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The Best Brain Pill Review: Is This the Pill for Ultimate Brain Power?

The Best Brain Pill Review: Is This the Pill for Ultimate Brain Power?

By Kire Stojkovski M.D
Editor Jonathan Hoarau Published 19 November 2021
Time to read 16 min

For most of human history, people depended on big muscles to survive and prosper. In the modern age, success depends more on brain strength than arm strength. Mental clarity and stamina are at a premium.

Luckily, smart drugs are coming to the rescue. Supplements like Brain Pill can help your brain keep running at peak efficiency, so you never run out of gas. Check out our in-depth Brain Pill review to find out more.

Brain Pill First Look:
What We Like

  • Scientifically-backed ingredients.
  • Discounts with larger orders.
  • 60-day money-back guarantee.
  • Antioxidants support a healthy brain long-term.
  • Improves focus and motivation.

What We Don’t Like

  • Free shipping only on larger orders.
  • Some ingredients lack strong evidence for their effects.

Deals Available

  • Discounts on larger orders.

Bottom Line

Brain Pill is pretty upfront that it may take a month or two before you feel the effects. The delay is due to the supplement’s focus on overall brain health. It’s stocked up with healthy nutrients and resources your brain needs to function well.

See for yourself if Brain Pill can clear away mental fog. Check out the product here.

What Are Brain Pill Nootropics?

Nootropics are smart drugs, substances that can improve cognitive functions. While some nootropics are powerful prescription drugs, Brain Pill is a supplement. Brain Pill helps by offering a complex of natural ingredients that may make your brain function more efficiently.

In the long run, it may also be able to help prevent some age-related cognitive decline and mental health issues, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

How Does Brain Pill Work?

Brain Pill works by combining a number of different ingredients in a single pill. Each of those ingredients has been associated with some benefit to mental performance.

The benefits of most nootropic supplement ingredients tend to fall into two broad categories. First are those that improve brain health generally, by supplying important materials for maintaining brain cells or lowering blood pressure.

Other ingredients work to lift brain fog and reinvigorate thinking more directly. They have an effect on the brain’s reward system, which motivates your brain to tackle problems. In fact, Nootropics for motivation are the best way to help your brain process information and work better [1].

Who Makes Brain Pill?

Brain Pill is made by the Canadian company Leading Edge Health Inc. They make a wide range of different supplements aimed at addressing aging, sexual health, and general health.

Where Is Brain Pill Made?

According to Brain Pill’s website, while its parent company is in Canada, the product is made in a factory in the U.S.

What Are the Ingredients in Brain Pill?

This product is made up mostly of natural ingredients. Each one is included based on clinical research that associates it with some benefit to cognition and the autonomic nervous system. Brain Pill’s ingredients are:

  1. Citicoline.
  2. Tyrosine.
  3. Phosphatidylserine.
  4. Vitamin B12.
  5. L-Theanine.
  6. Vitamin B6.
  7. Vitamin B5.
  8. Bacopa monnieri.
  9. Huperzine-A.
  10. Vitamin B9.
  11. Vinpocetine.
  12. Ginkgo biloba.
  13. DHA complex.

That research doesn’t claim these ingredients are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Instead, it shows that people who ingested the ingredients performed better on certain mental exercises.

While the product itself is not tested or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), each of the ingredients has been proven safe through FDA-approved research, with a single exception.

Citicoline

Citicoline is a common ingredient in nootropic supplements under the brand name Cognozin. Citicoline is a naturally occurring substance that gets turned into several important neurotransmitters in the brain. In particular, it increases acetylcholine neurotransmitter production for a neuroprotective effect.

It’s thought that, as a result, it can improve some cognitive functions and mental clarity [2].

brain pill review Citicoline improving memory in older healthy adults through a feature match test
Citicoline significantly improved the score during a feature match test compared to the placebo
Source: https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/151/8/2153/6274469#284065208

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a conditionally essential amino acid. It’s another popular ingredient for brain supplements, as it serves as the basis for dopamine, which is critical to the reward/motivation association we mentioned.

In some ways, tyrosine can be thought of as brain food that can help clear away brain fog. It may also help relieve the effects of stress [3].

Phosphatidylserine

This natural substance is one type of phospholipid, important compounds that make up the membranes of brain cells. Additionally, it’s considered an antioxidant that removes harmful free radicals that damage cells in a way that accumulates over time [4].

Vitamin B12

Your body needs vitamin B12 for a whole bunch of reasons. It’s important for a healthy brain as it keeps nerve cells functioning [5].

L-Theanine

A common ingredient in tea, L-theanine is another amino acid. It may not be a direct brain booster, however, evidence shows that it can help calm the brain’s functions while not making you drowsy [6].

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is important in creating neurotransmitters and regulating energy use in the brain. It’s also needed for over 100 different types of reactions in the body. As a result, it’s a requirement for brain nutrition and general good health [7].

Vitamin B5

Also called pantothenic acid, B5 is part of the process which provides energy to your body’s cells. Like the other B vitamins included in Brain Pill, your brain needs a certain amount to work well. If you’re not getting enough, it can lead to reduced mental stamina [8].

Bacopa Monnieri

A herb traditionally used in India to improve focus, bacopa monnieri is a common ingredient in nootropics for memory. It’s most often cited as staving off cognitive decline, with several studies testing its effects on Alzheimer’s patients [9].

brain pill review How Bacopa Monnieri can improve memory
The Bacopa group saw an increase in scores whereas the placebo experienced a decline
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075615/

Huperzine A

Like many other nootropic ingredients, the effects of huperzine A are usually tested on people who have mental deficits of some sort, usually dementia, Alzheimer’s, and similar conditions. For those folks, it seems to boost mental performance and improve focus.

Whether it will have the same effect on cognitive ability in healthy brains is less well established [10].

Vitamin B9

Also known as folic acid, vitamin B9 is pretty vital to overall good health. It’s an important part of making new cells, so is useful for pregnant women, and can also help prevent heart disorders. Like other types of vitamin B, lowered amounts can negatively impact cognition [11].

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is the exception we mentioned above. It’s actually a synthetic chemical derived from a type of periwinkle plant. Its primary benefit seems to be increasing the blood supply to the brain by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood circulation, thereby lowering blood pressure and perhaps serving as a cognitive enhancer [12].

In the past, vinpocetine was considered safe for inclusion in supplements. In 2019, the FDA reversed that decision, citing concerns regarding pregnant women and women that might become pregnant [13].

Ginkgo Biloba

Another traditional remedy, Ginkgo biloba has become a standard ingredient in nootropics for memory improvement. Its reputation for improving memory may be based entirely on its traditional healing past, as modern science hasn’t conclusively shown it to have any benefits [14].

DHA Complex

DHA complex is an omega-3 fatty acid and one of the active ingredients in fish oil supplements.

The fatty substance goes into making brain cells, making up a large part of the brain’s mass and filling a large part of the brain volume. It’s therefore pretty critical to a healthy brain. Healthy amounts of DHA may improve learning ability [15].

Brain Pill Effects

The primary beneficial effect of Brain Pill is supporting a healthy brain. It supplies a good mix of vitamins and nutrients to maintain your brain power. It may also have some benefits in regard to cognitive abilities. Its effects include:

  1. Reduces brain fog.
  2. Counteracts mental fatigue.
  3. Neuroprotection.
  4. Enhances learning abilities.
  5. Improves memory and rapid recall.
  6. Improves focus.

Reduces Brain Fog

We’ve all experienced it after a long day of brain-work. It’s not exactly like tired muscles, but it does get more difficult to think clearly.

Brain fog actually has biochemical causes, as your brain runs out of some resources. Brain Pill may help replenish those resources so you can think clearly again.

Counteracts Mental Fatigue

Similar but not quite the same as brain fog, cognitive fatigue arises from reduced motivation. It just gets harder to keep focusing on tasks as mental alertness fades.

Brain Pill prompts an increase in motivation and mental clarity, fostering a positive mental attitude.

Neuroprotection

We don’t really know why some people experience cognitive decline as they age. One idea is that the accumulated damage from oxidative stress and other factors takes a toll.

Brain Pill supplies nutrients like folic acid, as well as directing more of the body’s blood supply to the brain, both of which may help prevent that damage.

Enhances Learning Abilities

The point of nootropics is to improve mental performance, more technically known as cognitive function. Learning is one of the more complex aspects of cognition, but Brain Pill offers resources that optimizes brain performance to some extent. As a result, your chances of retaining new knowledge increases.

Improves Memory and Rapid Recall

Another of the more complex cognitive abilities is memory, which can be broken down into several different types. Some ingredients are better at improving rote memory, in other words, simple memorization. Other ingredients, like citicoline, may improve memory in more complex ways.

Improves Focus

Maintaining focus involves many types of brain function and can be difficult to foster. Conditions that involve a lack of focus, like ADHD, are treated by increasing the supply of dopamine. Several Brain Pill ingredients can do the same to improve focus.

Brain Pill Benefits

Brain Pill is designed to increase cognitive abilities and supply some sorely missed mental clarity at the end of a long day. However, the ingredients may have benefits for wider health as well. The different types of vitamin B are all critical to a healthy diet, for example.

We’ve also mentioned how tyrosine may help relieve some of the physical effects of stress, fostering a positive mental attitude. The consequences of that are hard to overstate, improving mental health as well as brain function.

Additionally, while it’s not mentioned by Brain Pill, you can use some nootropics for weight loss. L-theanine, for example, may help in that regard.

Beyond the physical benefits, Brain Pill also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee that may be attractive to first-timers.

Brain Pill Side Effects

Anything potent enough to be helpful is almost certainly also powerful enough to have some adverse effects. Drug interactions are also possible. The most dangerous effects may be the result of vinpocetine, which we’ll discuss in a moment. Some possible side effects may include:

  • Nausea.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Heartburn.
  • Sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Abdominal cramps.

There is also a possibility that taking ginkgo consistently over a long period might raise the odds of cancer, for example. You’re messing with brain chemistry, as well, which may have consequences to your mental health.

The major concern is vinpocetine, as approval for that compound has been withdrawn by the FDA. It does improve blood circulation, as well as other potential benefits. However, there is concern regarding use by pregnant women and its effect on a developing fetus.

This Brain Pill review is no substitute for sound medical advice, of course. Always check with a doctor before starting a new supplement.

Brain Pill Dosage

Brain Pill’s recommended dosage is two capsules a day, which balances an improvement to brain performance with the chances of adverse effects.

With nootropics, there is a tendency to try mega-doses by taking much more than the recommended dose. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons, not least that it dramatically increases the odds of side effects.

Additionally, taking more will probably not result in increased improvement. As a supplement, Brain Pill supplies resources your body lacks. If you’re already topped up, there’s no benefit to be had.

How Long Does It Take To Feel a Difference Using Brain Pill?

Brain Pill says to give their product 30 to 90 days before expecting to see an effect. That makes sense, as the ingredients generally support a healthy brain, but lack dramatic effects that would be apparent immediately.

With that said, you may experience benefits much more quickly.

Where Can I Buy Brain Pill?

The first place to look is probably the product’s website, BrainPill.com, as there are

there. Additionally, you may have to order directly from them to take advantage of their guarantee.

It’s unlikely you will find Brain Pill in Walmart, CVS, or other large retailers. It is available through Amazon and a few other smaller online stores, however.

Brain Pill Customer Reviews

Most customer reviews on the web are positive, with users experiencing an increase to mental alertness motivation and focus.

review1
review2
review3

Pricing and Refund Policy

The cost of a single month’s supply on Brain Pill’s website is $69.95, which might be a small discount over other suppliers. When you buy in bulk, there is a discount that increases with each additional bottle. When you buy four months’ supply, you’re basically getting one for free. The cost elsewhere is slightly more.

As we’ve mentioned, there is a 60-day guarantee if you aren’t satisfied. You’ll need to purchase through their website to claim that, however, and there may be additional hoops to jump through. They also don’t refund shipping costs, just the purchase price.

Brain Pill Alternatives

While Brain Pill has the potential to be a potent nootropic, the concern around some of its ingredients may have you looking elsewhere. Luckily, there is a range of other dietary supplements that keep your brain healthy and offer a mild bump to cognition.

Mind Lab Pro

brain pill review

Mind Lab Pro offers brain pills that have many of the same ingredients as Brain Pill. In particular, it also relies on citicoline and tyrosine for some of its effects. It does differ in some aspects, for example putting more emphasis on the antioxidant properties of some ingredients.

Additionally, Mind Lab Pro is made of sustainable ingredients by an environmentally conscious company. Find out more in our detailed Mind Lab Pro review.

Performance Lab Nootropics

brain pill review

Performance Lab Mind is another nootropic supplement that relies on citicoline and tyrosine to revive your brain and improve mental performance. It also uses many of the same antioxidant ingredients as Mind Lab Pro.

Performance Lab differs in that the ingredients are put through a process to standardize their effectiveness, so each bottle and capsule is just as potent as the next.

Find out more about its benefits in our Performance Lab Nootropics review.

FAQ

Here are some straightforward answers to frequently asked questions.

Do Brain Pills Really Work?

At this point, there is no conclusive evidence that nootropic supplements can improve cognitive functioning. While there is evidence that some ingredients can improve the way your brain processes information, that evidence isn’t strong enough to prove the effects scientifically.

However, there’s no question they do provide vitamins, minerals, and other compounds your brain needs for healthy functioning.

Is Brain Pill Safe?

We can’t make any definitive claims as to Brain Pill’s safety for any given person. Just as evidence for improving cognitive function isn’t conclusive, we don’t understand enough about some compounds to judge how they will affect everyone.

Which Brain Supplement Is Best?

It’s tough to say what the best brain food for any given person will be, or which will positively impact cognitive function. However, when we compared a bunch of different nootropic supplements, we found Mind Lab Pro had the best combination of ingredients, price, and other benefits.

What Are the Ingredients in Brain Pill?

The ingredients of Brain Pill include:

  • Citicoline.
  • Vitamin B6.
  • Phosphatidylserine.
  • Bacopa monnieri.
  • Tyrosine.
  • Huperzine-A.
  • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid).
  • Vitamin B9 (folic acid).
  • Vitamin B12.
  • L-theanine.
  • Vinpocetine.
  • Ginkgo biloba.
  • DHA complex.

Are Nootropics FDA Approved?

Nootropic supplements like Brain Pill are not individually approved by the FDA. Instead, each ingredient is evaluated for safety and is then given blanket approval for supplement manufacturers to use.

Conclusion

Brain Pill may help support a healthier brain, allowing you to learn faster and think clearly for longer. Moreover, it may help in the long term, preventing damage that can have consequences later in life. Unfortunately, concerns surrounding one ingredient may make this a less attractive option for pregnant women or those hoping to conceive in the near future.

References:

  1. Simpson, Eleanor H, and Peter D Balsam. “The Behavioral Neuroscience of Motivation: An Overview of Concepts, Measures, and Translational Applications.” Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4864984/.
  2. Jasielski, Patryk, et al. “Application of Citicoline in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 12 Oct. 2020, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/3113/htm.
  3. Young, Simon N. “L-Tyrosine to Alleviate the Effects of Stress?” Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2007, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1863555/.
  4. Schverer, Marina, et al. “Dietary Phospholipids: Role in Cognitive Processes across the Lifespan.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Pergamon, 13 Jan. 2020, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763419310346.
  5. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin B12.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/.
  6. Nobre, Anna C, et al. “L-Theanine, a Natural Constituent in Tea, and Its Effect on Mental State.” Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2008, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/.
  7. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin B6.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 15 Jan. 2021, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-Consumer/.
  8. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Pantothenic Acid.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 22 Mar. 2021, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-Consumer/.
  9. Brimson, James M., et al. “The Effectiveness of Bacopa Monnieri (Linn.) Wettst. as a Nootropic, Neuroprotective, or Antidepressant Supplement: Analysis of the Available Clinical Data.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 12 Jan. 2021, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-80045-2.
  10. Ghassab-Abdollahi, Nafiseh, et al. “The Effects of Huperzine A on Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 13 Apr. 2021, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7126.
  11. “Folic Acid.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Apr. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html.
  12. Dubey, Anubhav, et al. “(PDF) Review on Vinpocetine – Researchgate.net.” Research Gate, 26 May 2020, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344467105_Review_on_Vinpocetine.
  13. Abernathy, Amy. “Statement on Warning for Women of Childbearing Age about Possible Safety Risks of Dietary Supplements Containing Vinpocetine.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 3 June 2019, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-warning-women-childbearing-age-about-possible-safety-risks-dietary-supplements-containing.
  14. “Ginkgo.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 10 Sept. 2021, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/ginkgo/index.cfm.
  15. Horrocks, L A, and Y K Yeo. “Health Benefits of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).” Pharmacological Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 1999, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10479465/.