Nootropics, or smart drugs, are an increasingly popular term nowadays. What is it? Substances that have the ability to support brain function and thus improve our memory, learning ability, promote concentration and so on. It's not some miracle cure that will make you the prototype of the ultimatebut they can certainly boost your productivity. Many manufacturers try to bend the facts a little in their marketing, which often ends up not beingexpectations, as well as overconfidence in dysfunctional products on the part of customers. Therefore, we decided to compare the best nootropics on the market and make it easier for you to choose them.
List of the 5 best nootropics
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
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Brainmax 2.1 Neurohacker Manifesto | 30 doses per pack, 7 active ingredients, High Alpha GPC content | Best price More information | |
| 2. |
|
Viridian Rhodiola Rosea | 90 doses per pack, 1 active ingredient, 100% rosehip extract | Best price More information | |
| 3. |
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Brain Gains Nootropic Brain Fuel | 20/40 doses per pack, 19 active ingredients, Also contains vitamins | Best price More information | |
| 4. |
|
Myotec Acetyl-l-carnitine | 60/120 doses per pack, 1 active ingredient, Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride | Best price More information | |
| 5. |
|
BrainMax Káva s medicinálními houbami | 20 doses per pack, 3 active ingredients, Contains mainly selected Arabica | Best price More information |
The best nootropics according to testing
First place went to Brainmax 2.1 NeuroHacker Manifesto ALPHA UPGRADE. It boasts above all a first-class composition based on very effective substances. It is an upgraded version of the Manifesto product, which additionally contains Alpha GPC and Asian umbilical cordgrass, better known as gotu kola.
Benefits:
- Excellent formulation
- High Alpha GPC content
- Natural ingredients
Disadvantages:
- High price
Who makes it:
The Czech brand BrainMax was created as a result of a desire to produce dietary supplements based on the latestlatest scientific findings while providing the natural power of nature. The company focuses on dietary supplements that support brain function and productivity, so it's no surprise that its repertoire includes high-quality nootropics.
- 750 mg Alpha GPC
- 250 mg of gotu kola extract
- 80 mg of bacopa monnieri extract
NeuroHacker Manifesto contains a combination of truly effective natural substances, includingSome of which we have already encountered in previous products, while others are new. These are mainly gotu kola and bacopa monnieri extracts. Both herbs are very popular in Indian traditional medicine and for good reason. According to traditional medicine, they help fight depression, promote proper brain functioning and support memory. In addition, in the ingredients we also come across Alpha GPC, L-Tyrosine and other usual substances that work great together.
Final assessment:
The upgraded version of Neurohacker Manifesto is another in a long line of quality products from BrainMax that will definitely not disappoint. The price point is relatively high, but the value for money is really great. The composition based on seven natural substances together works great, so there is nothing to complain about. Ultimately, we have no choice but to recommend it to everyone.
The next place was taken by Rhodiola Rosea from Viridian. The name of the product coincides with the Latin name of the rosehip, which is the only substance contained here. This brings with it a number of positives but also some negatives. On the one hand, we have a very pure and high-quality formula at a very reasonable price, on the other hand we can argue that one ingredient cannot compete with products with a much more complex composition.
Advantages:
- Convenient price
- 100% rosehip pink
- Pure composition
Disadvantages:
- Contains only one active ingredient
Who makes it:
British company Viridian takes great pride in being environmentally friendly, withViridian is very proud of the natural origin of its products and, above all, their premium quality. This means that all of its products are 100% bioactive, the capsules used are of plant origin and contain no artificial substances. This strategy is really paying off for Viridian, because thanks to its quality it can enjoy more and more popularity on the European market.
- 130 mg of pink stonecrop root powder
- 83 mg of Siberian Pink St. John's Wort root
As mentioned above, Viridian's Rhodiola Rosea contains only rosehip extract. We would therefore look in vain for anything else in its composition.Rosehip is also very popular in complex mixtures of nootropics, as it is one of the most effective substances. It improves the quality of sleep, helps to combat long-term mental strain and helps with calming down.
Final assessment:
In the final analysis, rosehip alone can hardly compete with complex mixtures containing multiple substances. However, if you prefer simpler supplements or simply prefer pure rosehip to other products, you have just found your favourite. The great advantage is also its low price, which of course stems mainly from the lower production costs.
The next rung belongs to the product Nootropic Brain Fuel from the company Brain Gains. This one gained our attention mainly due to its high content of active ingredients. In addition to nootropics, it also contains vitamins and zinc. This complex product can be enjoyed in a total of five flavours, so there is something for everyone.
Benefits:
- Complex and rich composition
- Caffeine-free
- One pack can last you up to 40 days
Disadvantages:
- High price
Who makes it:
British company Brain Gains is a newcomer to the market. Nootropic Brain Fuel is actually its very first product. As the company's name suggests, it focuses on making products that support brain activity, efficiency, sleep, and the like. In addition to Nootropic Brain Fuel, it also has a sleep enhancement product in its repertoire.
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800 mg Alpha GPC
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1,500 mg of taurine
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2 000 mg of L-tyrosine
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600 mg of Coralline Echinacea
Nootropic Brain Fuel is really packed with active ingredients, 19 in total. But we also find vitamin C, B vitamins and zinc. The only criticism is the presence of the dye E110, which is definitely not one of the healthiest substances. Ironically, its negative effects include problems with concentration in children, but no similar effect has been observed in adults.
Final assessment:
Nootropic Brain Fuel is a very hilarious supplement that will definitely live up to your expectations. It has a great and comprehensive formula, which is always the basis for success. However, the downside is its high price. The manufacturer recommends taking 1-2 scoops per day. The frequency of use will then, of course, reflect on how much one daily dose will actually cost you. Even if you were to take only one scoop a day, you would be among the most expensive products on the entire list, but this is understandable given the quality. However, if you take 2 scoops, you'll pay a lot extra. So it's up to you if you want to invest in Nootropic Brain Fuel, or how you set your dosage.
The next in the ranking was Acetyl L-Carnitine from MyoTec. It is widely used as a fat burner, but also serves as a nootropic. Compared to the other products in the ranking, it has a huge advantage in that it is by far the cheapest.
Benefits:
- Convenient price
- Great price/quality ratio
- Pure Acetyl L-Carnitine
Disadvantages:
- Contains only one active ingredient
Who makes it:
The MyoTec brand has been in the sports nutrition market for over a decade. It has made it a point to differentiate itself from the competition by using only purequality ingredients while avoiding artificial sweeteners. MyoTec focuses primarily on athletes who lead a healthy lifestyle who demand the best possible results from their bodies.
- 510 mg of pure Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine is recommended primarily as a fat burner and energy source in weight reduction training. In reality, however, it is not very effective for these purposes. It is a precursor of acetylcholine, which is closely related to memory, brain function, concentration and so on. Naturally, this puts it on the list of highly effective smart drugs, so it should not be missing from our list at any cost.
Final assessment:
The same applies to Acetyl L-Carnitine as it does to Viridian's Rhodiola Rosea. A single component product can hardly compete with complex mixtures, which are really abundant on the market. However, Acetyl L-Carnitine is specific in that it is also used for purely sporting purposes. It can therefore be an effective way to kill two birds with one stone - if you are looking for a highproduct that will help you both in training and at work or school, you've found the right one. This is also very individual, however, as Alpha GPC, for example, is also closely related to acetylcholine, but in addition supports the windingc production of growth hormone, which can make Acetyl L-Carnitine superior in the eyes of many athletes. Therefore, it all depends on your needs and preferences. However, the unquestionable advantage of Acetyl L-Carnitine is its low price.
The next place belongs to Coffee BIO from BrainMax. It is a select arabica enriched with medicinal mushrooms Lion's Mane and Chaga. It is therefore an ideal choice for any lover of good coffee who needs to get his brain going at its best. Of course, the quality and gentle processing and the absence of artificial substances are a matter of course.
Benefits:
- Quality coffee
- Great taste
- Organic quality
Disadvantages:
- High price
Who makes it:
The Czech brand BrainMax was created as a result of a desire to produce dietary supplements based on the latestlatest scientific findings while providing the natural power of nature. The company focuses on dietary supplements that support brain function and productivity, so it's no surprise that its repertoire includes high-quality nootropics.
- 9.2 grams of select Arabica
- 0.4 g of Chaga extract and powder
- 0.4 g of Lion's Mane extract and powder
Quality coffee is rich in caffeine, which is no doubt well known to all. It suppresses fatigue (better said, helps us ignore it) and helps improve concentration. Both Chaga and Lion's Mane are traditional Chinese medicine mushrooms and have a great variety of positive effects. They both promote the proper function of the human body and better brain functioning, which in turn translates to improved learning and memory skills.
Final assessment:
Coffee BIO is a very good product that will make every coffee lover happy. Right off the bat, it has to be said that in terms of effectiveness, it does not really match the products at the top of the list. However, it makes up for this with its perfect taste and organic composition, which will certainly be decisive for many. However, we see a big disadvantage in the price. Coffee BIO is expensive both compared to other nootropics and compared to the quality coffees on the market. As a result, we had no choice but to put it at the bottom of our ranking, although it did surprise us very pleasantly.
Don't overlook: Do you drink coffee? And do you know the differences between Arabica and Robusta?
What are nootropics and how do they work?
Nootropics are also often referred to as smart drugs. This name captures their essence quite well and helps us understand how nootropics actually work. However, you don't have to worry that they are something banned or even illegal. Nootropics are substances that positively affect brain function, thereby boosting productivity, memory, cognitive function and much more. What benefits do such substances have for athletes? One of the biggest benefits of nootropics is the positive effect on sleep quality, which in turn translates to recovery. As we know well, recovery is absolutely crucial for training. However, some nootropics even directly affect the growth hormone levels in the body, thus supporting training efficiency to a great extent.
At first glance, smart drugs may seem like some kind of miracle pills that will make everything go by themselves. Of course, this is far from being the case. No dietary supplement works this way and nootropics are no exception. But that doesn't mean they can't have a multitude of positive effects on performance, health and brain function. There are countless nootropics and their functions often vary widely. Some are natural, others may be synthetic. Sellers of dietary supplements often do not hesitate to really exaggerate about the positive effects of some substances. Therefore, you need to be careful about whether a given product really contains active ingredients that actually work. But before we get into a detailed analysis of individual nootropics, we must first say what their biggest health benefits are.
What are nootropics used for?
Smart drugs have earned their nickname because they can excite the human brain to the maximum. But don't expect any hallucinations or any other states that that are typical after taking all sorts of illegal drugs. We're talking about increased brain activity resulting in better memorymemory, increased productivity, improved concentration, stress tolerance and so on. Nootropics are very popular among students, but increasingly their benefits are also being used by working people. In fact, the positive effects mentioned above are welcomed by most people in all industries. But mental well-being, good concentration, quality sleep and resistance to stress are also appreciated by athletes. This is especially true for professionals, but there is no reason why any hobbyist cannot also benefit from them.
What nootropics can you encounter?
Nootropics are really many. This category does not have precise boundaries, so sometimes you can encounter somewhat conflicting opinions on which substances belong to smart drugs and which ones do not. Today, we're going to take a closer look at the most common and effective nootropics that you can encounter in most dietary supplements.
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is a form of the quasi-vitamin choline, which is essential for the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Why is it important to the human body? Because it is important for brain health and is often cited in relation to improving memory, learning ability, concentration and mental balance. In addition, Alpha GPC supports recovery after training, which has put it in the crosshairs of many athletes. Its other great advantage is the fact that it can get a person quite energized and, in addition, support the production of growth hormone. Ultimately, therefore, Alpha GPC is one of the most important nootropics that offers athletes a really wide range of positive effects. A decent dose of Alpha GPC can be found mainly in Now Foods Alpha GPC, Brain Gains Nootropic Brain Fuel and BrainMax 2.1 Neurohacker Manifesto.
L-theanine
A very underrated nootropic is L-theanine. This amino acid can offer countless health benefits. Chief among them is increasing the amount of alpha waves in the human brain. What does this mean in practice? Alpha waves are important for learning, productivity, quality sleep and even have a positive effect on immunity. Plus, it works very well with caffeine, which is also a significant nootropic. Products like Madmonq and Brain Gains Nootropic Brain Fuel in particular have bet on the power of L-theanine.
L-Tyrosine
The amino acid L-tyrosine is associated with stress resistance and maintaining a good mood. One of the derivatives of L-tyrosine is dopamine, a hormone responsible for rewarding our brain by inducing pleasant feelings and emotions. But what's most important for athletes is L-tyrosine's ability to support performance under challenging conditions. It is fair to say, however, that there have not been enough studies on this topic and it is therefore still more of a speculation. L-Tyrosine can be found in a large number of products, including Godlike, Madmonq, Hitec Nutrition or BrainMax 2.1 Neurohacker Manifesto.
Caffeine
Caffeine probably needs no introduction. Almost everyone has encountered it in some form. It is mainly found in coffee, tea, dark chocolate and energy and some sweetened drinks. But many people have a slightly distorted idea of what caffeine can do. In fact, it is often claimed that caffeine gives the body energy, which is not true.Caffeine can actually block adenosine in the body, which is responsible for the feeling of fatigue. This, of course, translates into the feeling of no longer being tired after taking caffeine. This is exactly why caffeine is so popular worldwide. But caffeine should not be overused. It can cause sleep problems, especially for people who take it regularly in large doses. For example, Godlike, Madmonq, Brainmax Coffee Bio or Hitec Nutrition offer a decent portion of caffeine.
Pink St. John's Wort
Rhodiola rosea is a very effective helper in the fight against fatigue and low productivity. It helps the body adapt to changing external conditions (it is an adaptogen). However, the significant benefit of the rosehip is mainly that it helps to fight the so-called brain fog. This term refers to a condition in which a person is unable to think clearly, has problems with memoryand is irritable, and is a problem for people who are under a lot of stress or sleep deprived. You will find rosehip in Madmonq, Viridian Rhodiola Rosea and Hitec Nutrition products.
For whom are nootropics suitable?
Do you feel stressed, often tired, have trouble sleeping, feel unproductive or have learning difficulties? If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, you should give smart drugs a chance. They may not solve all your problems overnight, but they will definitely help you to at least minimise them. As we wrote above, the benefits of nootropics have long been enjoyed not only by students overwhelmed by piles of studying. If you simply want to increase your productivity or improve the quality of your sleep, for example, nootropics will be very helpful. The amount to take varies for each substance. Therefore, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Can nootropics have side effects?
Speaking of the recommended dosage, we must also pause for a moment on possible side effects. Here, however, I must again repeat what also applies to the daily dosage. Every substance is different. However, most smart drugs do not cause any serious side effects. But beware that sometimes you may not even notice their negative effects. A typical case is caffeine, which causes sleep problems in larger doses. The problem is that after a while, people stop seeing poor sleep as unusual and consider a lack of sleep to be a perfectly normal condition. The quality of your sleep is not just related to how many hours you spend in bed. Read more about sleep quality in our comprehensive article with tips on improving your sleep. And if you're not sure how much caffeine you can easily consume in a day, read Coffee Leafs' article on the amount of caffeine in coffee.
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Effects of caffeine on human health - PubMed. PubMed [online]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12519715/
- ZÁRUBA, Milan. Drugs that promote learning [online]. Brno, 2007 [cited 2023-02-16]. Available from: https://is.muni.cz/th/q5uiq/. Master's thesis. Masaryk University, Faculty of Education. Thesis supervisor Jiří ŠIBOR.
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