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Top 10 Best Nootropics
- Double Wood Alpha-GPC (Editor’s Choice)
- X Gold Health Alpha GPC (Luxury Choice)
- Addrena Nootrostim (Best Value)
- Just Floow Genius Mind (Best Vegan and Gluten-Free)
- Nutribioticals Optineuro
- WeightWorld Brain Complex
- Brainzyme Focus Pro
- Nutravita Cognitive Complex Pro
- Motion Nutrition Day Time Power Up
- NuPeak Pro Premium
Taking nootropic supplements can provide you with a series of cognitive benefits to help get you and your brain firing on all cylinders. These brain supplements are known for improving mental processing speed, enhancing memory, boosting energy levels, and encouraging more focus overall. Nootropic supplements have been compared to smart drugs like Adderall and Ritalin but come with fewer negative side effects and do not require a medical diagnosis or a prescription.
This article explores and compares what we have found to be the best nootropics in the UK to help you find the right supplement for your specific needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions. We also attached a helpful buyer’s guide near the end that discusses what nootropics are and touches on their benefits and side effects, so you know what you are getting into.
How We Compared Nootropics
To find the right nootropics we considered multiple factors, including:
- Ingredients
- Efficacy
- Dietary restrictions
- Side effects
- Quantity
As connoisseurs of all-things-fitness, we researched and compared products that would fulfil any sort of needs. After consulting reviews from customers and exploring hundreds of options according to our comparison criteria, we put together the following list.
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Best Nootropic Supplements Reviewed – Our Top Picks
Double Wood Alpha-GPC (Editor’s Choice)
Double Wood Alpha-GPC nootropic supplements make a great all-around choice. They are known for supporting cognitive ability and promoting alpha brain waves, and they are a great option if you are looking to enhance your strength training routine.
Double Wood Alpha-GPC is made and safety tested in the USA, so you can expect a certain level of quality. They support healthy choline levels for a clear, level mind. The formula increases blood flow and brain circulation for improved motivation, mental clarity, and a boost of mind and body energy that can help you conquer a variety of tasks throughout your day.
These nootropics can also help improve your memory retention and your overall focus. With each bottle, you get 30 capsules for a full 15 day supply of supplements. Whether you are looking to level up your workouts, work harder, or study smarter, Alpha-GPC supplements by Double Wood could seriously help.
While these nootropics are great for supplementing strength training and improving focus, you should know that they do contain soy and gelatin, so they are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. They also come in a relatively smaller quantity, but this can be seen as a benefit if you just want to try out nootropics for the first time.
Pros:
- Good for use with strength training
- Improves mental clarity and performance
- Boosts energy levels
- Supports choline levels
- Made and safety tested in the USA
Cons:
- Contain soy
- Not vegetarian
- Only a 15 day supply per bottle
X Gold Health Alpha GPC (Luxury Choice)
If you are looking for a naturally-sourced, highly bioavailable nootropic supplement, X Gold Health Alpha GPC could make an excellent choice. It is proudly made in the USA and gives you advanced choline support for optimal cognitive functioning and enhanced mental acuity.
X Gold Health makes its supplements with the highest quality ingredients available on the market. This nootropic comes with 120 capsules in a single bottle and is seen as a great way to boost athletic performance, increase focus and improve your attention span as a whole.
This nootropic formula was designed to provide you with both instant and long term beneficial results so you can take them consistently without building a tolerance too rapidly. Anyone with dietary restrictions is conveniently allergen-free, non-GMO, and free of any animal by-products, making them completely vegan and vegetarian.
This formula is great for people new to nootropic supplements, but it may not be potent enough for some people’s preference, and it may cause headaches in a small number of people. In addition, it has a large daily serving size of 4 capsules per day, so don’t be fooled by the larger quantity per bottle; you still only get a 30 day supply.
Pros:
- Allergen-free and no animal by-products
- Promotes focused energy
- Naturally sourced ingredients
- 120 capsules per bottle
- Boosts athletic performance
Cons:
- Could rarely cause headaches
- Larger four pill dose per day
- It could be too subtle for some people
Addrena Nootrostim (Best Value)
Our top value pick for the best nootropic supplement is Addrena Nootrostim. These easy to swallow capsules boost brain energy and physical performance gently and effectively.
Each jar of Nootrostim contains 60 capsules, and it has a recommended dosage of 1 to 3 capsules per day, depending on your specific reaction and tolerance. Each capsule is packed with lots of vitamins and nootropics for brain health, such as Huperzine, ALCAR, Choline, and Phenylalanine. Huperzine is a supplement used with patients who have dementia and Alzheimer’s to help minimise memory loss and improve brain function and memory retention. Since not many other nootropics contain this ingredient, it sets this product apart.
These capsules also contain caffeine and a variety of other stimulants for physical and mental energy. Whether you are looking to improve body and brain energy or prevent cognitive decline, this nootropic supplement has got you covered. You don’t need to worry about dietary restrictions either because Nootrostim is also vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free.
Be aware that this nootropic supplement could upset some people’s stomachs and cause headaches, but this is uncommon. In addition, it may not be as effective if you take nootropic supplements or other stimulants regularly, but it is still an excellent choice for beginner use.
Pros:
- Easy to swallow
- 60 capsules per jar
- Vegetarian and gluten-free
- Boosts brain energy
- Sugar, soy, and dairy-free
Cons:
- It may not be easy on everyone’s stomach
- It could be less potent
- It might give some people headaches
Just Floow Genius Mind (Best Vegan and Gluten-Free)
If you are vegan and/or gluten-free, JustFloow Genius Mind can accommodate your diet easily. This nootropic supplement is proudly made in the UK from high-quality ingredients to help improve focus and concentration throughout your day.
Genius Mind is JustFloow’s extra-strength formula. It is great for regular users, and each jar holds 60 capsules. This special formula contains 17 long term brain health nootropic ingredients that work together to improve cognitive performance and mental abilities.
Just one capsule of these nootropic supplements is packed with 120 mg of Gingko Biloba, 100 mg of Phosphatidylcholine, and 100 mg of L-Tyrosine, giving it its extra strength potential. They also have Bacopa Monnieri, natural caffeine, Vitamin B12, and zinc for enhanced brain activity. All of the ingredients promise to be hormone-free and come from non-GMO sources.
Genius Mind supplements have been known to occasionally cause brain fog in some people, and it is not known for smelling or tasting great. You may also find that you build a tolerance to this recipe somewhat quickly, but intermittently taking days off can help to combat this quite well.
Pros:
- Improves cognitive performance and mental agility
- Extra strength formula
- 17 brain-boosting nootropic ingredients
- Vegan, Non GMO, and gluten free
- Made in the UK
Cons:
- It doesn’t smell or taste the best
- It could cause brain fog for some
- You might develop a tolerance quickly
Nutribioticals Optineuro
Another great option on our best nootropic supplements list is Nutribioticals Optineuro. All Nutribioticals UK products are produced in the UK, so you can rest assured they follow strict government guidelines regarding quality and manufacturing practices. This option makes a good choice for anyone new to taking nootropic supplements.
Nutribioticals Optineuro nootropic supplements include iron, iodine, and zinc in their composition for improved cognitive function. They also have B Vitamins, amino acids, and pantothenic acid, which have been scientifically proven to improve mental clarity and overall performance.
In addition to the vitamins and brain fuel in this supplement, they also contain 110 mg of caffeine per serving to help get you firing on all cylinders in almost no time. Each bottle of this nootropic supplement comes with sixty capsules, and they recommend you take two capsules per day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. While the capsules are vegetarian, they are not vegan.
Optineuro is great for all the reasons we discussed above. Still, you should know that it is not the most potent nootropic recipe available, so it may not be the best option for the experienced nootropic supplement user. Also, it might have too much caffeine for some people who are more sensitive to its effects.
Pros:
- Improved cognitive function
- B Vitamins and amino acids
- Vegetarian capsules
- Pantothenic acid for mental clarity
- 90 capsules per jar
Cons:
- Not vegan
- High caffeine level
- Not the most potent
WeightWorld Brain Complex
WeightWorld Brain Complex natural nootropics are good if you are looking for a high strength product that you can buy in bulk. Each jar has 180 capsules giving you a complete 6-month supply, and to top it off, they are proudly made in the UK.
Brain Complex is made completely out of natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial additives. There are 15 active ingredients in each serving that provide you with a well-rounded formula designed to promote mental energy. They have DHA for maintaining normal brain function, Vitamin C for cognitive functions, and riboflavin for the nervous system.
These natural nootropics also come packed with L-Theanine, B complex, and amino acids that work as food for your brain cells. To more directly target your overall energy level, that also have Ginkgo Biloba and caffeine. Each serving is non-GMO, allergen-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
While we love these natural nootropics, they could be harder on some people’s digestive systems and don’t have the best flavour. Lastly, they may not be the best choice for you if you are just looking to try nootropic supplements out and are not ready to commit to a larger supply.
Pros:
- Vegan and allergen-free
- No artificial ingredients
- High strength formula
- Promotes overall brain health
- 15 active ingredients per serving
Cons:
- You have to commit to a larger supply
- It might not taste the best
- It could be tougher to digest for some people
Brainzyme Focus Pro
As the name suggests, Brainzyme Focus Pro aims to maintain and enhance healthy brain functioning. It has a new and improved brain booster formula that brings you longer-lasting effects when it comes to brain activity.
This product has been recognised as one of the best nootropics available by Forbes, Time, and Nutraceutical Business Review. This is something no other nootropic supplement can brag about. It is made in the UK and provides you with 8 hours of consistent energy with each dose, possibly longer when taken consistently. Most people should start feeling the effects of the supplement within one hour of taking them.
Pro Focus contains 100% plant-powered stimulation to promote dopamine production and healthy brain firing. It contains ample amounts of choline, tyrosine, several natural caffeine ingredients, and 11 vitamins and minerals. Ideally, it will give you added focus, improved memory, a boost of energy, and enhanced concentration. We also love that it doesn’t really have any flavour.
Potential drawbacks for this product include it possibly having a shorter shelf life, and the larger design of the capsules could be difficult to swallow for some people. It also has the potential to somewhat dehydrate you, so make sure to drink lots of water when taking this nootropic supplement.
Pros:
- Reduces brain fatigue
- Reputable UK company
- New and improved formula
- 8 hours of energy
- 100% plant-powered
Cons:
- It could have a shorter shelf life
- May cause slight dehydration
- Larger capsules may be harder to swallow
Nutravita Cognitive Complex Pro
Cognitive Complex Pro nootropic supplements are manufactured, tested, and certified in the UK and come from the well recognised and trusted brand Nutravita. It has a super strength formula that helps keep your cognitive functions at their highest potential level, even when taken consistently.
Cognitive Complex Pro comes in a bottle with 180 vegan tablets. Considering the recommended daily dosage is two tablets, this gives you a three month supply. The tablets are also GMO-free, allergen-free, and do not contain any added synthetic binders or fillers.
Thanks to the specialised recipe of Cognitive Complex Pro, these nootropics are fast-absorbing to help you start feeling the effects as soon as possible. The formula contains pantothenic acid, iodine, zinc, magnesium, B6, and iron, all of which help improve focus, mental clarity, and your body and mind’s overall health.
While this nootropic supplement can help improve cognitive processes, you will have to commit to a larger supply. The tablets might also be a bit large if you have trouble swallowing pills. However, since they are in tablet form, Nutravita recommends crushing them and sprinkling them on food if you anticipate having issues swallowing them and you can stomach the flavour.
Pros:
- Reputable and trusted UK brand
- Allergen free formula
- 180 vegan tablets per bottle
- Super strength recipe
- It doesn’t contain synthetic binders or fillers
Cons:
- Larger tablets could be hard to swallow
- You have to commit to a larger supply
- It may not taste the best
Motion Nutrition Day Time Power Up
Nootropics are often seen as a way to supplement your caffeine intake, and in fact, most nootropics also contain caffeine, but not Motion Nutrition Day Time Power Up. Recognised as the smartest nootropic by Men’s Health in 2019
Day Time Power Up was developed by a group of the world’s leading neuroscientists. It contains 18 active ingredients, and there are 60 capsules giving you a recommended 30 day supply in each bottle. The capsules are both gluten-free and vegan, and they come in a recyclable glass jar.
Due to their lack of caffeine, this is a preferred nootropic supplement for professional athletes. It is also able to improve focus and brain functioning without any jittery side effects, as you may get with caffeine. This product is the Dat Time formula, but Motion Nutrition also makes their nootropic supplements in the nighttime and a pre-workout formula as well.
Regretfully, it is possible you could develop a tolerance to the formula faster than expected, and due to the lack of caffeine, the effects may seem more subtle to the experienced nootropic taker. These capsules could also be harder to swallow, thanks to the somewhat larger size of the tablets.
Pros:
- Caffeine-free formula
- Gluten-free and vegan capsules
- Smartest nootropic award in 2019
- Recyclable glass jar
- Developed by leading neuroscientists
Cons:
- It may be too subtle for some people
- You could develop tolerance faster than expected
- It could be harder to swallow
NuPeak Pro Premium
If you are looking for natural nootropics made from top-quality ingredients, NuPeak Pro Premium should be strongly considered. They have a formula that facilitates improved bioavailability and an increased absorption rate so your body can use and retain all of the potential benefits of the vitamins and minerals contained within.
NuPeak Pro Premium comes in a bottle with 90 vegetarian capsules that contain 15 active ingredients. The ingredients include but are not limited to Rhodiola Rosea, L-Theanine, guarana, Ginkgo Biloba, B6, Bacopa Monnier, zinc oxide and more. This formula aims to stimulate your brain cells and create a form of brain protection against cognitive decline.
NuPeak boasts that their Pro Premium nootropic supplement has a powerful formula that works to energise both your mind and your body alike. It promotes more alpha brain waves which are thought to be dominant when your mind is focused and your thoughts are flowing freely.
Be aware that there is a possibility some of the capsules could open up inside of the bottle during transit creating a chalky mess. Some people also find that the effects are too subtle for their liking, and you should know that they do contain a bulking agent, which some people prefer to avoid.
Pros:
- Promotes alpha brain waves
- 15 active ingredients
- Improved bioavailability and absorption rate
- Energises your mind and body
- Powerful formula
Cons:
- It contains a bulking agent
- Capsules could open during transit
- the effects could be too subtle for some people
Choosing the Best Nootropic Supplements: A Buyer’s Guide
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are dietary supplements that typically come in capsule or tablet form. They contain vitamins and minerals that promote brain health, brain functioning, cognitive abilities and boost your overall body and brain energy levels. Nootropics target your brain chemistry to increase blood flow and help you achieve peak performance in various areas of your life.
What to Look For in the Best Nootropics
Quality Ingredients
This is probably no surprise, but the best nootropics in the UK are made with top-quality ingredients. That is why we chose products for our list that use the best ingredients without sacrificing quality. Many nootropics also are made exclusively from natural ingredients, and considering they are thought of as a natural alternative to smart drugs, this only makes sense.
The actual combination of ingredients contained within a nootropic supplement varies from one product to the next as well. The best nootropics often contain but are not limited to ingredients like amino acid, B Vitamins, Bacopa Monnieri, and natural caffeine sources like Ginkgo Biloba, guarana, and green tea extract.
Quantity
When choosing the best product for your needs, you may also want to consider the number of pills that come in a single bottle. If you have some experience taking nootropic supplements and you know you want to continue taking them for a while, you may want to choose a supplement that comes as a 3-month supply. Adversely, if you are new to nootropics, you may want to choose a product that comes with fewer pills until you know your body will react in a favourable manner.
Dietary Restrictions
We think the best nootropics will also cater to specific dietary restrictions and allergies. If you have food allergies or are vegan or vegetarian, pay special attention when choosing your nootropic supplement. Many of the capsules contain gelatin and other allergens like gluten and soy.
Benefits of Taking Nootropic Supplements
After reading through most of this article, you are probably pretty aware that nootropic supplements can pose a series of potential benefits. Not only can they reduce mental fatigue and anxiety, but they can also improve quite a few things.
Nootropics can improve:
- Memory
- Motivation
- Focus
- Cognitive and mental performance
- Mental acuity
- Brain and body energy levels
- Attention span
- Results from strength training
What Are the Negative Side Effects Associated with Nootropics?
Like the ones on our list, the best nootropics made from quality ingredients don’t typically cause many potential negative side effects; however, everyone’s body reacts differently to medicines and dietary supplements. Also, as with any kind of stimulant, potential side effects exist, and we think it is best you have a basic understanding of them before you decide to start taking nootropics regularly. We don’t pretend to offer any actual medical advice, though, so to be safe, you should probably consult your physician as well.
Possible nootropic negative side effects include:
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Sleep issues
- Upset stomach
- Vision issues
- Headaches
- Increased anxiety
- Brain fog
The Right Nootropics for You
Which one of the fantastic options on our best nootropics UK list do you think you want to try?
Our number one favourite nootropic supplement is Alpha-GPC by Double Wood. It improves mental clarity and performance, boosts energy levels, supports choline levels, and is a great choice for use with strength training routines. It is also made and safety tested in the USA, so you can count on its quality standards.
The only potential cons for this product include it containing soy, not being vegetarian or vegan, and coming with only a 15 day supply in each bottle. If these sound like they could be issues for you, that’s okay; there are plenty of other great options on our list to choose from. Simply pick the one that caters to your specific needs and preferences the best.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
