Best overall mindbodygreen – creatine brain+
Save 10% with code TKTK. Clinically researched Cognizin® citicoline for memory and long-term brain health. 5 grams of creatine to fuel mental energy. Rated 9.9, Outstanding.
Best for focus ONNIT – Alpha BRAIN®. Includes cognition-supporting ingredients like Huperzine A, Alpha CPC, and L-theanine. Helps create that “in-the-zone” feeling. Supports quicker processing. Rated 9.3, Excellent.
Best for athletes Momentous – Brain Drive. Features science-backed ingredients like bacopa. NSF Certified for Sport. Caffeine-free for steady focus. Rated 9.3, Excellent.
Best with caffeine Thesis – Clarity. Good for focus and brain fog. Includes lion’s mane extract and panax ginseng. 100 milligrams of caffeine for mental energy. Rated 8.9, Very Good.
Best nootropic complex Qualia – Mind. 20-plus ingredients for whole-brain support. Includes research-backed nootropics like citicoline, lion’s mane, and rhodiola. Supports memory, focus, mood, and mental energy. Rated 8.9, Very Good.
Best chewable Humann – Memory + Focus. Clinically researched resveratrol with coffee fruit extract. Supports healthy blood flow to the brain. A blueberry pomegranate-flavored chewable. Rated 8.7, Very Good.
Do brain supplements work?
They can, if they contain ingredients backed by research and are used consistently. Many memory supplements may help support focus, attention, mental clarity, brain energy, healthy blood flow to the brain, and a balanced mood. Different ingredients may also support different types of memory, such as working memory, long-term memory, and memory recall.
Which ingredients are science-backed?
It is not always easy to tell which ingredients are actually effective. Here are the ones that have research to support their use. Citicoline supports memory, brain energy, and healthy neurotransmitter function. Creatine is best known for supporting muscle health, but it also fuels the brain. Research suggests it may support working memory, mental energy, and cognitive performance. Bacopa monnieri is an herb that may help support memory and learning. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps support focus and working memory, especially during stress. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that supports healthy blood flow and brain health. Huperzine A helps support learning, memory, and healthy neurotransmitter activity. B vitamins help produce energy and support healthy brain and nerve function.
Comparing the best brain supplements
Brands include creatine brain+ in powder form with a clinically effective dose of Cognizin® citicoline for daily and long-term brain health. ONNIT offers capsules with Huperzine A for improving attention span. Thesis provides capsules with lion’s mane and panax ginseng for mental clarity. Momentus offers capsules with bacopa monnieri for athletes. Humann provides a chewable with beetroot, resveratrol, and coffee fruit for vascular health support.
What to look for in a nootropic
When looking for a nootropic, consider these qualities. First, science-backed ingredients. The best nootropics contain ingredients that have been studied in humans for their effects on memory, focus, and overall brain health. Some of the most researched ingredients include creatine, citicoline, bacopa monnieri, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, Huperzine A, and select B vitamins. Second, effective doses. The ingredient list only tells part of the story. A supplement should provide enough of each ingredient to match the amounts used in research whenever possible. Products that are transparent about their dosages make it easier to know what you are getting. Third, ingredients that match your goals. Different nootropics are designed for different needs. Some formulas focus on memory and long-term brain health, while others are better suited for focus, mental energy, stress resilience, or healthy blood flow to the brain. Choosing a supplement that aligns with your primary goal can help narrow your options. Fourth, high-quality formulas. Look for supplements made with clean, high-quality ingredients and minimal unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. Third-party testing and transparent labeling are also good indicators of a brand’s commitment to quality and purity. Fifth, caffeine versus caffeine-free. Some nootropics use caffeine to provide a quick boost in alertness and energy, while others rely on non-stimulant ingredients that support cognition without the jitters. The right choice depends on your caffeine tolerance and when you plan to take the supplement.
Who may benefit from a nootropic?
They can be especially helpful for people who feel mentally drained during busy or stressful periods, want extra support for focus and productivity at work or school, notice occasional brain fog or trouble concentrating, are juggling multiple responsibilities and want more mental stamina, or are interested in supporting healthy brain aging over time. Different ingredients support different needs. Some may help with short-term focus and alertness, while others support memory or stress resilience. That is why many nootropic blends include a mix of vitamins, amino acids, and plant compounds.
Our winner
We reviewed 5 brain health supplements, and mindbodygreen’s creatine brain+ came out on top. This unique powder combines 5 grams of pure creatine monohydrate with 500 milligrams of Cognizin® citicoline, which has been clinically shown to further promote long-term brain health while improving processing speed, attention span, and memory performance. Other brain health supplements that include citicoline do so at half of that dose.
