A great brain performance will definitely help college students to achieve a high academic performance.
And to have a great brain performance, sometimes you need additional help, like brain supplements.
In this post, you will learn the types of brain supplements that are useful for college students (especially medical students)
…and also a list of the most recommended products that you can buy online.
See also: Best Brain Supplements For Most People & Best Brain Training Apps
Quick Recommendation
| Neuro-Peak | Focus Plus | Clarity |
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| You want the most popular and highly-rated brain supplement on Amazon. | You want a cheaper nootropic but also widely popular and decent. | You want a decent brain supplement with a reasonable price. |
| 8.7 / 10 | 7.9 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
Types of Supplements
1. Huperzine A
Huperzine is basically made from a plant called Chinese club moss (1). The resultant supplement is a result of a lot of laboratory manipulations.
The supplement is used for Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive activities, memory and learning enhancement and age-related memory impairment.
Also, keeps us alert throughout the day and also and protects agents that damage the nerves such as nerve gases.
This supplement works by raising acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, sleep cycle regulation, and other brain functions (2).
Aricept, a popular drug to cure Alzheimer’s works the same way as this supplement does. It works as an antioxidant that protects brain cells and also oxidation from environmental toxins.
See also: Best Huperzine A Supplements
- Helps with brain’s cognitive function, keeps us alert and protects agents that damage the nerves such as nerve gas
- Natural herb made with least amount chemicals and safer than any other kind of drug available
- Protects the number, size, and function of cholinergic neurons
- Some people had problems such as vomiting, nausea, uneasiness etc
- Some consumers complained of not having any effects after taking the pill
2. Ginkgo
Considered to be one of the most used natural remedies on the world. It is considered so effective that people in Europe prescribe it as a medication.
The supplement is used to increase blood circulation to the brain, balances brain chemistry, and also provides protection against any radical brain damage (3).
A lot of money is spent annually on buying the Ginko supplements because of the benefits it accrues.
Ginko has been proven successful in releasing brain’s stress and also anxiety by lowering level of stress hormone cortisol.
People who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia, this supplement has shown some promise in improvements in those areas too (4).
Gingko Biloba is said to be the oldest plants to survive. The origin can be traced back to thousands of years.
Using ginkgo for asthma and bronchitis was described in 2600 BC (5).
Basically, this supplement increases the blood circulation to major parts of the body and helps them to function better generally.
Ginkgo seeds contain substances that might kill the bacteria and fungi that cause infections in the body. The seeds also contain a toxin that can cause side effects like seizure and loss of consciousness.
See also: Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplements
- One of the most used remedies in the world
- Balances brain chemistry and also provides protection against any radical brain damage
- Increases blood circulation to major parts of the body
- Helps to cure Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Some of the recent studies have found out that gingko does not have the kind of brain benefits it promises
3. DHA (Omega-3)
This is said to be a compulsory brain supplement if you are looking for superior brain performance. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid.
Hundreds of diseases are spread because of deficiency of Omega-3.
There are different kinds of Omega-3. But DHA is the most important amongst all (6). The cerebral cortex is that part of the brain where higher level functionary occurs.
DHA is a major source of power to the cerebral cortex. DHA also plays an important part in brain cell communication.
Some of the things that are said to be improved with supplementation of DHA are memory loss, Alzheimer’s, mood swings, dementia and even depression.
Senior citizens with high chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia can consume this to prevent it to increase or from happening.
See also: Best Fish Oil (DHA) Supplements
- Most essential supplement for superior brain performance
- Major powerhouse supplier to the cerebral cortex
- Reduces the chances of diseases such as memory loss, Alzheimer’s, mood swings, dementia and even depression
- Normal complaints of lack of effects
4. Acetyl-L-Carnitine
This supplement not only improves mental strength but also physical strength along with it. ALCAR is basically an amino acid and acts as an anti-oxidant (7).
It essentially protects the brain from any sort of radical damage. It also increases the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, both of which play a role in depression (8).
In fact, acetyl-l-carnitine is a fast-acting antidepressant that usually brings some relief within a week.
In a lot of people, Alzheimer’s is caused because of the brain-tangling. Acetyl-l-carnitine stabilizes tau proteins which produce the brain tangles.
This reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s in a lot of people.
There is also substantial evidence that it prevents brain damage caused due to excess alcohol intake in the body.
See also: Best Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements
- Acts as antioxidant that prevents brain damage
- Prevents depression by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine
- Prevents brain-tangling that causes Alzheimer’s
- Prevents brain damage caused due to excess alcohol intake
- Few side effects of the supplement can be upset tummy, fish body odor or restlessness in the body
- People having low thyroid should avoid it
5. Vinpocetine
This supplement is based on the extracts found in vincamine, the chemical found in periwinkle. It is considered a relatively new drug that blurs the line between smart drug and brain supplement (9).
This flowering vine has been used to treat headaches, vertigo, and memory loss. Major advantages include improving memory, overcoming brain fog, enhances mental clarity and improves overall mental health.
It works by increasing blood flow to the brain by quickly entering it. It reduces brain inflammation, works against radical damages caused and also balances neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
It is a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s as it decreases brain aging and degeneration.
Vinpocetine is also used for preventing and reducing the chance of disability and death from ischemic stroke.
This is the type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot stops blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells (neurons) to die because they are not receiving oxygen.
See also: Best Vinpocetine Supplements
- Treats headaches, vertigo, and memory loss
- Major advantages include improving memory, overcoming brain fog, enhances mental clarity and improves overall mental health
- Increases blood flow to the brain and also the potential cure for Alzheimer’s
- Reduces the chances of disability from ischemic stroke
- Minor side effects might include digestive upset, insomnia, headache, dizziness, nervousness, skin rash, and flushing
- Some of the people have asked to take this off shelves as they say that it should be considered as a drug, and not supplement
6. Bacopa
Also known as the traditional ayurvedic herbal remedy. It is used as a brain tonic and for memory improvement, concentration, and learning (10).
This supplement is used since last 3000 years (11).
This works by increasing cerebral blood flow to the brain. This helps the brain get more oxygen, glucose, and nutrients to the brain.
Only some of the supplement contains adaptogenic. Adaptogenic have this ability to calm a stressed mind and also increase energy flow without acting as a stimulant.
If natural cognitive enhancing supplement your choice, then bacopa should be on the top of your mind.
See also: Best Bacopa Monnieri Supplements
- Used as a brain tonic for the overall natural wellbeing of the brain
- Improves memory improvement, concentration, and learning
- Contains adaptogenic that calms a stressed mind and increases energy level
- Some people have side effects such as dry mouth and digestive upset. This can be avoided if taken with meals
- Bacopa should not be combined with antihistamines, antidepressants, glaucoma medications, drugs taken for Alzheimer’s, or thyroid hormones
7. Alpha GPC
Synthetic form of choline. This supplement essentially comes handy for brain development, brain nourishment, healthy brain cells and also neurotransmitter formation.
It is like a fuel for brain chemical for learning and energy (12).
Alpha GPC also increases levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the neurotransmitter associated with relaxation.
This supplement enhances attention span and also reduces mental declining capacity that is natural in humans.
A typical dose of alpha GPC is 300 to 600 mg.
See also: Best Alpha GPC Supplements
- It helps in brain development, brain nourishment, and also neurotransmitter formation
- It helps in relaxation and increases alertness
- Increases attention span too
- As all the supplements, bare minimum side effects include a headache, insomnia, dizziness, mental confusion, heartburn, and skin rash
- Stay away if you have an allergy from eggs or soy
8. Phosphatidylserine
This is a phospholipid naturally found in high concentrations in the brain. This is a supplement used for improving cognitive activities, enhancing memory, concentration and also learning power (13).
There are some invaders such as toxins, pathogens, and other unwanted particles that degenerate your brain capacity.
Supplement supports brain integrity and also keeps such invaders at bay.
Some of the other merits of the supplement include improving thinking skills in young people, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, preventing exercise-induced stress, and improving athletic performance (14).
General dose suggested for the supplement is 100 mg taken twice a day.
See also: Best Phosphatidylserine Supplements
- Improves cognitive activity and also helps the brain perform better overall
- It improves concentration, learning power, reduces anxiety and depression, and also enhances athletic performance
- If consumed in high dosage, it might lead to digestive issues and insomnia
- The supplement is made from soy and cabbage, if you are allergic to any of those, avoid the supplement
9. Citicoline
Considered to be one of the best brain boosters available in the market, this supplement helps to build healthy brain cell membrane.
It basically acts as a power house for the brain (15). It improves brain’s plasticity (brain’s ability to change throughout life), increases blood flow to the brain and also increases brain energy by firing up mitochondria (16) (17).
Other benefits include reducing the harmful effects and inflammation that causes brain damaging and raises levels of acetylcholine and dopamine.
The lower level of Citicoline may cause disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and also multiple sclerosis.
One interesting fact is that any medicine that starts with ‘anti’ is said to affect your acetylcholine level. These includes antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antispasmodics, and antihypertensives.
A dose of 250mg to 1000mg taken twice a day is generally recommended in this case.
See also: Best Citicoline Supplements
- The supplement helps to build healthy brain cell membrane
- It improves brain’s plasticity (brain’s ability to change throughout life), increases blood flow to the brain and also increases brain energy by firing up mitochondria
- Reduces the harmful effects and inflammation that causes brain damaging and raises levels of acetylcholine and dopamine
- Some minor side effects like insomnia, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and nausea
10. Curcumin
The bioactive compound that is responsible for turmeric’s golden color and all the health benefits it possesses (18).
Advantages of the supplement include increasing a level of dopamine and serotonin (happiness chemical of a brain), acts as an anti-depressant, and also does the crucial work of increasing blood flow to the brain (19).
It decreases all the effects associated with OCD. Also, people consuming it regularly have shown drastic improvement in memory, mood, and energy and stress reduction.
Curcumin also accrues benefits such as anti-cancer effects. But this is independent of its anti-inflammatory effects.
This makes this supplement heavily researched supplement for cancer treatment and research.
See also: Best Curcumin Supplements
- Increases level of dopamine and serotonin (happiness chemical of a brain), acts as an anti-depressant and also does the crucial work of increasing blood flow to the brain
- Decreases all the effects associated with OCD
- Also, have anti-cancer effects
- High doses can cause nausea and diarrhea
Recommended Supplement Products
1. Zhou Neuro-Peak
This premium and effective formula was combined by mixing each ingredient in the correct proportion to support brain memory, focus, and clarity.
This supplement is also known as a natural “Nootropic.” It is specially formulated to increase the brain supply to brain cells, neurons, and the entire brain.
Another distinctive material that is used in Neuro-park is Rhodiola. This works exceptionally well with other ingredients and helps re-energize the mind that helps in cognition activity and helps to focus better.
This supplement is basically manufactured to keep us agile and awake throughout the day. Bacosides are natural chemical compounds found in Bacopin.
These compounds are believed to support Kinase, the protein in the body that replaces worn-out neurons with new ones.
Zhou Neuro-Peak promises to act as a single operative pill to do the work of several others. No need to keep different bottles for different requirements.
- Revitalizes your brain
- Increases the supply of oxygen to the brain
- The presence of Rhodiola makes it work as a single pill to cover all the brain requirements
- Mixed reviews on online websites
- Some claimed that the effect reduced as the day progressed
- Might prove to be expensive to some
2. Excelerol Focus Plus
This pledges to be the maximum strength brain health supplement. It is designed with high potent ingredients and high potency extracts so that you don’t have to take any other supplements except this.
It mainly focusses on the parts of the brain that deals with memory focus. Increasing cognitive activity, focus, and concentration, it alerts your brain to help you work better and in an efficient manner.
There is some good news for the vegetarians too. This nutrient is complete gluten free, gelatin free and made completely using vegan capsules in the US.
This should be basically consumed by the people who face the lack of concentration, low energy, bad memory, exam fear etc.
They even have a money back guarantee at a place. If these supplements that are clinically tested fails to impress you, you can contact the company and get the money refunded.
They even claim that this can be consumed without a prescription too.
- Helps intensively to increase brain focus
- Alerts your brain and keeps it awake
- Made with vegan capsules and absolutely gluten and gelatin free
- Mixed reviews
- A number of benefits offered at a low price could make the consumer doubt the quality
3. Neovicta Clarity
It seamlessly combines all earth grown dominant ingredients for faster and tangible results. Ingredients are carefully handled and combined in a way that would increase the overall cognitive health and performance.
It assures to give the kind of mental simulation that one gets from tea, coffee or any other artificial supplements available in the market.
This supplement leads to an increase in the mental drive, a sharper focus and a clearer thinking after consuming it.
It is completely made with natural ingredients, no fillers, and no binders. No artificial ingredients are used in the manufacturing process of this powerful and incredible brain supplement.
The supplement is produced with clinically tested ingredients under high supervision with state-of-the-art facilities and the best manufacturing amenities.
If you are not satisfied with the product, you can send the empty bottle to Amazon and get a full refund within 30 days.
- Promises mental stimulation and alertness
- Money back guarantee within 30 days
- Made with 100 percent naturally grown ingredients
- Reasonable price and good reviews by consumers overall
- The absence of Vitamin B12 is a major setback
- Omega-3 that works for most of the human brains is also not present
4. Focus Factor
This supplement consists of patent protected ingredients that support the memory, concentration, and focus of the brain.
Focus factor contains beneficial natural beta-carotene such as that found in raw vegetables. This is important because natural beta-carotene provides a whole family of carotenoids to the body.
Natural vitamin E, derived from the soybean, is included in the formula and not the cheaper synthetic version which is harmful.
There are approximately 6 different types of vitamin C in the focus factor. Also present are the sources of magnesium from malate, citrate, and taurine.
Along with the long list of ingredients, there is proprietary neuro-booster present mainly to improve focus.
It promises a list of things to the consumers like:
- Improvement in the brain function
- Increment of the brain memory
- Increased attention length
- Making brain connections sturdy
- Helps in improving overall brain function
- Available at a reasonable rate
- Uniqueness is maintained as some of the ingredients used to manufacture the supplement are patented
- Mixed reviews
- Some consumers after consumption found no value addition to them
- Some took the prescription mentioned on the box and observed some behavioral changes
5. BioScience Nutrition Brain Boost
This supplement is said to be a perfect solution for college users, busy moms, and citizens over the age of 50.
It helps them to think faster, clearer and sharper.
It tends to remove the clouding over the brain and helps us to think without any confusion and complete clarity.
It promises to make the user anxiety free, stress-free, promotes good mood and clear thinking. The presence of Dimethylethanolamine supports learning by promoting the production of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.
Here are the list of other ingredients used and their potential benefits:
- CHOLINE – Important macronutrient to support cognitive functioning
- INOSITOL – A valuable natural remedy to calm anxiety and panic attacks
- N-ACETYL L-TYROSENE – Supports mood
- GRAPE AND GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT – Contains the polyphenolsPterostilbene and Resveratrol for cognitive enhancement
- HUPERZINE-A – Supports nerve health, memory, learning and alertness
- GRAPE SEED EXTRACT – Boosts cerebral oxygen flow
- N-ACETYL L-TYROSENE – Supports mood
- Promises superior level of brain enhancement
- Helps the consumers to think clearly and makes them anxiety free
- Absolutely gluten, gelatin, dairy, GMO, and preservative free
- Made with FDA and GMP certified facility and under strict manufacturing guidance
- Some people suggested that it did not suit their body (it gave them headaches, made them feel sluggish and tiresome)
- Non-refundable
6. Natures Design Mind & Memory Matrix
The following supplement is herbal rich and helps in providing an immense amount of focus, memory improvement, and overall performance to the brain.
It improves the focus and attention of the mind by the presence of green tea, DMAE Bitartrate, and Bacopa in it.
These ingredients help in releasing stress and anxiety and also promote an overall mental stability of the brain.
As suggested by the name, only natural ingredients are used for an enhanced performance and giving our consumers complete value for their money.
Some of the natural ingredients used in this beneficial supplement are Bilberry fruit, Gaba, Bacopa Monniera extracts and Olive leaf.
It is manufactured under strict guidelines and is clinically tested in scientific laboratories to keep a strict vigil on all the products made.
It assures a 100% money refund if the user is not contented with the product.
- Herbal rich and made from all the natural ingredients
- Capsule helps in releasing stress and improves mental stability
- 100% refundable policy if not satisfied with the product
- Reasonable rate in comparison to its competitors
- Some people complained about having no effect of the supplement on their brain
7. Absorb Health Magnesium Threonate
Magnesium threonate is said to dramatically improve a brain’s memory. It enhances and develops all its varied cognitive functions.
L-Magnesium threonate is the only kind of magnesium which is easily absorbed into the brain cells.
It is the most absorbable form of memory nootropic and is manufactured under GMP-compliant facilities.
Most importantly, Magnesium Threonate can cross the blood-brain barrier, which allows it to have positive effects on the cognitive properties of the mind.
One animal study with Magnesium Threonate showed an 18% improvement in the short-term memory and a 100% improvement in the long-term memory (Slutsky, 2010).
Magnesium Threonate also improves and boosts anxiety responses (Abumaria, 2011).
- Dramatically improves memory and keeps the brain alert throughout the day
- The presence of most absorbable form of magnesium in the brain makes it different and superior from other supplements present in the market
- Has the ability to cross blood barriers which have a massive impact on the cognition aspect
- Some of the consumers had various problems while consuming it
- Some suffered from ‘black curtain syndrome’ and others complained of headaches and dizziness the next day they consumed it
- Slightly expensive than its competitors.
8. OptiMind Unleash Your Mind
OptiMind was mainly designed keeping in mind the enhancement of an individual’s focus, energy, and attention.
It has divided the effects of it on the basis of long term and short term effects. It is designed in such a way that 40% of the formula is utilized for short-term effects and 60% of it is utilized for long term effects.
The supplement pledges to have combined all the ingredients of superior quality under clinically tested labs to provide the best nootropic solutions possible.
One striking feature about the supplement is its exorbitant amount of price it is offered at. Other competitors are offering the benefits at a much lower cost and the reviews of the supplements are in extremes according to the price and quality promised.
- Use of superior quality ingredients to enhance cognitive functions of the brain
- Covers both long term and short term benefits of the brain
- Increases brain focus and mental attention
- Price extremely high in comparison to the substitutes available in the market
- Reviews are either very good or very bad. It is in complete extremes
- Some people complained of fatigue, restlessness and also had no effects on what it promised
9. Bradeson Naturals Brain Booster
Brain booster is a natural nootropic dietary pill intended to improve an overall brain health and memory in an individual.
It helps one to stay calmer, focused and immensely productive throughout the day.
The supplement is a unique combination of Dimethylaminoethanol and L-pyroglumatic acid. Such a powerful mixture results in an enhanced memory, better focus, mental sharpness, higher cognitive ability, physical energy, and improved mood.
In addition to the above ingredients, it contains vitamin B complex ND Iron. Vitamin B helps the nervous system to function properly and effectively.
The iron present successfully enriches the nervous system operations of the body.
These pills are made naturally without using any gelatin, gluten, dairy ingredients etc. It contains no traces of GMO.
Brain Booster pills are GMP certified too. They are made under a proper supervision with FDA approved facilities.
If the consumers are not happy with the supplement, they can even request for their money back.
- Supports memory, concentration, and mental clarity
- Free of antibiotics, hormones & fillers (completely suitable for vegetarians and people allergic to gluten and gelatin)
- If not satisfied, a 100% money-back is guaranteed
- Usual complaints of some of the consumers of not having any effects on the mind
10. Demivolve Brain Enhancing Supplement
It strategically combines 8 ingredients and herb extracts that have been used for many years to tackle depression and brain function issues.
The combination of all these ingredients have excellent transformative properties that help in increasing focus, mental attention, concentration and even confidence in an individual.
The mixture is naturally formed without any usage of dairy products, gelatin, and gluten. The supplement is GMO-free too.
Demivolve Brain Enhancing Supplement promises to help tap the inner most potential of your brain. It helps in achieving brain greatness and allows the mind to be mentally alert and agile throughout.
- Naturally, herb made
- Helps to combat depression
- Enhances brain function and some cognitive properties
- Improves mental attention, focus, confidence, and alertness
- Exceptional customer reviews available online
- Expensive in its category
Should I Buy These Supplements? Read The Answer Below!
Honestly, if you have a good diet that consist of vegetables, meats, eggs, fish, and fruits, you don’t need any supplement.
But, yes, most students (especially college students) don’t eat healthy, let alone exercise, that’s why they’re lacking the nutrition for their brain.
Some people feel the benefits of additional brain supplements while others don’t.
It’s because different people eat different things and live different lifestyles.
If you think you’re not living a healthy lifestyle (which most college students are), an additional supplement might help.
And if you already taking one, you can share your own personal experience by writing a review below at the comment section.
Gabriella says
Ginkgo extracts seems to be the most popular in my region and it’s very effective. My learning ability has improved since I started taking Gingko. You know how important speed learning is to a class of over 2000 students.
Reza says
Thanks for sharing your experience, Gabriella!
John Collison says
Thanks Team for Sharing such useful info here. I am a daily follower of your website. I love to read such a blogs which helps me to maintain my brain health.
Reza says
Thank you for being a regular visitor!