Looking after your cognitive health and keeping your energy levels up is hands down the best way to perform in many areas of your life, from work, school, the gym, and everything in between.

But with so many stressors caused by modern life, cognitive performance can take a hit. And that doesn't even include the other factors that can also impact cognitive well-being, like age, dehydration, poor nutrition, and lifestyle habits.

A cognitive support supplement may benefit people who notice any of the following*:

• Finding it hard to focus on daily tasks, especially at work or when reading*
• Lacking energy*
• Absent-mindedness* 
• Feeling groggy or sluggish*
• Feeling "spacy" during the day*

• Getting easily distracted*
• Finding it difficult to concentrate*
• Getting easily stressed* 
• Feeling like your head is in a cloud*
• Having low motivation to do daily activities*

What To Look for in a Cognitive Support Supplement

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

To see a list of our references, please click here. 

CITATIONS

How might some people benefit from adding daily cognitive support to their routine?*

1st Month

2nd Month

3rd Month

Some people notice having energy during the day and feeling alert rather than sluggish.*

At this point, some people might begin to notice other changes in their cognitive well-being. Some people report that having energy allows them to stay focused, complete tasks, and feel productive.* 

Generally, at this point, some people notice other developments in their mental performance after daily use of cognitive support. Some people describe feeling sharp and capable of carrying out tasks efficiently, as well as finding it easy to be in the zone. 

What to Try To Avoid in Your Cognitive Support Supplement*

How might some nootropics on the market not meet your needs?

Unfortunately, some generic so-called cognitive support supplements may not satisfy your needs or expectations.  

​Here are some factors you may want to try to avoid when choosing your cognitive support supplement: 

Top Nootropics 2024

Key Ingredients

Ingredients To Avoid

Important Criteria

Alpha Brain 

by Onnit

Dynamic Brain

by Stonehenge

Mind Lab Pro

by Mind Lab Pro

Focus Factor Extra Strength by Focus Factor

No Apoaequorin 

90d Money-Back Guarantee

Third-Party Tested

Subscribe & Save Program

Rhodiola Rosea

Caffeine

L-Tyrosine

Huperzine A

B Vitamins

Bacopa Monnieri

*We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information.

Primal Mind Fuel by Primal Harvest features a premium blend of B vitamins and nootropics. Expertly formulated, it combines CogniPlex® B vitamins (with vitamins B6, B12, and B1) with a NeuroSmart® Blend that features rhodiola, Bacopa monnieri, L-tyrosine, theobromine, huperzine A, and D-glucuronolactone. 

This nootropic formula delivers premium ingredients in a convenient once-daily serving. As all high-quality supplements should be, Primal Mind Fuel is third-party lab tested and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. The product offers great value for money and the brand has a convenient Subscribe & Save program which means you can order this formula through their convenient and hassle-free subscription service. By signing up for a subscription you get 20% off all products plus free shipping. ​

To top it off, Primal Harvest has excellent customer service scores and a 90-day money-back guarantee. 

• CogniPlex® B vitamins
• NeuroSmart® nootropic blend
• 1 capsule per day
• 90-day money-back guarantee 
• Certified safety and purity testing
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

PROS

CONS

• Only available online
• Due to high demand, sometimes runs out of stock

BOTTOM LINE

A+

GRADE

2. Alpha Brain

by Onnit 

PROS

• Includes B vitamins, l-tyrosine, l-theanine, and extracts
• Third-party tested
• 90-day money-back guarantee

CONS

• 15 servings per container 
• 2-capsule serving size

BOTTOM LINE

Alpha Brain by Onnit is a nootropic formulated with ingredients such as L-theanine, L-tyrosine, Bacopa monnieri, and vitamin B6.

The formula comes in vegetarian capsules with a serving size of 2 capsules per day. The capsules are free of gluten and dairy and are third-party tested. The product contains a good range of ingredients in the formula, however, the price may be considered high since it only contains 15 servings per container.

B+

GRADE

by Stonehenge

PROS

• Includes B vitamins and Bacopa monnieri
• Third-party tested
• 90-day money-back guarantee

CONS

• Contains fish and soy
• 2-capsule serving size

BOTTOM LINE

Dynamic Brain by Stonehenge consists of a wide variety of ingredients, including amino acids, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals. It contains 60 capsules, or a one-month supply taken as a 2-capsule serving. It features some common go-to nootropic ingredients such as huperzine A and Bacopa monnieri and is third-party tested. It comes in a veggie capsule, but those with specific dietary needs should note that the product does contain fish and soy. 

3. Dynamic Brain

B

GRADE

4. Mind Lab Pro 

by Mind Lab Pro 

PROS

• With B vitamins, l-tyrosine, and Bacopa monnieri
• Includes lion’s mane mushroom
• Third-party tested

CONS

• 2 to 4-capsule serving size
• Price
• 30-day money-back guarantee

BOTTOM LINE

Mind Lab Pro is a cognitive support supplement that features 11 nootropics including organic Lion’s Mane mushrooms and L-Theanine. It features a variety of B vitamins and plant-based extracts and is both vegan-friendly and GMP-certified. However, the 2-4 capsule serving size might be inconvenient to take for some people. When purchased directly from the website, a one-month supply will set you back $69.00 which places this formula at the higher end of the price range in comparison to the other products included on this page. 

C+

GRADE

5. Focus Factor Extra Strength

by Focus Factor

PROS

• Includes a blend with Bacopa monnieri, huperzine A, and more
• Vitamins and minerals
• Third-party lab tested

CONS

• Contains fish
• 4-tablet serving size
• 7-day return policy

BOTTOM LINE

Focus Factor Extra Strength by Focus Factor contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium. It also features a blend that includes Bacopa monnieri, huperzine A, bilberry extract, GABA, and a number of other ingredients. The product could be considered a multivitamin that includes a nootropic blend (also something to pay attention to if you’re already taking a multivitamin). The 4-tablet serving size might not be the easiest to include in everyone's daily routine. Those with specific dietary needs should note that the product contains fish. Another minus is the brand’s return policy as they do not accept returns or offer refunds unless a product is faulty. 

C

GRADE

Our Choice

by Primal Harvest [1]

• CogniPlex® B Vitamins
• NeuroSmart® Nootropic Blend
• 1 Capsule Per Day
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
• Free Shipping on Orders Over $75

Based on 3739 Reviews of Primal Harvest

Note: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your personal physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Note: Supplements affect everyone differently and individual results may vary. It’s always important to consult with your personal physician before starting a new supplement routine.

Everyone has individual needs and the experience of making changes in your wellness routine will vary from person to person. Here are some examples of how including more daily cognitive support may look for different people*: 

How to choose a nootropic supplement for focus and daily performance

Here are the top cognitive supplement ingredients found in a number of nootropic supplements:

• Rhodiola Rosea: Historically used as a remedy for centuries in Russia, Europe, and Asia, rhodiola is an adaptogen that may help support stress, mood, motivation, and fatigue.*
• Caffeine: One of the most popular nootropic ingredients, caffeine creates an energizing effect (which is why many choose to start the day with a cup of Joe). Caffeine may help support energy, focus, attention, mood, and athletic performance.*
• L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is an amino acid used by the brain for a number of functions. This amino acid may potentially help support mental performance during high-stress situations and fatigue, as well as mood, concentration, and motivation.*
• Vitamin B: B vitamins, including B1, B6, B9, and B12, are considered important for maintaining brain health and energy (amongst other things). They may also help support mental clarity, energy production, and focus.*
• Bacopa Monnieri: Bacop Monnieri is an antioxidant-rich herb that has been traditionally used for centuries in Traditional Chinese health practices and Ayurveda. It may support memory, stress, and potentially support learning.*

• Unclear Labels: A quality nootropic supplement should clearly list exactly what’s included in the formula. Avoid products lacking transparency that don’t list all of the specific ingredients included in the formula’s cognitive blend.*
• Missing Safety Testing & Certifications: Choose a cognitive support supplement that has been independently third-party lab tested and manufactured in the USA. These precautions will guarantee that the product is top quality and free from unwanted extras, such as contaminants, traces of heavy metals, or pesticides.*
• False or Misleading Claims: Beware of any cognitive supplements that claim their product treats or cures any specific disease or ailment, or promises miraculous, unrealistic, or misleading results. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new supplement routine.*
• Suspiciously Cheap Products: When it comes to your cognitive health, this is definitely not an area to test out suspiciously cheap products. There are plenty of options to choose from that are high-value and still affordable. In this case, you do get what you pay for!*
• Apoaequorin (Jellyfish Protein): Among the many trendy memory boosters on the market today, Apoaequorin is a protein made by certain luminescent jellyfish that is found in some nootropic or cognitive support supplements.*