Wouldn’t it be great if we could just take a couple of pills to cover our nootropic needs and just forget about it?
Unfortunately, an effective supplementation regimen is more complicated than that!
We are all individuals with very specific requirements. That’s why it’s essential to research supplements and determine if they meet our needs.
There are literally dozens of nootropic supplements on the market that promise to increase focus and energy. Unfortunately, comparing all the products can be time-consuming for many people.
That’s why we created this guide!
Here’s what you’ll learn:
(1) The common nootropic ingredients found in most supplements
(2) The average recommended doses of most nootropic ingredients
(3) Side-by-side comparison of each ingredient in the most popular formulations available on the market today
(4) What to look for when choosing a nootropic supplement
(5) How to create a nootropic regimen that fits your requirements
Choosing nootropic supplements really shouldn’t be difficult! Once you’re finished reading this guide, you’ll understand what the most popular supplements contain and if they are right for you.
Common Nootropic Ingredients
Most all-in-one nootropic supplements feature the same ingredients. The following chart lists the most common nootropics, their primary benefit, and the average recommended dose:
| Ingredient | Function | Recommended Dose |
| Alpha GPC | Cognitive enhancement | 1,200mg/day |
| Bacopa Monnieri | Longevity, cognitive enhancement | 300mg/day |
| Cat’s Claw | Anti-inflammatory | 250-350mg/day |
| Citicoline | Memory | 500-2,000mg/day |
| Ginkgo Biloba | Cognitive enhancement, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties | 40-120mg/day |
| Huperzine A (Toothed Clubmoss) | Stops acetylcholine breakdown, increases acetylcholine (learning neurotransmitter) | 50-200mcg/day |
| L-Theanine | GABA and glutamate production | 100-200mg/day |
| L-Tyrosine | Dopamine and adrenaline production | 500-2000mg/day |
| Lion’s Mane Mushroom | Cognitive enhancement and focus | 3,000mg/day |
| Magnesium Threonate | Nervous system health and cognitive enhancement | 1000–2000 mg/day |
| Phosphatidylserine | Cognitive enhancement | 300mg/day |
| Rhodiola Rosea | Anti-fatigue | 50mg/day |
| Vitamin B12 | Nervous system health | 2.4mcgs/day |
Nootropic Supplement Comparison
Now that you know the most common ingredients, here is how they stack up for three of the most popular supplements on the market:
| Ingredient | Recommended Dose | Alpha Brain | ||
| Alpha GPC | 1,200mg/day | Undefined* | 50mg | – |
| Bacopa Monnieri | 300mg/day | 100mg | 250mg | 150mg |
| Cat’s Claw | 250-350mg/day | 350mg | 175mg | – |
| Citicoline | 500-2,000mg/day | – | – | 250mg |
| Ginkgo Biloba | 40-120mg/day | – | – | – |
| Huperzine A (Toothed Clubmoss) | 50-200mcg/day | 400mcg | – | – |
| L-Theanine | 100-200mg/day | Undefined* | 100mg | 100mg |
| L-Tyrosine | 500-2000mg/day | Undefined* | 250mg | 175mg |
| Lion’s Mane Mushroom | 3,000mg/day | – | – | 500mg |
| Magnesium Threonate | 1000–2000 mg/day | – | – | – |
| Phosphatidylserine | 300mg/day | Undefined* | – | 100mg |
| Rhodiola Rosea | 50mg/day | – | – | 50mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4mcgs/day | – | 2.4mcg | 7.5mcg |
* Supplement label does not state exact quantity
As you have seen from the chart above, most “all-in-one” supplements contain small amounts of critical ingredients – and in most cases they simply aren’t enough.
This isn’t an attack on the manufacturers because the truth is that it is literally impossible to stuff all the ingredients required into a couple of pills!
Despite this drawback, some people choose an all-in-one product because it’s simply easier than researching and choosing separate supplements. For everyone else, there are distinct advantages to tailoring a specific regimen that suits their unique needs.
How to Choose the Right Nootropic Supplements
Choosing separate supplements depends heavily on why you are taking nootropics in the first place! Are you looking to boost performance at work or in the gym? Here are some common benefits of nootropics to help you start the process of making the right choice:
Sharper Focus
Maintaining sharp focus and concentration is critical for most people – especially in the digital age. Some targeted nootropic supplements that can help you increase focus include lion’s mane mushroom and l-theanine.
Increased Energy
Low energy and a depressed mood can take the joy out of life. These emotions can also prevent you from taking advantage of professional opportunities. To increase energy, try adding Rhodiola Rosea and ginkgo Biloba to your regimen.
Healthy Nervous System
Your brain sends messages to your entire body through your nervous system. Think of it like a network of highways where information travels up and down your spinal cord to the rest of your body. To keep your nervous system in optimal condition, add magnesium Threonate and vitamin B12 to your supplement stack.
Healthy Brain Function
Maintaining a healthy brain is critical to increased focus, concentration, and memory recall. Alpha-GPC contains choline, an essential nutrient your brain needs to perform optimally. To maintain the structure, function, and neural health of your brain, reach for phosphatidylserine.
5 Benefits of Buying Separate Supplements
While creating a nootropic supplement program requires some research, there are many advantages that include:
1. You get what you need and nothing more
Some branded supplements contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals you don’t need. So why pay for nutrients you may already be getting from your diet? Buying separate supplements gives you the control you need to create a customized regimen without any added ingredients you don’t need.
2. Each dose is specific to your requirements
Dosing varies substantially depending on height, weight, and other physical factors. Since we’re all unique, it makes sense to buy supplements separately and have total dosing control.
3. You know the quality of each supplement
When you buy supplements separately, you can research the source of each product to ensure it comes from an ethical source that focuses on quality.
4. Better absorption and increased effectiveness
Taking a bunch of pills in the morning with water may not be as effective as blending powders into smoothies or adding them to food. When you purchase separate supplements, you choose what form you want to take and can adapt them to your lifestyle in a way that maximizes effectiveness.
5. You save money
Some branded nootropic supplements can cost up to $50 for a 30-day supply. Considering that most don’t contain everything you need, it can cost a lot of money to obtain your desired results. Buying separate supplements not only gives you better results, but it can save you a lot of money in the long term.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to precision dosing, effectiveness, and reducing costs, buying separate nootropic supplements is the best choice for high-performance individuals. Whether you’re looking to increase energy, improve focus, or enhance overall brain health, there are supplements available that can be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.