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:

IngredientFunctionRecommended Dose
Alpha GPCCognitive enhancement1,200mg/day
Bacopa MonnieriLongevity, cognitive enhancement300mg/day
Cat’s ClawAnti-inflammatory250-350mg/day
CiticolineMemory500-2,000mg/day
Ginkgo BilobaCognitive enhancement, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties40-120mg/day
Huperzine A (Toothed Clubmoss)Stops acetylcholine breakdown, increases acetylcholine (learning neurotransmitter)50-200mcg/day
L-TheanineGABA and glutamate production100-200mg/day
L-TyrosineDopamine and adrenaline production500-2000mg/day
Lion’s Mane MushroomCognitive enhancement and focus3,000mg/day
Magnesium ThreonateNervous system health and cognitive enhancement1000–2000 mg/day
PhosphatidylserineCognitive enhancement300mg/day
Rhodiola RoseaAnti-fatigue50mg/day
Vitamin B12Nervous system health2.4mcgs/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:

IngredientRecommended DoseAlpha Brain
 Alpha GPC1,200mg/dayUndefined*50mg
Bacopa Monnieri300mg/day100mg250mg150mg
Cat’s Claw250-350mg/day 350mg175mg
Citicoline500-2,000mg/day250mg
Ginkgo Biloba40-120mg/day
Huperzine A (Toothed Clubmoss)50-200mcg/day400mcg
L-Theanine100-200mg/dayUndefined*100mg100mg
L-Tyrosine500-2000mg/dayUndefined*250mg175mg
Lion’s Mane Mushroom3,000mg/day500mg
Magnesium Threonate1000–2000 mg/day
Phosphatidylserine300mg/dayUndefined*100mg
Rhodiola Rosea50mg/day50mg
Vitamin B122.4mcgs/day2.4mcg7.5mcg

* 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

women holding different 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

hand holding a oil capsule

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.