Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive list of nootropics categorized based on their effects such as memory enhancement, mood improvement, and increased focus.
- Detailed explanation of each nootropic including its benefits, mechanism of action, and recommended dosages.
- Mention of natural nootropics like Bacopa Monnieri and synthetic ones like Noopept, providing a diverse range of options.
- Thorough reviews on the safety and potential side effects of different nootropics, ensuring informed decision-making.
- Guidance on creating personalized nootropic stacks to achieve specific cognitive goals, alongside recommendations for pre-made stacks.
The best nootropic supplements for 2024 cover the fundamentals for supporting great cognitive function, performance, and brain health.
Natural nootropic supplements for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), boost decision-making, enhance cognitive function, learning & memory, focus, energy, and motivation.
And supplements that for many, can reduce anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, or age-related cognitive decline.
I have also found over years of hacking my own brain, that we can simplify the list of supplements we use if we narrow our choices down to only 5 categories for brain optimization.
Those brain hacking categories look like this …
Best Nootropics for … |
Recommended nootropics |
Processing speed, Decision-Making, Focus, Flow, & Thinking |
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CDP-Choline, Lion’s Mane, Magnesium, L-Tyrosine, B-Complex |
Learning & Memory |
Bacopa Monnieri, CDP-Choline, DHA (Omega-3), Magnesium, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Pine Bark Extract, L-Tyrosine, B-Complex |
Anxiety & Depression |
CDP-Choline, Bacopa Monnieri, Magnesium, Rhodiola Rosea, B-Complex, Saffron |
Energy & Motivation |
Caffeine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CoQ10, L-Theanine, MCT Oil, Rhodiola Rosea |
Brain Repair & Maintenance |
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Astaxanthin, CDP-Choline, DHA, Lion’s Mane, Magnesium, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Rhodiola Rosea, Pine Bark Extract, Saffron |
Best Nootropic Supplements in 2024
I have my favorite nootropics after 17-years of trial and error. And I’ll share what I’ve found and use in this article. Because what works for me may work well for you too. The nootropics I’m talking about here are what I use every day.
You’ll notice in the categories above that some of the most popular nootropic supplements work in multiple areas of cognitive enhancement. This means you can use fewer capsules in a well-rounded nootropic stack.
I encourage you to invest a little time and learn how each nootropic works in your brain. Because you’ll find that many of these compounds work in synergy. This translates to smaller doses of each supplement for a bigger benefit.
The key to success with nootropics is having the willingness and determination to experiment and find out what works best for you.
And there is no “one pill” solution for repairing and optimizing your brain. It often takes several carefully chosen supplements to get the job done.
Pre-Made Nootropic Stack Benefits
Fortunately, I found the best pre-made nootropic stack in late 2015 which includes most of the nootropics I’d selected for my stack. All packed into 2 capsules in a natural pre-made nootropic stack called Mind Lab Pro® v4.0.
I’ll talk more about Mind Lab Pro® v4.0 in a few minutes and how it ties into my brain hacking goals.
The company that makes Mind Lab Pro® also produces a line of dietary supplements called Performance Lab®.
They also make a nootropic snack bar that I use when I need an energy boost. They are called Nu:tropic® bars.
And before I go to the gym, I mix a glass of Pre Lab Pro®. It contains ingredients for mental clarity, more energy, improves cognitive function, better muscle performance and growth, and quicker recovery,
get Performance Lab® Caffeine 2
get Nu:tropic® bars
get Pre Lab Pro®
Choose the Best Nootropic Supplement Stack for You in 2024
If you are new to nootropics, or have years of experience but need a refresher on building your own nootropic stack, see my articles:
Beginners Guide to Nootropic Stacks
How to Create the Best Nootropic Stack
Improve Brain Function with the Best Nootropic Supplements to buy in 2024
Each of the nootropics I detail below contain links through to my full review. When you click through to each individual nootropic supplement review you’ll find more detail on what it is, why we use it as a nootropic, how it feels, the mechanism of action in your brain, potential side effects, recommended dosages, and the best supplement to buy.
You’ll also notice in the table above and each nootropic listed below that many of these ingredients are conveniently encapsulated in the Mind Lab Pro® v4.0 formula of two capsules per day.
Or in Performance Lab® Energy or Performance Lab® Caffeine 2 or Nu:tropic® bars or Pre Lab Pro®.
Each of these nootropic supplement stacks are generally regarded as safe and non-toxic at recommended doses. Your mileage may vary.
How you respond to each of these compounds depends on a host of variables including:
- Genetics
- Interactions with prescription meds
- Current state of health
So please click through to each nootropic and read the side effects, drug interactions and any other notes or warnings. But in general, these are among the safest cognitive enhancers we know of.
Read more about Nootropics Safety and Side Effects
ALCAR helps transport fatty acids into mitochondria for the creation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). [i] ATP is your main energy source throughout your day and can boost physical and mental energy.
ALCAR is a necessary cofactor for acetylcholine formation.[ii] Which boosts memory, cognitive function, mental alertness, and fluid thought.
The antioxidant properties of Acetyl-L-Carnitine provide neuroprotection. And ALCAR boosts Brain-Derived Nerve Growth Factor (BDNF) and promotes cerebral blood circulation.
Astaxanthin is one of the few antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier, benefiting both your brain and vision.[iii]
As a nootropic, Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory providing protection from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disease.[iv]
Astaxanthin protects your cells from the destructive effects caused by free radicals and protects cognitive function by increasing cerebral blood flow for better memory, cognitive abilities, and overall cognitive performance. [v]
And supplementing with Astaxanthin helps reduce cortisol, a biomarker for stress and mental fatigue.
Bacopa Monnieri has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is one of the best nootropics for studying.
Researchers at Banaras Hindu University in India showed Bacopa Monnieri as effective for anxiety as the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam.
And unlike benzodiazepines, Bacopa Monnieri did not cause memory loss. In fact, it boosted mental function.[vi]
Another study done in Portland Oregon demonstrated that 300 mg of Bacopa Monnieri per day for 12 weeks:
- Improved word recall
- Increased attention
- Enhanced processing speed
- Boosted memory
- Improved focus while learning
- Lowered anxiety and heart rate[vii]
Caffeine is the main active compound found in a cup of coffee and is an adenosine antagonist which is why it helps prevent you from getting sleepy. Which in turn influences acetylcholine, epinephrine (adrenaline), serotonin and it boosts the use of dopamine. Providing the stimulant effect you feel when consuming caffeine.[viii]
Caffeine assists in the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which boosts neurogenesis.
And caffeine increases the density of GABA receptors, potentiates dopamine, and causes some serotonin receptors to be more responsive. Which in turn improves mood within an hour of consumption.[ix]
A valuable addition to any potent nootropic stack, the cholinergic compound CDP-Choline is a multitasker which boosts cognition, mental processing, cognitive function, and brain power, improves focus and motivation, and reduces fatigue.
CDP-Choline aids in the synthesis of acetylcholine, and the release of dopamine.[x] Both neurotransmitters involved in learning and memory.
CDP-Choline also helps repair of brain cell membranes. The cytidine in CDP-Choline converts to uridine in your brain. And works as a bridge between choline and neuron membrane synthesis.
Uridine is needed to synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC) needed to repair damaged neuron membranes.[xi]
Choline is so vital to cognitive functions, cognition and nerve function that, without it, we couldn’t move, think, sleep, or remember anything. And one the best ways to provide your brain and body with the choline it needs is supplementing with CDP-Choline.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is crucial for the healthy structure and function of your brain. Your brain is made up of 60% fat. And much of that fat is DHA.
DHA enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Improving neuroplasticity leading to better learning and memory. And DHA acts as an anti-inflammatory by reducing the enzyme COX-2.
If you suffer from chronic depression, within a few weeks of adding DHA to your nootropic stack, you should feel the depression lift. You’ll think clearer and quicker. Your memory and ability to learn will improve. And you’ll likely have more energy and motivation.
But it is very likely you won’t think to attribute these improvements to adding DHA to your nootropic stack. Something else will get the credit.
The thing is you cannot get these benefits from fish oil or most Omega-3’s on the market. Because the dosage of DHA is far too low. And purity is a problem.
Best to get your DHA from the source. The same place fish and other marine life get their DHA. And that’s from algae.
A recent addition to my nootropic stack, and thousands in our community, is the Performance Lab® Omega-3. It provides 540 mg DHA and 270 mg EPA made from Algal Oil (from life’s™ Omega 60) in two NutriGels® vegan softgels.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is well-known for its neuroprotective effects. It’s an ancient Chinese remedy and traditional medicine for improving cognitive performance, and overall health.
In our modern world, Lion’s Mane makes it into some of the best nootropic stacks. Why?
Because Lion’s Mane stimulates enzyme production that releases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).[xii] It stimulates the repair and creation of neurons (neurogenesis). Boosting neurotransmitters and signaling that may effect memory, improve cognitive function, learning, recall, and mood.
And Lion’s Mane helps eliminate brain fog. Restoring function from cognitive impairments, memory, and mental alertness. And lowers anxiety and depression symptoms.[xiii]
Lion’s Mane is a great compliment to any nootropic stack for an immediate cognitive boost.
L-Tyrosine is a precursor to the synthesis of the catecholamine-triad of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. As your dopamine levels increase, you’re better able to concentrate, organize your thoughts, and stay productive.
L-Tyrosine can be an effective for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. L-Tyrosine works in synergy with Smart Drugs like Ritalin and Adderall by boosting extracellular levels of dopamine. Helping these drugs be more effective. And mitigating side effects like crashes when these smart drugs wear off.
Tyrosine also improves memory and cognition under acute stress.[xiv] It helps improve decision making, ‘flow state’ and creativity, cognitive flexibility, acts to support cognitive function, and working memory.
L-Tyrosine is a great addition to any nootropic stack, especially if you’re dealing with ADHD or ADD. And helping prevent cognitive decline as you get older.
For more tips on how to deal with ADHD and ADD symptoms, see my article:
And for more tips on preventing cognitive decline as you get older, see my article called:
Best Nootropics for the Aging Brain
Phosphatidylserine is one of the best nootropics because:
- PS helps the efficient transfer of proteins, enzymes, nutrients, oxygen, and glucose into and out of each cell
- PS is involved in the formation and sending of signals within neurons
- PS promotes healthy nerve growth factor (NGF)
- PS supports the neurogenesis needed for long-term potentiation (LTP)
- PS is involved in building mitochondria which are the energy centers of each brain cell.
- And PS works in synergy with DHA for healthy and permeable brain cell membranes.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably one of the most effective and important nootropics we have available today. It has a reputation for improving alertness, attention, cognition, cognitive function, memory, recall and mood.[xv]
Maritime Pine Bark Extract is one of the best nootropics around but relatively unknown to the nootropic community. It’s a naturally derived standardized herbal extract of French maritime pine bark.
Pine Bark Extract helps prevent increases in dopamine, norepinephrine, and the glutathione (GSH) to GSH-disulphide reductase (GSSG-R) ratio. Neurotransmitter problems which contribute to hyperactivity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[xvi]
Pine Bark Extract helps by increasing blood flow to and within your brain for better overall brain health.[xvii] By increasing nitric oxide (NO) which helps dilate blood vessels. And helping repair and maintain the health of the lining of blood vessels. Crucial to overall brain health, maintaining signaling pathways and leading to improved cognitive function and learning and memory.
And Maritime Pine Bark Extract also helps prevent the accumulation of oxidatively damaged proteins. Which may reduce the risk of diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s.
In Russia, Rhodiola Rosea is widely used as a remedy for fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased memory. It’s also believed to make workers more productive.
As one of the best nootropics around, this adaptogen helps reduce stress and fatigue, cognitive function, increase energy, alertness, and stamina, while boosting mental performance under periods of chronic stress.
Research shows Rhodiola Rosea can increase attention to detail-oriented tasks by improving concentration over a prolonged period. Making it one of the best nootropics for studying.
Rhodiola Rosea boosts mood by influencing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your brain, and the feel-good opioids like beta-endorphins.
It also helps with neurogenesis by repairing and growing new neurons. As well as activating the synthesis and re-synthesis of ATP, your body and brain cell’s main energy source.
One more reason to add Rhodiola Rosea to your nootropic stack – it helps reduce inflammatory C-reactive protein. And salidroside, one of many components of this incredible herb, protects neurons from oxidative stress-induced cell death.
Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus plant native to the Middle East. And is the world’s most expensive culinary spice largely due to the way it must be grown and harvested (by hand).
Saffron has been used for thousands of years as an anxiolytic, sedative, and antidepressant.
Recent studies show Saffron as effective as some popular prescription antidepressants. And can even help alleviate the sexual dysfunction caused by these drugs.[xviii]
Saffron extracts (crocin & safranal) inhibit the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which helps improve mood.
Saffron inhibits the deposit of amyloid-β which is associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Saffron also inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase) just like the current medication (donepezil) approved to treat Alzheimer’s.[xix]
Saffron is also a very effective vision supplement. Driving at night is easier on your eyes. And the flicker caused by screens and monitors won’t leave you with eye fatigue later in the day.[xx]
Saffron improves the oxygen and nutrient supply required for healthy eyes. By boosting blood flow in the retina and choroid of your eyes.[xxi]
For the best vision supplement on the market, get: Performance Lab® Vision. I’m serious. Get it!
L-Theanine is an amino acid and one of the main natural substances you get from green and oolong tea. Many consider it the best nootropic when combined with caffeine for the synergistic effect of lowering blood pressure, rejuvenate and relax, boost thinking ability and cognitive function, improve focus and put you in a better mood.
This amazing amino acid:
- Boosts alpha brain waves (8-12Hz) promoting alert relaxation.[xxii]
- Increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine use in your brain. Producing an energizing and calming effect helping you go into flow. And improving cognition and memory.
- Is an antagonist of NMDA receptors and can inhibit synaptic release of glutamate. Protecting your brain from over-stimulation caused by glutamate, and possible glutamate toxicity.
- Boosts the use of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in your brain. As well as increasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).[xxiii]
- And it helps lower cortisol levels
Most neurohackers report a calming effect within 30 – 45 minutes of taking L-Theanine. Cognition gets a boost, and energy levels rise, and it helps suppress the jitteriness caused by stimulants like caffeine.
Some report L-Theanine has stopped their anxiety and panic attacks.
-
Vitamin B-Complex
The B-Vitamins are essential vitamins that should be part of every nootropic stack and they include:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – needed to produce ATP within mitochondria and is a cofactor in acetylcholine synthesis
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – used in the synthesis of acetylcholine and cerebral blood flow
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – needed to make acetylcholine
- Vitamin B6 (P-5-P) – required for the synthesis of dopamine, epinephrine, GABA, melatonin, norepinephrine, and serotonin[xxiv]
- Vitamin B8 (Inositol) – regulates cell volume, signaling pathways in brain cells, DNA repair, long-term potentiation, is a component of cell membranes, regulates cellular metabolism and cellular energy consumption
- Vitamin B9 (Folate) – involved in DNA and RNA synthesis, cognitive function, gene expression, amino acid synthesis, myelin synthesis and repair, and required for synthesis of dopamine, epinephrine, and serotonin.
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) – required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
You may not realize the full benefit of a nootropic stack containing CDP-Choline, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, any of the racetams, or any nootropic for that matter without adding a good quality bioactive B-Vitamin Complex. These essential vitamins are possibly the most important and least expensive addition to your stack.
get Performance Lab® Caffeine 2
get Nu:tropic® bars
get Pre Lab Pro®
Check Your Oil
Some nootropic supplement labels recommend taking it with a meal. The implication behind this recommendation is that the nootropic is fat-soluble. And requires some fat for proper absorption and to increase bioavailability.
Each of the nootropics above have links through to a full review which includes information about solubility – fat or water soluble.
To make sure all fat-soluble ingredients in my stack are absorbed, I use one tablespoon of organic Performance Lab® MCT oil with my nootropic stack. But you can use unrefined coconut oil as well.
This healthy oil provides the fat I need for better absorption of fat-soluble supplements. And I don’t have to worry about taking it with a meal.
Using MCT or unrefined coconut oil with my stack does not interfere with water-soluble supplements either. It’s a win-win.
Choose the Clear Path to Improved Performance in 2024
I’ve tried a lot of different nootropic stacks in the last 17 years. But in late 2015, I finally found one high quality pre-made stack that covered all the bases. That stack is Mind Lab Pro® v4.0.
I’ve used Mind Lab Pro® as the “base” for my personal nootropic stack since 2015. And continue to use it in 2024. It’s that good.
In fact, in 2017 Mind Lab Pro® upgraded their formula. Their B-Vitamins are now their own proprietary NutriGenesis® vitamins. ‘Nature-identical’ nutrients that your body recognize as food.
Then in 2018, their sister company introduced an entire new supplement brand called Performance Lab®. The company recognized the demand for more choices when it comes to brain optimization. And the need to support the rest of your body.
Performance Lab® offers the pre-formulated nootropic stacks Performance Lab® Mind, Performance Lab® Caffeine 2, and Performance Lab® Energy.
Their nootropic stacks are supported by the Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi which I also use daily. This multi contains nature-identical NutriGenesis® vitamins and minerals for whole-body and brain performance.
This is now my preferred multivitamin supplement which works very well with Mind Lab Pro® v4.0.
In early 2018, I switched from using individual supplements to Performance Lab® Energy. Because this stack contains the Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Coenzyme Q10, PQQ, and R-Lipoic Acid that I was buying and using separately which was more expensive.
Performance Lab® Energy uses the patented, clinically-tested forms of each ingredient in NutriCaps® vegan-friendly capsules and no additives. Just pure, tested nutrients that work.
In 2019 I added Performance Lab® Caffeine 2 which I use occasionally when energy is running a little ragged. And I need that extra boost to finish what I’m doing.
Because it contains Natural Caffeine (from Coffea Robusta seeds) 50 mg, L-Theanine (Suntheanine®) 100 mg, Ajipure® L-Tyrosine 250 mg, supported by NutriGenesis® Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 & Vitamin B12. For alert clean energy without the negative side effects like the jitters.
Or a get a quick boost by using a Nu:tropic® bar which contains Norwegian Black Oats, NutriGenesis® Choline, DHA (Omega-3) 150 mg, Prebiotic fiber, Phosphatidylserine (PS), NutriGenesis® Magnesium, and NutriGenesis® Vitamins D3, K2, B2, B3, B6, B9 & B12.
Performance Lab® also offers supplement stacks for Vision, Sleep, Prebiotic, Flex, and Pre Lab Pro® which I use just before I go to my gym for a workout.
And they make an effective T-Booster for men.
Conclusion – Best Nootropic Supplements
If you’re feeling frustrated finding your ideal stack, my hope is this page provides the pointers you need to create your best nootropic stack.
Each nootropic I’ve featured on this page works. How do I know? Because I use them every single day.
But I’m not the only one. 100’s of thousands of people just like you and I have found success with these nootropics too.
I encourage you to try each of them in your nootropic stack in 2024. Or save some money on your monthly supplement purchases and try some of the pre-formulated stacks like Mind Lab Pro® v4.0 and the Performance Lab® supplements. The company even offers a money-back guarantee if you try one of their supplements and are not happy with it.
My attitude is that once I’ve found a nootropic supplement company that puts out high quality product, I keep using them until something better comes along.
So far that has not happened. I’m confident you’ll like and appreciate the pre-formulated nootropic stacks on this page. The company puts out amazing products.
When it comes to brain optimization and what I put in my body, “good enough” isn’t nearly good enough until I’m performing my best. In all areas of life.
The right combination of nootropics in the right amounts have helped me get to the point where I feel I’m performing better than ever.
Near the beginning of this page we identified the main points that lead to better cognitive ability, cognitive function, cognition, decision-making, focus, flow, thinking, memory, anxiety, depression, energy, motivation, brain repair and maintenance.
What I love about the nootropic supplements outlined on this page is that it covers each of those categories.
And to help you fine-tune your nootropic stack even further. Spend some time with each of the following articles I have written on individual areas of brain optimization here.
Best Nootropics for Learning & Memory
Best Nootropics for Social Anxiety
Best Nootropics for Depression
Best Nootropics for Motivation
Best Nootropics for Hacking a Flow State
Psychobiotics: The Gut-Brain Connection
Join The Discussion - 359 comments
Marcio Evangelista
September 24, 2021
Hello David, Great article. I always have this doubt about how to take and with or without food.
Please, is the MCT caps from NOW, called caprylic acid 600 mg, 1g of MCT a good alternative instead taking oil?
There are some mct in powder and easier to be taken instead oil. However, not sure it would help with fat solubles nootropics.
Thank you and Regards,
Marcio
David Tomen
September 26, 2021
Marcio, MCT Oil is not enough to activate the digestive enzymes needed to metabolize fat I don’t think. Because it rapidly bypasses digestion and goes straight to your liver for the production of ketones. Better to use an additional fat like unrefined coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or some other healthy fat.
Joie
August 9, 2021
Hey David what’s your recommended on and off time meaning do you use it everyday or do you give yourself a week to reboot and start again?
David Tomen
August 10, 2021
Joie, there is nothing on this page that requires cycling as long as you are using the dosages recommended.
lauren
August 9, 2021
David,
The article helped me a lot. I want to ask a question about nootropics, so I leave a comment.
I have been prescribed anti-depression, Methylphenidate(Concerta) medications because of my depression and ADD.
Recently, I would like to change my medication to nootropic because it seems that taking brain supplements is better for my health in the long run than taking these smart drugs.
However, I don’t know much about nootropics yet, so I want to take nootropics with comprehensive ingredients.
What do you think of the Brainzyme and Alpha Brain? I’m asking because I think it’s a similar product to Mind Lab Pro. There are 3 versions of Brainzyme, and if you look at Pro and Elite, there are so many ingredients and dosages. So I think it will be good for the overall body as well as brain health.
Mind Lab Pro is a good nootropic, but I like products with good value for money because I am still a student.
Regards,
David Tomen
August 9, 2021
Lauren, if you are using Concerta I highly recommend Mind Lab Pro because it contains ingredients that help with brain repair. Damage that may be caused by using stimulants. I’ve tried the other stacks you mention and Mind Lab Pro works better.
Please see my article on ADD for the entire stack you can use to support Concerta usage and make it work even better: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add
Brent
July 9, 2021
David,
Would love to get your opinion on a stack I am creating. The goal is to provide natural energy and focus while supporting the dopamine pathway. I already am taking a stack very similar to mind lap pro, so I was wondering if this would be a good complement to take on some days when a slight boost of mental energy is needed. Let me know what you think, and if any ingredients are redundant or non-beneficial and should be removed? If so should I add any other nootropics?
Cordyceps – 500mg
Panax Ginseng – 300mg
Phenylalanine – 250mg
Guarana Seed Extract (90mg caffeine) – 250mg
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – 100mg
L-Theanine – 100mg
Mucuna Pruriens – 100mg
Theobromine – 100mg
Theacrine – 80mg
B6 – 10mg
Vinpocetine – 5mg
B12 – 300mcg
For increasing blood flow and potency of the stack, would vinpocetine be better than say pine bark extract or ginkgo biloba?
Additionally, I sometimes take the three listed below so I may also include them in the stack. Would combining Alpha-Lipoic Acid (300mg) with ALCAR be beneficial for mental focus/ energy/ nootropic purposes?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL – 500mg
Artichoke Extract – 500mg
Coleus forskohlii – (10% 5mg forsklin)
Thanks so much for the great information and help!
David Tomen
July 11, 2021
Brent Alpha Lipoic Acid and ALCAR work in synergy for the production of ATP in mitochondria which is your main energy source. Adding the last two on your list makes up the CILTEP stack. Great for memory.
Vinpocetine is the superior method for increasing brain blood flow in my opinion.
Why are you using 3 different precursors for dopamine synthesis? Seems to me that 500 mg L-Tyrosine would do the job just fine.
Brent
July 13, 2021
David,
Thanks for the feedback! Seems that I may be including a bit to many dopamine precursors in an attempt to include more ingredients. I’ll remove Phenylalanine and/or Mucuna while leaving NALT.
I also may remove cordyceps, as the goal with that supplement is somewhat different than this stack.
As for the rest, seems that ALCAR and ALA would be beneficial. Have you done much research into the synergistic benefits from caffeine and Theacrine being taking together? Anecdotally I feel there is a benefit.
Do you think using Theobromine with the 90mg of caffeine provides an added benefit, or should it be removed?
David Tomen
July 13, 2021
Brent, I haven’t done the research on Theacrine yet so can’t comment. And I started the research on Theobromine twice because I thought I was missing something. Turns out I wasn’t and it is no match for natural caffeine which remains my preferred choice. I can see no reason to include Theobromine in a stack no matter which way I look at it.
Jo
June 27, 2021
Hello from the U.K. I have recently started to take Methylphenidate IR 3 x a day for my newly diagnosed ADHD ( I’m 45F) which is really helping me. I’m interested to start incorporating some Nootropics into my day to protect my body and brain cor general health but to lessen any damaging effects of the medication but I don’t know where to start. I suffer from reflux so am interested in liposimal or skin spray administrations. I currently take liposimal Glutathione ( My recent dna gene test showed an increased need for anti-oxidants and magnesium). Do you think this is beneficial? I also take a B12 and folate tablet and a Better You magnesium body spray. Do these sound ok to take with stims? I’m interested in something to calm a bit of short lived anxiety – probably the rebound towards early evening when my medication wears off. There is no good advice here in the U.K. and doctors very uninformed Thankyou for any tips and advice!
David Tomen
June 27, 2021
Jo, L-Glutathione is your master antioxidant and a great choice for protecting your brain.
The nootropic stack you need to support methylphenidate use with no brain damage and no crash later in the day is here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. You will see the full list of supplements in the yellow box near the top of the article. And the rest of the article explains how it works.
Jessica
May 21, 2021
Newbie here, I’ve been struggling with my mental health since 2013 ( diagnosed OCD, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized and Social Anxiety Disorder and Eating Disorder) due to meds I’ve gained over 100 lbs and and on a constant search for something to bring back my motivation to live life rather than just surviving. My medication (fluvoxamine at night Vyvanse in the morning) really just helps manage the OCD ( it maybe minimizes the depression slightly but not significantly) it also effects my sleep so I struggle with insomnia as well.
When I wean off my meds I find a sweet spot of (what I describe as) euphoria… I have motivation to do things, exercise and tackle things like household jobs and the energy to see them through even!! But this only lasts a few days if im lucky and then Im back to battling symptoms.
I have to stay on my meds so wondering if 1) I can add these supplements along with them 2) do you have recommendations
( I have read this article and a few others you have posted as well. And I’ve has a look at the performance lab site. I’d like to find a supplement the combines as many beneficial ingredients as possible if I can )
Anyway this is probably more sharing than I’ve done in a long time, and if you can’t help I understand! But at this point I’m just throwing it all out there hoping for some kind of miraculous shift and change.
David Tomen
May 22, 2021
Jessica, I don’t recommend trying a “supplement that combines as many beneficial ingredients as possible” because if something goes wrong you will not know what ingredient in that supplement was the culprit. Better to try individual supplements one at a time until you find what works. Then look for a pre-made stack like one of the Performance Lab supplements.
Keep in mind that the drugs you are using are contraindicated with several of the supplements you’ve read about here. For example, this is the pharmacology of Fluvoxamine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluvoxamine#Pharmacology. This drug affects serotonin in your brain. So you must avoid any natural supplement that also raises serotonin.
Vyvanse is not so much of a problem because you can use L-Tyrosine for example to raise dopamine. And it will just support using Vyvanse.
Start with something simple like OCD. Use the search function top right of the main menu above and do a search for “OCD”. See what turns up.
Then learn the mechanism of action or pharmacology of each supplement you found. And find out if it affects serotonin. Read the side effects section of each supplement I’ve written about. When you find something that helps OCD and is not contraindicated with Fluvoxamine then try it. Follow the dosage recommendations provided and see if it helps.
Jessica
May 23, 2021
Thank you so much for your response. I agree with what you’ve suggested as far as adding things in individually to know for sure what’s working and what might be the cause of issues. I’m interested in trying the l tyrosine ( thinking of the performance lab Stim as it combines with caffeine as well as B6 which you have both of in your list for depression) and one other im interested in trying is Saffron. I’ve never come across it in anything else I’ve ever looked at but seems to be safe as far as interactions and looks to have effects on a few things I could use support with.
Thank you again for all the information you provide and your guidance as well.
Jessica
DeniseDen
September 7, 2021
I’m just learning about nootropics but my daughter had significant OCD symptoms that disappeared after we got her thyroid meds optimized. We added more T3 meds to her T4. Thyroid is so critical to brain health. We are following protocol from Stop The Thyroid Madness. Our goal is to get the hormones working to optimal levels, which is not easy, then using Nootropics a, diets, LDN, and supplements to support health. Just realizing we are using “Nootropics” and happy to find this site.
David Tomen
September 7, 2021
Denise, Stop the Thyroid Madness became my bible when I was first diagnosed hypothyroid about 8 years ago. Synthroid did not work and I heard about natural desiccated thyroid. But could not find an endo who would prescribe it. I was on my own and that website and Janie’s book helped me save my own life.
So, welcome to our community and thanks for the note. We’re happy to have you.
Shane
May 13, 2021
Hi David,
I appreciate all the info and trust your nootropic expertise over all others so thank you for that!
I’m planning on getting Mind Lab Pro and was wondering if there were any additional things you’d add to this pre-formulated stack (i.e a racetam etc.) and/or extra of a certain nootropic already in the stack (I’ve read you can take 750 mg of Bacopa /day safely etc)? I’m a medical provider and clear rapid thinking/social comfortability are my main benefit focus. Also, do you recommend taking the double dose on more demanding work days?
What would be your recommendation for best nootropic stack for sleep to calm a busy mind? Thanks!
David Tomen
May 13, 2021
Shane, you can safely double the dose of Mind Lab Pro. So, two capsules in the morning and two at noon.
Depending on your age or medical issues you may want to add more L-Tyrosine for dopamine and Alpha GPC for acetylcholine. Those are direct precursors and will increase the amount of each neurotransmitter in your brain.
Bacopa Monnieri will not increase those neurotransmitters. It is a good anxiolytic and helps protect your brain from stress.
I suggest adding 1,000 mg DHA to Mind Lab Pro every day, a high quality Multi like this one: https://bit.ly/347dm5M and a tablespoon of a healthy fat like unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil to help absorb the fat-soluble ingredients in your stack.
sav
April 28, 2021
Searching for Inositol, I came across your description of its function. Then reading further noted that, in contrast to the glowing claims, you are not including it in your personal protocol. As I recommended it to my son, and use it myself, I am left wondering what is the reason you are not using it, given its purported benefits.
Oh my, an endless loop of verification images. Now probably won’t go through. Hate that!
David Tomen
April 30, 2021
Sav, I hate it too. But such is life on the World Wide Web until someone figures out a way to make websites hack-proof.
I used to use Inositol and ended up dropping it for no particular reason except that I’m already using a lot of supplements. Eventually, once you have your stack sorted to your liking you draw the line. And stay with what works.