplements

Loads of people can use brain supplements. If you have any of the symptoms below or have any of the following problems, brain supplements will be useful for you:

  • Brain Fog
  • Feeling cloudy
  • Dementia
  • Short-Term Memory Loss
  • Long-Term Memory Loss
  • Lack of Concentration
  • AHD/ADD

Factors to consider before buying

There are various factors you need to consider before you buy brain supplements. Let’s take a look at what they should be.

Ingredients

When you are choosing the best brain supplements, the first thing you should look at is the ingredients. You should buy brain supplements that have natural ingredients in them. Supplements are scientific in nature, and they are made with your health safety in mind. 

You should get supplements from reputable brands. Moreover, you should consult your physician before you start using any supplements. 

If you use supplements that don’t have the correct ingredients, or if they have sub-standard ingredients, they can be more harmful than useful. Thus, make sure you buy brain supplements that are FDA approved.

Some of the ingredients which make the brain fit and healthy are:

  • Choline
  • Zinc
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Vincepotine

Side Effects and warnings

You should never take any supplements that would cause harm to your mental or bodily health. Most of the brain supplements contain ingredients that are safe to use. You should take a look at all the ingredients present in the brain supplement and see if any of them are harmful. 

Consult your healthcare professional before using any new supplement to ensure that it will have any side effects. If you have any allergies or any health problems, you should make sure that the supplement will not cause any complications.

User Feedback and Review

Reviews of the people who have actually used the brain supplements are of great help. The reviews of experts who have analyzed the product according to its ingredients, as well as those individuals who have actually tried the supplement, are equally important.

Brands

The market for brain supplements is fast growing. Many people are attracted to it and several manufacturers have stepped in. A while back, Walmart started producing its own brand of brain supplements, which was later banned since it didn’t have the perfect ingredients. According to several court orders, no departmental store or drugstore can sell brain supplements that are not manufactured by a reputable brand. 

Look for companies that have a reputation in manufacturing brain supplements and are at least 5 years or more old. Visit the companies website, read user reviews, gather all the information about the product, and then make the final decision.

Certifications

Make sure you find a Quality Assurance certificate. Look out Certificate of Analysis as well. If the product has FDA approval, that would be the cherry on the top.

Cost

Whenever you buy a product, you should look for one that should give you the best performance for the money it costs. Take a look at the price of the brain supplement before buying it. Higher price tags don’t necessarily mean excellent quality. Try to get a balance between your budget & the features offered. Even if you spend a little more money on the product, ensuring that it is durable, it will be worth it in the long run.

Foods that act as natural brain supplementst

Various foods increase your brain power and are natural brain supplements. Let’s take a look at them.

Eggs

A chemical compound, Choline, is present inside egg yolks. When you eat choline, a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, is produced. This neurotransmitter helps with focus, memory, and concentration. The human body also produces natural choline, but in trace amounts only. One serving of egg contains 120 mg of choline. Thus, if you eat eggs, specifically egg yolks, your brain function would increase.

Spinach

Spinach is full of zeaxanthin and lutein, the two major carotenoids. They help with processing speeds of the brain. Several types of research indicate that higher concentration levels of carotenoids increase memory. The results from these studies were obtained under fMRI.

If lutein is present in an adult’s diet, the recollection of memories becomes increased (crystallized memory).

Dark Chocolate

Flavanol, a type of polyphenol, is found in cocoa beans. The cognitive relation between cognitive function and chocolate has been documented several times. When you consume cocoa, the blood flow to the brain increases, particularly to the dentate gyrus. This triggers neurogenesis.  This increases cognitive functions.

Green Tea

Even though green tea is not rich in caffeine, it had L-theanine and catechin.  Catechin inhibits mental lethargy plus removes drowsiness. Theanine relaxes your brain and body without any harmful side effects. 

The connectivity between parietal and frontal lobes of the brain increases with the adequate consumption of tea. As a result of this, we get better sensory input functions and better executive function.

Coffee

Coffee helps keeping Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis away.  Moreover, it also prevents early mortality. The caffeine present also improves cognitive function in the coffee. Caffeine blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter that inhibits stamina and leads to drowsiness.

Moreover, systemic inflammation is also cut down by caffeine. However, the extra consumption of caffeine causes adrenals burnout. This means that you get a short burst of high energy and then a long exhaustive period.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish are those fish which have lots of omega-3 in them, such as Sardines or Salmon. Omega-3 fats are known to increase brain functionality. The DHA in the Omega-3 helps in maintain the health of neuronal membranes. The EPA part has anti-inflammatory properties. Astaxanthin is also present in fatty fishes. It is an anti-oxidant and a strong carotenoid that protects the neurons from oxidative stress. It also boosts neurogenesis.

FAQs

What are brain supplements used for?

Brain supplements have several benefits. Some of their advantages are:

  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Mental clarity
  • Sustained Energy
  • Cerebral Circulation
  • Faster and Clear thinking
  • Better hearing and eyesight

Are brain supplements safe?

If the brain supplements are made from 100% natural ingredients and have been approved by the FDA and GMP, then they are safe to use.

Are brain supplements addictive?

There is some truth to this statement. You don’t face any withdrawal symptoms, yet you notice a change in your brain capacity and functionalities.

How do you take brain supplements?

You can take brain supplements in either powder form or in the form of tablets/capsules. The dosage of the brain supplements vary, and you should consult the instructions manual that comes along with the supplement to know for sure.

Do brain supplements have any side-effects?

Not all brain supplements are free from side-effects. The supplements which we have reviewed don’t have any side effects that are safe to be used. If you are buying some other brain supplement, then you should look out for any warnings or side effects that may result if you use the supplement.

Final Words

We hope through this guide you've learned not only what the best brain supplements are, but why they work and the ingredients that help them deliver on their promises. If you're experiencing brain fog, mental fatigue, or feeling like you can perform better, there are solutions you can introduce to your daily life. With the help of brain supplements, you can keep your brain performing at optimal levels for longer, recover quicker from mental exertion, and sleep better so you're ready for the next day's challenges.

Once you've further researched our 10 best brain supplements further, dive in and see how they can transform your daily life.

Here’s to a happier, healthier you!