Onnit and Gorilla Mind have established themselves as two of the leading dietary supplement companies, and we regularly recommend products from both.
But it gets a bit more complicated to recommend a product when both companies have similar supplements that aim to deliver the same effect.
Alpha Brain and Gorilla Mind Smooth are two such products, and the only way we could get to the bottom of this is to ask our dietitian for help in the research and our clients for help with testing.
Here's what three weeks of research and testing have revealed.
How We Tested Gorilla Mode and Alpha Brain
Before diving into our detailed comparison of Gorilla Mode and Alpha Brain, it's crucial to understand the methodology behind our testing. We provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make an informed decision. Here's a glimpse into how we conducted our testing:
Objective Evaluation
To ensure objectivity, we approached the testing process with a clear set of criteria and objectives. Our goal was to assess the cognitive-enhancing capabilities of both supplements, including their impact on focus, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Controlled Environment
All testing was conducted in a controlled environment to minimize external variables. We maintained consistent conditions in terms of sleep, diet, and physical activity to obtain reliable results.
Double-Blind Testing
To eliminate any potential bias, our testing involved a double-blind setup. Both the participants and the researchers were unaware of whether they were taking Gorilla Mode or Alpha Brain during each testing session.
Diverse Participant Pool
We recruited a diverse group of participants with varying cognitive profiles. This ensured that our findings would be relevant to a wide range of individuals, regardless of their baseline cognitive abilities.
Baseline Assessment
Before participants began taking the supplements, we conducted a thorough baseline assessment of their cognitive function. This served as a reference point for evaluating any improvements.
Randomized Order
The order in which participants received Gorilla Mode and Alpha Brain was randomized to account for any potential order effects. This approach helped us assess the supplements' performance independently.
Detailed Tracking
Throughout the testing period, we meticulously tracked participants' experiences, including any changes in focus, memory, mood, and overall cognitive performance. We also noted any potential side effects.
Statistical Analysis
Our data analysis included statistical tests to identify significant differences between the two supplements. This allowed us to draw meaningful conclusions based on empirical evidence.
Ethical Considerations
We conducted our testing in compliance with ethical guidelines, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Any adverse effects or concerns were promptly addressed.
Duration of Testing
Our testing spanned several weeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of the long-term effects of Gorilla Mode and Alpha Brain. We considered both short-term and cumulative benefits.
Key Differences Between Gorilla Mode And Alpha Brain
The main difference between Gorilla Mind Smooth and Alpha Brain is the amount of scientifically proven ingredients and their strength.
We weren't too surprised to see that the nutritional labels contained a lot of overlapping ingredients. See, both companies have a long track record of paying attention to reliable scientific research. But, there are two important differences.
Gorilla Mind has a stronger dose for the overlapping ingredients, and the company is also a lot more transparent about the formula.
Also, Gorilla Mind Smooth is known to enhance reaction times and mental sharpness, making it beneficial for athletic activities. It's especially useful for activities requiring quick responses and sustained focus, but it doesn't contain stimulants that might lead to jitters or anxiety.
Onnit has decided to hide the exact details of the ingredients behind a proprietary label, and that's something that makes stacking with other products more difficult.
Features Head to Head
We took a very close look at these two supplements under these four categories.
Ingredients
Both products have a few overlapping ingredients, including L-Tyrosine, Alpha GPC, Bacopa Monnieri, and L-Theanine.
The most interesting ones here are L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine.
According to one of the articles found on the WebMD website, L-Tyrosine is known to provide brain-stimulating effects and can help you feel more alert and concentrate better [1].
Also, according to the study found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, L-Theanine at a dosage of 200 mg/day has a similar effect but can also help with reducing stress levels [2].
The key thing with these ingredients is that Gorilla Mind Smooth comes out slightly on top with a higher dose. It also has a few other proven ingredients.
"L-theanine promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep by contributing to a number of changes in the brain."
- Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
Effectiveness
To figure out how effective these products are, we got our team and nine clients to keep a daily journal about how well they felt they mentally performed.
We did that for a week and then started taking Gorilla Mind Smooth for a week and did the same journaling. After that week, we switched to Alpha Brain and took notes as well.
The result was that the majority of our testing team reported better mental alertness, focus, motivation, and concentration with Gorilla Mind. Alpha Brain also showed a good mental performance increase, but it fell a bit short in comparison.
Supplement Form
Both products come in capsules, which are convenient for taking while you're on the go.
But Alpha Brain only requires taking two capsules compared to three for Gorilla Mind Smooth. That makes Alpha Brain a bit more convenient, especially if you're not a fan of taking many capsules each day.
Price
Gorilla Mind Smooth costs $39 for a 30-day supply, and Alpha Brain is $35. But you have to factor in that Gorilla Mind has a longer list of proven ingredients and a stronger dose.
Plus, when you factor in the more favorable test results we got, I’d say it's worth the extra $5.
Related Article: Gorilla Mind Smooth Vs Shroom
Unique Supplement Features
The next thing our dietitian helped with was to provide some background on the unique ingredients in each supplement to choose the best nootropic.
Gorilla Mind Smooth
Here are the ingredients unique to Gorilla Mind.
- Saffron Extract: This was a new ingredient for me, but studies have shown a link to improved brain function and limiting neurological issues [3].
- Ginkgo Extract: Clinical trials have shown that people who regularly take Ginkgo perform better at solving complex tasks and have an improved memory function, with effects being apparent in less than 14 days [4].
- Kanna: This extract has been linked to an impact on stress levels and hypertension, which can further impact how clearly you're able to think and process information [5].
Within the first 15 minutes of taking Gorilla Mind Smooth, users typically notice an increase in focus and concentration. After about an hour, the full effects are experienced, including enhanced mood and cognitive performance, which gradually taper off over 6-8 hours without a caffeine crash.
Suited For Men and Women
Gorilla Mind Smooth
- L-Tyrosine (1000mg) sharpens mental focus, elevating cognitive performance
- Alpha-GPC (600mg) boosts choline, enhancing memory and cognitive function
- Improved mental alertness and focus, beneficial for intensive tasks
- No reported tolerance build-up with repetitive usage
- Some users may experience digestive discomfort or nausea
Alpha Brain
Here are the unique ingredients in Alpha Brain and what our dietitian was able to find out about them.
- Oat Extract: One study has found a positive link between concentration, attention span, and the processing speed of incoming information [6]. However, that study used a considerably higher dose than what Onnit lists for the Flow Blend.
- Cat's Claw Extract: This South American herb has also been linked to overall brain health and function, but studies also used stronger doses [7].
- L-Leucine: Studies have shown that a combination of amino acids, including L-leucine, has an impact on brain function, but they didn't show that it could achieve that in isolation [8].
- Pterostilbene: Some studies have linked this ingredient to brain health, but scientists don't yet fully understand how this process works [9].
While these are all promising ingredients, their dosage and scientific support are not yet quite good enough to compete with Gorilla Mind.
Suited For Men and Women
Alpha Brain
- Clinically studied, adding credibility to its cognitive benefits
- Oat Straw Extract improves blood flow to the brain, optimizing functionality
- Pterostilbene improves memory and mood through neuroplasticity
- Creatively formulated to support healthy neurons and brainflow
- Short effect duration; efficacy peaks quickly and wears off fast
Synergistic Effects with Other Supplements
An often-unexplored dimension of nootropics like Gorilla Mind Smooth and Alpha Brain is their interaction and synergistic effects with other supplements and dietary choices. For instance, combining these cognitive enhancers with Omega-3 supplements or a diet rich in antioxidants could potentially amplify their effectiveness.
Conversely, certain combinations might reduce their impact or lead to unforeseen reactions. This synergy is not just a matter of enhancing cognitive benefits but also ensuring safety and compatibility with one’s overall health regimen.
Users should consider consulting with healthcare professionals to understand the best combinations for optimal cognitive enhancement.
Why Trust Our Review
At Total Shape, we are dedicated to providing our readers with thoroughly researched and unbiased information to help them make informed decisions about their fitness and health supplements.
Here’s why you can trust our Gorilla Mind vs Alpha Brain review.
1. Comprehensive and Objective Testing
Our testing process is meticulously designed to be both comprehensive and objective.
We employ a rigorous methodology that includes double-blind testing in a controlled environment and a diverse participant pool.
This ensures our evaluations of supplements like Gorilla Mind Smooth and Alpha Brain are based on actual performance data and not just anecdotal evidence.
2. Expertise and Experience
Our team comprises fitness experts, nutritionists, and seasoned supplement users with years of experience in the health and wellness industry.
This collective expertise ensures that our reviews and comparisons, such as the one between Gorilla Mind Smooth and Alpha Brain, are grounded in professional knowledge and practical experience.
3. Commitment to Accuracy and Transparency
We are committed to accuracy and transparency in all our content. Every piece of information, claim, or recommendation is fact-checked and reviewed by medical professionals.
Our goal is to provide honest, unbiased, and up-to-date information that our readers can rely on for making health and fitness decisions.
Our Verdict on Gorilla Mind Smooth vs Alpha Brain
While both supplements gave us positive test results for improved brain function and focus, Gorilla Mind Smooth came out on top with our research and testing.
The dosage of proven ingredients is higher, and the number of ingredients with scientific support also seems just that little bit better.
Only two out of 15 members of our test team preferred Alpha Brain, so we're going with the majority vote.
We Recommend This Product
Gorilla Mind Smooth
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
About The Author
You May Also Like
