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One of the original nootropic stacks, backed by two small company-funded studies. Proprietary blends hide doses of everything interesting. The Joe Rogan premium is real.
Alpha Brain gets credit for having published research -- something most nootropics cannot claim. However, the studies are company-funded, small, and show modest effects. The 12-point hype penalty reflects the gap between celebrity endorsement marketing (Joe Rogan) and the actual evidence base. Proprietary blends are the major red flag -- if the doses were effective, why hide them?
Alpha Brain has two published clinical trials, both funded by Onnit. A 2016 randomized controlled trial (n=63) showed modest improvements in verbal recall and executive function versus placebo. A 2015 pilot study (n=17) showed improved processing speed. While having any clinical trials puts Alpha Brain ahead of most nootropics, the studies are small, company-funded, and the effect sizes are modest. The proprietary blend format means the doses of key ingredients (Alpha-GPC, Huperzine A, L-Theanine) are unknown.
| Ingredient | Dose | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Onnit Flow Blend (L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat Straw Extract, Phosphatidylserine) | 650mg total (proprietary) | Unknown |
| Cat's Claw Extract (AC-11) | 350mg | Adequate |
| Onnit Focus Blend (Alpha-GPC, Bacopa, Huperzine A) | 240mg total (proprietary) | Unknown |
| Onnit Fuel Blend (L-Leucine, Pterostilbene) | 60mg total (proprietary) | Unknown |
Why the true cost is higher
This product has 0 underdosed and 3 unknown-dose ingredients. To actually get clinically effective doses, you would need approximately 3 servings per day -- making your real cost $5.34 per effective dose instead of the listed $1.78.
Save $142.80/month (89%)
by switching to Jarrow Formulas SAMe 400mg
Proprietary blends hide all individual ingredient doses. Company-funded studies with small sample sizes. Premium pricing driven by celebrity endorsement. Key ingredient doses are likely sub-clinical based on total blend weight analysis. $1.78/serving for an unverifiable formula.
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