best brain supplements to buy in 2024

Best Brain Supplements to Buy in 2024

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
13 minute read

best brain supplements to buy in 2023Searching
for the best brain supplement for 2024? It’s confusing, isn’t it? Even feels a little overwhelming.

How in the world do you choose which one will work best for you?

That’s why I founded Nootropics Expert® several years ago. To help you get past the slick marketing. Take the mystery out of nootropics so anyone could understand what may work. And what to avoid.

Here you’ll find what I’ve found to be the best brain supplements available anywhere. They’re all natural and you don’t need a doctor’s prescription.

But don’t take my word for it. Click through to each individual nootropic supplement I review in this post. And see the peer reviewed clinical evidence for yourself.

The first section of this post is what many consider to be the “ultimate solution” for brain health in 2024.

But in the last section I reveal a simple, universal, all-in-one solution that makes it easy for anyone to try. See if brain supplements can make a difference in your life.

Best Brain Supplements

Performance Lab® Mind

Best brain supplements Performance Lab MindThis
nootropic stack enhances every area of brain function with just one capsule.

Performance Lab® Mind increases brain energy and reduces mental fatigue by supporting mitochondria and boosting cerebral blood flow.

Mind helps neurogenesis by increasing the density of neurons and synapses.
It supports neuroplasticity required for learning, memory and overall
brain function.

And Performance Lab® Mind enhances focus, reaction-time, brain processing speed and memory by boosting brain energy,
critical neurotransmitters and hormones depleted by stress.

Performance Lab® Mind Ingredients

Citicoline 250 mg (Cognizin®) – has been clinically shown to improve mental energy, focus, attention, memory, and more for optimal cognitive performance.[i]

Citicoline performs these functions by boosting acetylcholine levels in your brain, is involved in coding, decoding, regulation and gene expression, and contributes
to the repair of damaged neuron membranes.

Phosphatidylserine 100 mg (Sharp-PS® Green from non-GMO sunflower lecithin)

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid component of the membrane encasing every one of your cells.

PS promotes Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) needed for neurogenesis, neuroplasticity,
and neuron repair. Which has been clinically shown to improve memory. And slow, halt, and even reverse the progression of age-related cognitive decline.
[ii]

L-Tyrosine 250 mg (Ajipure® L-Tyrosine)

L-Tyrosine is a precursor to the synthesis of dopamine which is involved with libido,
memory, focus, goal-oriented concentration, a mood elevator, and anti-depressant.

L-Tyrosine enhances working memory and executive function which
is integral to creative flow states. And L-Tyrosine helps buffer the negative effects of stimulants like caffeine or Adderall. And helps potentiate and prolong the effects of Ritalin or Adderall and reduces the crash.
[iii]

Maritime Pine Bark Extract 75 mg (95% proanthocyanidins)

An extract of French maritime pine bark, this nootropic brain supplement helps boost cerebral blood flow.[iv]

And Pine Bark extract protects cell membranes from free radical damage, chelates heavy metals, restores cell membranes, and prevents their rupture and leakage.
Helping to prevent stroke.[v]

Get Performance Lab® Mind

Best if used with Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi for men or women

Performance Lab® Energy

Best brain Performance Lab EnergyThis
nootropic energy stack provides all-day energy and vitality in just two capsules. Without the negatives associated with energy drinks or shots.

Performance Lab® Energy supports Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) energy production, boosts mitochondrial function and genesis, fat metabolism, and overall metabolic efficiency.

You experience whole-body and brain energy from a cellular level. No caffeine or other nasty ingredients that result in an energy crash. Just pure, clean energy all day long.

Performance Lab® Energy Ingredients

Coenzyme Q10 100 mg (MicroActive® Q10)

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like coenzyme required for energy flow and transfer in each of
your cells.

A critical part of the electron transport chain and cellular respiration, CoQ10 generates energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

And acts as an antioxidant and scavenges free radicals within mitochondria. Protecting mitochondria and your cells from oxidative damage.

So if you are dealing with brain fog, slow thinking, poor memory, depression, or migraines it could be because of mitochondrial dysfunction due to low CoQ10.

PQQ 10 mg (BioPQQ®)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is an enzyme cofactor critical to the life of your brain cells.

PQQ has the unique ability to promote the growth of new mitochondria.[vi] And improve the function of your existing mitochondria.

Mitochondria’s role it is to convert the food you eat into energy that powers each of your cells. More mitochondria mean more energy. Resulting in quicker thinking, better memory, elevated alertness, and less
mental fatigue.

PQQ works in synergy with CoQ10 for dramatic improvements in mental and physical energy.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) 750 mg

A required cofactor for cell energy production, ALCAR shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria, and provides the fuel that is burned for energy. And then as ALCAR shuttles fatty acids out of mitochondria, it flushes out
toxic byproducts.

ALCAR also donates an acetyl group to form Acetyl CoA. Required for the synthesis of acetylcholine which boosts alertness, memory, and fluid thought.

ALCAR will help increase attention, mental performance, memory and higher mental functions.[vii] And reduce fatigue if you are dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome.[viii]

R-Lipoic Acid 150 mg (Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA)

A form of alpha lipoic acid, R-Lipoic Acid is a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes involved in carbohydrate energy production.

R-Lipoic Acid increases acetylcholine production by activation of choline acetyltransferase and increases glucose uptake. This process supplies more Acetyl-CoA for the production of acetylcholine.
[ix]

R-Lipoic Acid also regenerates other antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E,
glutathione and CoQ10 already in your system. For use over and over again. Reduced oxidation and free radicals mean more energy.

Piperine 2.5 mg (BioPerine®)

Piperine is an extract of black pepper which has been shown to boost the bioavailability of other nootropic supplements. Enhancing the overall potency of
this brain supplement.

Get Performance Lab® Energy

Performance Lab® Sleep

Best brain Performance Lab SleepThe
best brain supplement in the world will not help you if you don’t get enough sleep.

If you deal with sleep issues one or more times per week, you’ve likely searched for effective natural sleep aids. Something that’s safe and effective to use long-term.

But the problem with nearly every other natural sleep aid on the market is synthetic melatonin.

Now you need melatonin for sleep without question. But melatonin is a hormone. And like many others, you may have had an unpleasant experience using melatonin as a supplement.

Performance Lab® Sleep works. And it doesn’t contain synthetic melatonin. It’ll help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep all night, and wake up the next day
feeling refreshed.

Performance Lab® Sleep Ingredients

Montmorency Tart Cherry 500 mg (CherryPURE®)

Montmorency tart cherry is nature’s richest natural source of melatonin. It’s identical to the hormone secreted by the pineal gland in your brain.

Tart cherry is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Repairing your body and brain while you sleep.

Tart cherry extract in Performance Lab® Sleep may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep, and help repair your body and brain. Leaving you feeling refreshed and physically ready to start your day.

Magnesium 100 mg (as Magnesium Bisglycinate + Magnesium Taurate + NutriGenesis® Magnesium)

Magnesium is the 4th most abundant mineral in your body. And a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions.

Magnesium helps relax smooth muscle cells and nerve cell signaling. Allowing for easier blood flow and lower blood pressure that precedes sleep.

Magnesium ions also control the ion channels critical for the neuroplasticity required for memory consolidation while you sleep.

Performance Lab® Sleep uses 3 different forms of magnesium (Bisglycinate, Taurate and NutriGenesis® Magnesium) to ensure
you get the whole-body and brain benefit from the sleep-inducing and repair qualities offered by this mineral.

L-Tryptophan 250 mg (TryptoPure®)

Tryptophan is one of the best natural sleep aids available without the unwanted side effects of prescription sleep meds.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and precursor to serotonin, melatonin, and Vitamin B3 (niacin) in your body and brain.

The magnesium in this sleep aid is a cofactor in the conversion of L-Tryptophan to serotonin. Which goes on to produce and release melatonin naturally in your brain.

And TryptoPure® is a next-generation form of L-Tryptophan sourced from non-GMO, gluten-free vegetables using patented, eco-friendly Ferment-A-Pure™ technology.

Get Performance Lab® Sleep

Best if used with Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi for men or women

Performance Lab® Prebiotic

Best brain Performance Lab PrebioticIt
should come as no surprise that I include a prebiotic supplement in my list for best brain supplements.

Because a ton of research and headlines in the last 5 years shows that your gut is like your “second brain.[x]

We are only beginning to understand the extent to which our microbiome has a direct influence on mood, anxiety, energy levels, bones, weight control, and immune system.

But one thing is crystal clear – a healthy gut is critical to your overall health and wellbeing.

Most natural health experts and even some doctors recommend using a probiotic to replenish your microbiome.

But the problem is trying to guess what our personal microbiome needs. Out of the dozens of possible combinations of probiotic bacteria.

The easier and less expensive option is to feed the native Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus already in your gut with a quality prebiotic. And support the built-in intelligence your microbiome has had from the beginning.

The Orafti® Synergy1 inulin-FOS fiber used in Performance Lab® Prebiotic passes through your stomach acids unharmed and is fermented
by Bifidobacterium in the colon.

It’s designed to fertilize your gut’s existing microflora. Helping to promote robust, organic growth in a gentle way so you get the benefit of a healthy gut every single day.

You should find constipation is no longer a problem (even if it’s opiate-induced), fewer allergy symptoms, less brain fog, more energy, and clearer thinking.

Sugar cravings diminish, and if you use it every day, you may find it easier to control your weight.

Performance Lab® Prebiotic is great value as well. Because it’s far less costly than any quality probiotic.

Get Performance Lab® Prebiotic

Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi

Best brain Performance Lab Whole Food Multi menThe
very best brain supplement in the world will not help you if you’re not getting an adequate daily supply of vitamins and minerals your body needs to survive and thrive.

These vitamins and minerals are the nutrient fuel essential for every bodily function that takes you through your day.

In an ideal world you’d get these nutrients from food. But because of factory farming, processing, transport, cooking and other depleting factors, your food is far less nutrient-dense than most people realize.

Multivitamins are designed to supplement what you don’t get from food. But the majority of multis on the market are made from inferior isolated and synthetic nutrient forms that are difficult for your body and brain to absorb and use.

Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi’s NutriGenesis vitamins and minerals are different. Grown under tightly controlled lab conditions, they mimic the structure of nutrients grown in nature.

Best brain Performance Lab Whole Food Multi womenYou
get the enzymes, probiotics, amino acids, and other nutrients your body requires. And because NutriGenesis® nutrients are nature-identical, your body recognizes them immediately. Absorbing and utilizing
what you need.

If you want to unlock the full health- and performance-enhancing power of vitamins and minerals, try the Performance Lab® Whole-Food Multi for men or women.

You WILL feel the difference. Guaranteed.

Get Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi for men or women

Mind Lab Pro®

The ultimate solution for overall brain and body health and performance is the combination of the Performance Lab® supplements I’ve described so far in this post.

Best Brain supplement Mind Lab ProBut
if you want the ideal all-in-one brain optimization solution in just 2 capsules per day, it’s Mind Lab Pro®.

I’ve tried many pre-made brain supplement stacks from around the world. And Mind Lab Pro® is still the standard all others are compared to, but none have matched.

This “Universal Nootropic” provides 11 science-backed nootropic supplements that support all 6 areas of brain health and cognition:

  1. Energy
  2. Neurotransmitters
  3. Cerebral blood flow
  4. Brain Waves
  5. Neuroprotection
  6. Neuro-regeneration

The combination of ingredients is ingenious because each works in synergy with others in this stack to amplify their combined benefit.

The result is better memory and recall, faster thinking,
stress resistance, less anxiety, better mood, more motivation and creativity, and longevity.

Mind Lab Pro® Ingredients

Citicoline 250 mg – boosts acetylcholine and supports brain cell membranes resulting in better mood, memory, attention, focus, and concentration.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) 100 mg (Sharp PS® Green) – phospholipid component of brain cell membranes maintains fluidity, optimizes receptors, and promotes
neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine resulting in better memory, slowing cognitive decline, and improving mood.

Bacopa Monnieri 150 mg (extract with 24% bacosides) – potent natural antioxidant which protects brain cells, and promotes acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin, resulting in better learning and retention, faster thinking even under stressful conditions, and less anxiety.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom 500 mg (fruiting body) – stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) which
helps brain cell regeneration and myelin sheath synthesis, resulting in better memory and mood, with greater longevity.

Maritime Pine Bark Extract 75 mg (95% proanthocyanidins) – potent natural antioxidant and cerebral blood flow booster, resulting in more mental
energy, better memory and long-term brain health.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) 175 mgL-Tyrosine is an amino acid required for the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, resulting in better thinking and mental performance even in high-stress conditions.

L-Theanine 100 mg (Suntheanine®) – increases alpha brain wave activity and promotes
serotonin, dopamine and GABA, resulting in a calm, relaxed state while boosting alertness, focus, creative problem solving and improved learning.

Rhodiola Rosea 50 mg (3% rosavins & 1% salidrosides) – an herbal adaptogen which promotes
norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, resulting in enhanced mental processing, memory, learning, attention, mood and work capacity even under stressful conditions.

Vitamins B6 (2.5 mg), B9 (100 mcg) and B12 (7.5 mcg) (NutriGenesis®) – which control homocysteine, neurotransmitter synthesis, gene expression, brain energy metabolism, mood balance and myelin sheath synthesis for protection and longevity.

Get Mind Lab Pro®

Best time to take brain supplements

Morning is usually the best time to take nootropic supplements. If it’s a 2-capsule dose you can take a capsule in the morning and the other capsule at noon.

Use brain supplements when you need the support during your day. The exception is Performance Lab® Sleep which should be taken 60 – 90 mins before bed.

Are these brain supplements safe?

Everything reviewed on this page by Performance Lab® and Mind Lab Pro® are considered safe,
and well-tolerated by most people.

They are even caffeine-free which means you don’t need to worry about a crash later in the day.

Every brain supplement described here is safe to use every day, with no cycling required.

These truly are the best brain supplements available anywhere in the world for 2024.

My final thoughts

Interest in brain health and better cognition continue to grow around the world in 2024. People from all walks of life are looking for ways to support their brain.

The secret to choosing the right brain supplement for you is to decide what’s important to you right now. If it’s better brain health, faster thinking, a better mood, less anxiety, superior memory and a long-life, avoid inferior supplements.

Choose supplements that are backed by solid science with a great track record. Don’t fall for slick advertisements and weak promises.

You’ll excel in 2024 by choosing any or all of the Performance Lab® supplements described above.

Or if you want something simple but highly effective, you can start with the number one universal nootropic stack, Mind Lab Pro®.

It’s up to you what type of investment you want to make in your health and success this year. Both are great options.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] McGlade E., Agoston A.M., DiMuzio J., Kizaki M., Nakazaki E., Kamiya T., Yurgelun-Todd D. “The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males.” Journal of Attention Disorders. 2015 Jul 15. (source)

[ii] Crook T.H., Tinklenberg J., Yesavage J., Petrie W., Nunzi M.G., Massari D.C. “Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment.” Neurology. 1991 May;41(5):644-9. (source)

[iii] Colzato L.S., Jongkees B.J., Sellaro R., Hommel B. “Working memory reloaded: tyrosine repletes updating in the N-back task.”Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2013 Dec 16;7:200. (source)

[iv] Rohdewald P. “A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology.” International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2002 Apr;40(4):158-68. (source)

[v] Sivonová M., Waczulíková I., Kilanczyk E., Hrnciarová M., Bryszewska M., Klajnert B., Duracková Z. “The effect of Pycnogenol on the erythrocyte membrane fluidity.” General Physiology and Biophysics. 2004 Mar;23(1):39-51. (source)

[vi] Kuo Y.T., Shih P.H., Kao S.H., Yeh G.C., Lee H.M. “Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Resists Denervation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Activating PGC-1α and Integrating Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Complexes.” PLoS One. 2015 Dec 8;10(12):e0143600. (source)

[vii] Montgomery S.A., Thal L.J., Amrein R. “Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease” International Clinical Psychopharmacology 2003 Mar;18(2):61-71. (source)

[viii] Tomassini V., Pozzilli C., Onesti E., Pasqualetti P., Marinelli F., Pisani A., Fieschi C. “Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.” Journal of Neurological Science 2004 Mar 15;218(1-2):103-8. (source)

[ix] Ahmed H.H. “Modulatory effects of vitamin E, acetyl-L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid on new potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease in rat model.” Experimental Toxicologic Pathology 2012 Sep;64(6):549-56. (source)

[x] Ridaura V., Belkaid Y. “Gut Microbiota: The Link to Your Second Brain” Cell Volume 161, Issue 2, 9 April 2015, Pages 193-194 (source)

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Join The Discussion - 14 comments

Dave Lennon
January 28, 2024

Is it safe to take minladb pro + nutrigenesis multi for men together?

Can I start together or is it better to start with one of them?

I noticed that they both contain B vitamins

    David Tomen
    January 30, 2024

    Dave, yes it is safe and I’ve been doing that combo daily for the at least 6 years. The B-Vitamins are water soluble. So what your system does not use ends up in your toilet.

Nate
May 13, 2022

Please consider doing a full video and article on Dihexa for brain performance. I am very interested in your opinion about it and whether it is something worth looking into. Thank you

    David Tomen
    May 15, 2022

    Nate, Dihexa is an experimental drug derived from angiotensin and there isn’t enough research in humans to even begin writing a review of this compound. If that changes in the future I’ll be happy to spend some time with it.

Karine Berube
May 9, 2022

Hi David !

I am a female 48 years old and would like to know, what are you suggesting for a low libido ?

I can’t find on you website.

Not tyrosine please, I don’t like the jittery that tyrosine gave me !

Honestly I did not read a lot on the subject, but a knowledge of mine was suggesting DHEA or pregnenolone. I did not get my hormones test but will do it soon if I can find a doctor willing to do them ! Hard to find in Canada !

I am open to any suggestion !

Thanks David !

    David Tomen
    May 9, 2022

    Karine, the best libido producer is hormone replacement therapy if your hormones are low.

    You can try DHEA or Pregnenolone or progesterone. But they have limited ability to raise your numbers if you are chronically low in testosterone and estrogen.

    Try doing a search for “hormone replacement therapy near me” and see if anyone turns up. If they do then read their reviews before contacting anyone.

      Karine Berube
      May 9, 2022

      Thank you David !

      I already look into hormone therapy, the bio identical hormone therapy. The consultation are so expensive here in Canada QC. It is hard to found out a Doctor in that field that are refund by the RAMQ, it is almost all in private.

      Just to find a doctor here in Canada QC is discouraging. I would have to find a private doctor online who would be willing to give me blood tests. I don’t know if you know or have any references online? I am asking, we never know 🙂

      Thanks for helping people like you do. So much appreciate. You take your precious time for us, Thanks !

Rob van Rijswijk
April 6, 2021

Pretty late to the party, but I hope you can answer my question. I suffrered a stroke last november, and altough I recovered quite well (no pysical problems) I do cope with severe fatigue. My cognitive fuctions are still in tact as well.
My question is: do nootropics help with fatigue as a result of a stroke and if so, what would you recommend?
Thanks so much!

Laura
February 11, 2021

Hi David I am learning so much from your blog and I am ordering your book for my husbands upcoming 60th birthday!
I have a question for you since our health history is very similar.
I too take Synthroid and I also take a small dose of Adderall 5mg
with breakfast. (I know that you take Ritalin. I’m new to stimulants and only recently diagnosed at age 56-I don’t know if I will stay on this or not but I do like it so far unless I have too much coffee)
I understand that you recommend taking NALT with your ADD medication.
How do you take your morning NALT and thyroid RX and other med and supplements in the morning?
Some people recommend (blogs I’ve read) say they roll over in bed and take NALT.
Well I roll over and take Synthroid then hit snooze for about 30mins depending on my morning schedule.
Can I take synthroid and NALT together?
Then wait a while and then make coffee etc.
I hope this made sense. Thank you in advance.
I’m learning so much.
But I have only just begun and would like to feel the all those benefits that you and others get from NALT because i have the same symptoms you used to have.
Thank you again,
Laura

    David Tomen
    February 12, 2021

    Laura, I have a “morning” nootropic stack that I take with a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil before my morning meditation. The coconut oil helps the fat-soluble supplements get absorbed and I don’t need to worry about “taking it with a meal”.

    But you need much more than just NALT. In fact, I now recommend using L-Tyrosine instead for most people. The list of supplements you need to support stimulant use is here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.

    And yes I take these supplements with my first dose of NP Thyroid.

      JJ
      January 26, 2023

      why do you take methylphenidate and no amphetamine?

        David Tomen
        January 27, 2023

        I tried Adderall for a couple of months a few years ago and it did not work for me. Methylphenidate does work for me. And I have found that is true for many with ADD and ADHD. One works better than the other for some reason. Some find better results with Adderall and some with Methylphenidate.

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