Top 5 Nootropic Supplements For College Kids

Nootropics are becoming a trendy way to give the mind an extra boost, especially for college kids that obviously face cognitive demands that often times leave them drained of brainpower.

If you’re looking for the best nootropics for college students to enhance your learning ability, then you’ve certainly come to the right site.

But first off, what are Nootropics?

Nootropics, also commonly known as smart drugs, are a class of chemical compounds that basically improve memory and brain function. Primarily, they work by stimulating the neurons in your brain while increasing the supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain.

Well, this leads to lots of cognitive benefits, including increased memory, information processing, and better concentration. The benefits even extend on to protecting brain neurons from physical or chemical damage caused by toxins or aging.

Who uses Nootropics?

While nootropics are popular with college students, they can also be used by anyone seeking enhanced brain performance.

For example, entrepreneurs and chief executives can take advantage of nootropics to boost their brainpower in order to work for extended hours, make thought-provoking decisions, and get the most out of any business opportunity.

Athletes, artists, bio-hackers, and doctoral candidates are also catching on to nootropics.

Best Nootropic Ingredients

Citicoline

Citicoline supercharges your mental performance by not only enhancing the circulation of blood to the brain, but also regenerating and energizing brain cells. As a result, your brain system is optimized for sharp memory, fast thinking, top-notch mental processing, and significantly improved attention span.

 

Oat Straw

This ingredient contains arginine, an amino acid that synthesizes to form nitric oxide — which dilates the bloodvessels allowing for more blood flow to and within the brain. Oat Straw contains anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds, which protect you against neurodegeneration and improve long-term memory. It also boosts Alpha brain waves, thus helping with anxiety and stress.

Lions Mane Mushroom

Its active compound Hericenones helps the brain to produce more Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), relieving neurodegenerative symptoms. Erinacines is another active compound, whose function is to facilitate the production and repair of neurons.

The ingredient is exceedingly essential in eliminating brain fog. It offers different brain optimization benefits such as restoring memory, improving anxiety & depression symptoms, and increasing mental alertness.

Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC is one of the most preferred choline sources amongst experienced nootropic users. It is because AlphaGPC crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily compared to other sources like choline bitartrate and choline citrate.

Many research studies have shown that Alpha GPC can improve mood, boost mental energy, alertness, and clarity of thought. This compound is additionally essential in the development of new brain cells, as well as in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine — essential for memory, learning, and concentration.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s Claw is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that support cognitive health. Besides eliminating free radicals and preventing inflammation, Cat’s Claw also protects the brain against the formation of amyloid plaques.

What makes Cat’s Claw a powerful nootropic ingredient is its role in significantly boosting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is crucial for memory and learning. It also increases the levels of Tryptophan that consequently increases serotonin levels to provide a calming effect. The ingredient facilitates the repairs of damaged DNA as well.

Huperzine A

This nootropic ingredient blocks enzymes, which destroy acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical that
supports memory, learning, and fast thinking.

 

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is necessary for the production of the catecholamine-triad of neurotransmitters — epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine.An increased level of these transmitters boosts concentration, memory, and mood.

NALT plays another significant role in restoring and preserving the catecholamine levels for optimal cognition.

 

L-Theanine

L-Theanine increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters which have been shown to improve mood, memory, concentration, attention, and alertness. This compound also helps protect against the death or loss of function of neurons in the brain.

 

Rhodiola Rosea

Also known as Arctic root, Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen that works by strengthening the brain’s resistance to
fatigue, stress, and mental fog. Well, this enhances mental performance and ability to concentrate in high-pressure situations.

Rhodiola Rosea also boosts and sustains monoamines, a class of brain chemicals that promote mental performance, mood, and motivation.

 

Without further ado, let’s check out our top 5 nootropics for college students.

 

1.NooCube

Featuring our list of nootropics for studying is — NooCube, a superior brain supplement designed by trusted and famous neuroscientists. It is made from a blend of seven of the most powerful after-sought ingredients, which are clinically tested to safely and effectively improve your cognitive functioning, concentration, focus, memory, and learning.

Each capsule of NooCube contains Alpha GPC, Oat Straw, L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, Cat’s Claw, Huperzine A, and Bacopa Monnieri. For each serving, you can start to experience the benefits in as little as 30 minutes.

What’s amazing about NooCube is that its brain-enhancing effects can last for as long as up to 10 hours. Also, it doesn’t include caffeine in its formulae, allowing you to get into a productive state of mind more effectively instead of just making you feel alert.

Are there any side effects of NooCube?

Over 124,000 people have used this product and it seems that it does not cause any negative side effects.
While all its ingredients are clinically backed for safety and efficacy, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re not allergic to some of the ingredients before using NooCube. The same applies to those under any prescription medication.

NooCube Dosage

Each NooCube bottle contains 30 servings, and the recommended serving size per day is 2 capsules. Since everyone has a unique neurochemistry, there’s a possibility for the effects to vary. Therefore, the dosage can be increased to 3 or 4 capsules per day to find the dosage that works best for you.

 

Pros:

• Contains no caffeine or gluten
• Clinically backed ingredients
• 100% safe
• Easy to use
• Works pretty fast to deliver the benefits
• Comes with a 60-day money back guarantee
• Free shipping
• Great discounts

Cons:

• Available at quite a high price
• Found online only

Website: NooCube.com

2. Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro is an excellent nootropic formula for college kids, athletes, adults over 55 years, and professionals in competitive fields that require focus, multitasking under stress, and creative-problem solving.

The brain supplement has been derived from carefully selected fresh, premium quality ingredients, including nootropics that feature improved potency, bioavailability, and activity. Some of the ingredients include Citicoline, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Vitamin B6 & B12, and Rhodiola Rosea.

Its unique third-party tested and validated compositions can optimize brain pathways from multiple
angles such as brain energy, brain circulation, brain regeneration, brain chemistry, brain waves, and brain protection. It supports both short-term and long-term cognitive functions, as well as brain health.

Unlike most supplements with proprietary blends, all the Mind Lab Pro dosages are shown, systematically recommended, and sufficiently backed by clinical studies with a focus on ingredient effectiveness. Interestingly,
there are no side effects reported so far.

Dosage

When starting out with Mind Lab Pro, take 2 capsules per day. You can adjust to 4 capsules, of course, after determining your tolerance levels.

Benefits of Mind Lab Pro

• Eliminates brain fog and fatigue
• Faster processing
• Improved stress resistance
• Increased attention and concentration
• Memory retention
• Enhanced mood
• Boosted motivation

Pros

• Legal and absolutely safe for everyone
• Fits any lifestyle
• Vegan-friendly
• High-quality ingredients
• Caffeine-free
• Supports all cognitive bio-pathways
• Money back guarantee
• Easily absorbed
• Free from gluten, additives, soy, GMO, and allergens

Cons

• Premium price
• Only available online exclusively through manufacturer’s website

Website: mindlabpro.com

 

3 Performance Lab Mind

 

Performance Lab Mind is a great alternative to Mind Lab Pro. The two nootropic stacks are manufactured by the same company called Opti Nutra Advanced Nutraceuticals, which is highly trusted for making quality supplements. And they don’t disappoint with Performance Lab Mind.

Well, this advanced nootropic stack has been designed to help support short-term and long-term cognitive functions including focus, mental power, clarity, processing speed, and recovery. It also promotes the formation
of new brain cells and synapses, which are essential for enhancing memory and learning ability. This kind of brain regeneration and plasticity supports the flexible structure of the brain for long-term health.

One aspect Opti Nutra Advanced Nutraceuticals does impress most is on their ingredients. All their ingredients are well-researched, so you know you’re certainly getting a high-grade supplement. Expect no proprietary blends. The formula displays dosages for each of the ingredients: Citicoline, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Phosphatidylserine, and Maritime Pine Bark Extract.

Dosage

The manufacturer recommends taking 1-2 capsules in the morning when having your breakfast or in the early afternoon. For the best results, make sure to use the supplement daily and consistently.

Pros

• Clean nootropic stack
• Research backed ingredients
• No Caffeine
• Completely vegan
• Safe for long-term use
• Discounted price on multi-box purchases
• Money back guarantee
• Easy to use
• Shipped worldwide

Cons

• Not available in stores like most supplements. It can only be purchased directly from the Performance Lab
  website.

Any side effects?

Side effects after using Performance Lab Mind are very unlikely. Each capsule is free of unnecessary junk, synthetic additives, gluten, artificial colors, GMO, and preservatives. If you’re concerned, however, you can always consult your doctors before taking any new supplement.

Website: performancelab.com

 

4. Alpha Brain

Alpha Brain is one of the popular nootropics manufactured by Onnit, a company with a real impact on the industry. As the maker has it, this brain supplement helps improve memory, focus, and processing speed. It also helps with sleep quality and dream vividness. And the effectiveness of Alpha Brain is attributed to its pretty
good ingredients.

What are the ingredients?

1.Oat Straw Extract

2.Alpha-GPC

3.L-Theanine

4.L-Tyrosine

5.Huperzine A

6.Cat’s Claw Extract

7.Phosphatidylserine

8.Vitamin B-6

9.Bacopa Monnieri

10.L-Leucine

11.Pterostilbene

12.Vincopine

While Alpha Brain contains a great list of ingredients, there are no actual dosages for the individual ingredients. Also, some of the ingredients appear like they are under-dossed.

So does Alpha Brain Work?

Honest answer? Results will vary depending on each person’s brain chemistry. There are a few clinical trials showing that Alpha Brain can enhance memory — more than 10 percent, and mental processing — more than 20 percent.

Recommend Dosage

Take 1-2 capsules in the morning for enhanced mental performance throughout the day. Increase the dosage to 3 capsules, depending on your tolerance levels. However, don’t take more than 4 capsules in 24 hours.

 

Pros

• Contains most of the best nootropic ingredients
• Relatively long lasting effects
• Money back guarantee
• Affordable price

Cons

• Proprietary blends
• Some ingredients are under-dosed

Side effects of Alpha Brain

Fortunately, there are no known side effects with this nootropic stack.

Website: www.onnit.com/alphabrain

 

5 Nootroo

Produced by a US-based company named Nootroo LLC, Nootroo is a nootropic stack uniquely designed to improve memory, focus, concentration, as well as protect the brain and boost the firing mechanisms of neurons.

Nootroo claims to use only the purest, most effective ingredients that are lab tested for safety and effectiveness.
This type of nootropic stack is offered in gold and silver formulas. Noopept and Phenylpiracetam are the key research chemicals separating the two formulas. The Nootroo Gold contains Noopept, whereas Nootroo Silver contains Phenylpiracetam.

Both versions contain some of the typical ingredients we love, including L-Theanine and Citicoline. However,
the use of the two research chemicals with undisclosed doses may seem like bad news.

While Nootroo uses premium grade caffeine, there’s limited research on the racetams and how they interact with this caffeine. But it’s important keeping in mind that some users have reported excessive energy levels.

Dosage

You only need to take 1 capsule per day. You’ll need to alternate between the gold and silver capsules.

 

Pros

• Minimalistic design that’s both sleek and streamlined
• Easy to use
• Money back guarantee

Cons

• Only available via the official Nootroo website
• Proprietary blends
• Expensive

Are there any potential side effects?

Based on some of the customer reviews online, Alpha Brain can cause side effects such as headache, insomnia,
nausea, and diarrhea. However, these side effects are common with first-time users and they often go away within a few hours or days.

Website www.nootroo.com

Conclusion

We recommend trying out NooCube as the top choice but all of the other choices are also pretty good. They are all effective and offer both long-term and short-term cognitive benefits, with no side effects. Their formulas are science-backed and have no proprietary blends. And although they available at premium prices, its fair to say you get what you pay for.

There you have it!