The best nootropic supplements for 2023 cover the fundamentals for supporting great cognitive function, performance, and brain health.
Natural nootropic supplements for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), boosting decision-making, 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 |
Table of Contents
Best Nootropic Supplements in 2023
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+
get Nu:tropic® bars
get Pre Lab Pro®
Best Nootropic Supplement Stack for You in 2023
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
Best Nootropic Supplements to buy in 2023
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+ 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 function, 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 function, 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 effects memory, cognitive function, learning, recall, and mood.
And Lion’s Mane helps eliminate brain fog. Restoring cognitive dysfunction, 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 the smart drug wears off.
Tyrosine also improves memory and cognition under acute stress.[xiv] It helps improve decision making, ‘flow state’ and creativity, cognitive flexibility, cognitive function, and working memory.
L-Tyrosine is a great addition to any nootropic stack, especially if you’re dealing with ADHD or ADD.
For more tips on how to deal with ADHD and ADD symptoms, see my article:
Best Nootropics for ADHD/ADD
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.
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 boost 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]
Most neurohackers report a calming effect within 30 – 45 minutes of taking L-Theanine. Cognition gets a boost, and energy levels rise without 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+
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.
Clear Path to Improved Performance in 2023
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 2023. 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+, 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+ 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 2023. 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 function, 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
How to Select the Best Multivitamin for Brain Function
[i] Berg J.M., Tymoczko J.L., Stryer L. Biochemistry. 5th edition. New York: W H Freeman; 2002. (source)
[ii] White H.L., Scates P.W. “Acetyl-L-carnitine as a precursor of acetylcholine.” Neurochemical Research 1990 Jun;15(6):597-601. (source)
[iii] Galasso, C., Orefice, I., Pellone, P., Cirino, P., Miele, R., Ianora, A., Brunet, C., & Sansone, C. (2018). On the Neuroprotective Role of Astaxanthin: New Perspectives?. Marine drugs, 16(8), 247. (Source)
[iv] Nakagawa, K., Kiko, T., Miyazawa, T., Carpentero Burdeos, G., Kimura, F., Satoh, A., & Miyazawa, T. (2011). Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The British journal of nutrition, 105(11), 1563–1571. (Source)
[v] Lobos, P., Bruna, B., Cordova, A., Barattini, P., Galáz, J. L., Adasme, T., Hidalgo, C., Muñoz, P., & Paula-Lima, A. (2016). Astaxanthin Protects Primary Hippocampal Neurons against Noxious Effects of Aβ-Oligomers. Neural plasticity, 2016, 3456783. (Source)
[vi] Bhattacharya S.K., Ghosal S. “Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera: an experimental study.” Phytomedicine. 1998 Apr;5(2):77-82 (source)
[vii] Calabrese N.D., Gregory W.L., Leo M., Kraemer D., Bone K., Oken B. “Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine 2008 Jul; 14(6): 707–713. (source)
[viii] Walker J., Rohm B., Lang R., Pariza M.W., Hofmann T., Somoza V. “Identification of coffee components that stimulate dopamine release from pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12).” Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2012 Feb;50(2):390-8 (source)
[ix] Gjorness T.E., Greene R.W. “Adenosine and Sleep” Current Neuropharmacology. 2009 Sep; 7(3): 238–245. (source)
[x] Adibhatla R.M., Hatcher J.F., Dempsey R.J. “Citicoline: neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemia.” Journal of Neurochemistry 2002 Jan;80(1):12-23 (source)
[xi] Wang L., Pooler A.M., Albrecht M.A., Wurtman R.J. “Dietary uridine-5′-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats.” Journal of Molecular Neuroscience 2005;27(1):137-45. (source)
[xii] Lai P.L., Naidu M., Sabaratnam V., Wong K.H., David R.P., Kuppusamy U.R., Abdullah N., Malek S.N. “Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia.” International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54. (source)
[xiii] Nagano M., Shimizu K., Kondo R., Hayashi C., Sato D., Kitagawa K., Ohnuki K. “Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake.” Biomedical Research. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7. (source)
[xiv] Coull N.A., Watkins S.L., Aldous J.W., Warren L.K., Chrismas B.C., Dascombe B., Mauger A.R., Abt G., Taylor L. “Effect of tyrosine ingestion on cognitive and physical performance utilising an intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT) in a warm environment.”European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2015 Feb;115(2):373-86. (source)
[xv] 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)
[xvi] Dvoráková M., Jezová D., Blazícek P., Trebatická J., Skodácek I., Suba J., Iveta W., Rohdewald P., Duracková Z. “Urinary catecholamines in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): modulation by a polyphenolic extract from pine bark (pycnogenol).” Nutritional Neuroscience 2007 Jun-Aug; 10(3-4):151-7. (source)
[xvii] Nishioka K., Hidaka T., Nakamura S., Umemura T., Jitsuiki D., Soga J., Goto C., Chayama K., Yoshizumi M., Higashi Y. “Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans.” Hypertension Research. 2007 Sep;30(9):775-80. (source)
[xviii] Lopresti A.L., Drummond P.D., Inarejos-García A.M., Prodanov M. “affron®, a standardised extract from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of youth anxiety and depressive symptoms: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Journal of Affective Disorders. 2018 May;232:349-357 (source)
[xix] Banerjee S., Hellier J., Romeo R., et al. “Study of the use of antidepressants for depression in dementia: the HTA-SADD trial - a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of sertraline and mirtazapine.” Health Technology Assessment. 2013 Feb;17(7):1-166. (source)
[xx] Natoli R., Zhu Y., Valter K., Bisti S., Eells J., Stone J. “Gene and noncoding RNA regulation underlying photoreceptor protection: microarray study of dietary antioxidant saffron and photobiomodulation in rat retina.” Molecular Vision. 2010 Sep 3;16:1801-22. (source)
[xxi] Xuan B., Zhou Y.H., Li N., Min Z.D., Chiou G.C. “Effects of crocin analogs on ocular blood flow and retinal function.” Journal of Ocular Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 1999 Apr;15(2):143-52. (source)
[xxii] Mason R. “200 mg of Zen” Alternative and Complementary Therapies. July 2004, 7(2): 91-95. (source)
[xxiii] Yamada T., Terashima T., Wada K., Ueda S., Ito M., Okubo T., Juneja L.R., Yokogoshi H. “Theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, increases neurotransmission concentrations and neurotrophin mRNA levels in the brain during lactation.” Life Sciences. 2007 Sep 29;81(16):1247-55. (source)
[xxiv] Clayton P.T. “B6-responsive disorders: a model of vitamin dependency.” Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. 2006 Apr-Jun;29(2-3):317-26. (source)
Is there a product that contains all of the following at an effective dose level?Aniracetam, CDP-Choline, Bacopa Monnieri, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Sulbutiamine, B-Complex
John, effective pre-made nootropic supplements containing CDP-Choline, Bacopa, Rhodiola, L-Theanine and some of the B-Vitamins is Mind Lab Pro. I am not aware of a pre-made stack that also includes Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine. I get those as individual supplements.
Hello,
First off thank you for this site. Its extremely informative and I constantly reference it. Second, your book. Does it have all Nootropics and its descriptions in it?
Third, Everyone wants to know how to improve ADHD. I want to know how to protect myself from the effects of medication. I’ve been on adderall for about 10 years now and been reading about the damage it does. Any suggestions to repairing ones self from constant stimulant use?
Matt, my book Head First has about 80% of the nootropics I’ve reviewed so far. I’ll include the rest in the 2nd edition of Head First when I have time to do it. But this edition does have a full review of each nootropic included in the book. Including what it is, where it comes from, how to works, why we use it, dosage recommendations, side effects, and type or form to buy.
This is the ADHD protocol with or without prescription stimulants that I along with thousands have been using successfully: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. The stack includes a couple of ingredients that contribute to repairing some of the damage that may have been done by using Adderall. And will support its use going forward.
David,
Thanks so much for the content, it’s extremely helpful. I’ve tried a few different supplements such as, Lions mane, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Theacrine, ginkgo biloba, Ashwahganda, Maca, 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort, and Alpha Lipoic Acid & Acetyl L Carnitine. I’ve been wanting to put together my own stack and basing it on Mind Lab Pro’s ingredients, having read a lot of good reviews about it:
Alpha GPC – 500mg
Bacopa Monnieri – 500mg
Phosphatidylserine – 125mg
Rhodiola Rosea – 100mg
Maritime Pine Bark – 100mg
NALT – 500mg
L-Theanine – 300mg
Lions Mane – 500mg
Ginkgo Biloba – 100mg
I increased some of the doses and added ginkgo biloba. I also switched Citicoline for Alpha GPC to save some money. I’d love to get your opinion on these, as well as possibly adding Gotu Kola, Ashwahganda, Maca, Huperzine – A, and/or Ginsing root.
Also would you recommend trying any racetams to take periodically with this stack?
Brent, Huperzine-A is not necessary and it’s hard to dose. Because it’s very powerful and has a 24 hr. half-life. So must be used only every 2nd or 3rd day. Not worth it in my opinion.
For the others I suggest getting familiar with the reviews I did on each and then determine if you think any of them would benefit you. Only you can answer that.
For the rest of the stack you’ll have more success dosing it twice per day. If you it morning and noon then you get all day benefit.
The big glaring thing that’s missing is a good B-Complex vitamin. Here’s why you need that: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
David,
Thank you for the advice! I ended up making that stack and have had great subjective results. For my next stack I’m thinking about changing and adding a few ingredients and would love your opinion.
Here is the current stack with amounts in milligrams:
• Lions Mane – 750
• Bacopa Monnieri (24%) – 300
• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – 250
• Alpha GPC (50%) – 500
• L-Theanine – 200
• Citicoline – 150
• Phosphatidylserine (20%) – 500
• Pine Bark – 100
• Rhodiola Rosea – 100
• Ginkgo Biloba – 75
• B6 – 10
• B12 – 0.03
I am thinking about adding:
1. Acetly-L-Carnitine – 400
2. Artichoke extract – 450
3. Forskolin – 2
4. Theobromine – 20
As well as:
1. Ashwagandha – 200
2. Vinpocetine – 5
What is your opinion on adding the first three to the existing stack? Do the outcomes of these nootropics increase the overall value of the stack, or are they not really needed?
As for the last two do you think these are any redundancies as far as the goals for including them with the current stack? In other words, what is the best bang for my buck with the ingredients listed if I don’t include all 17?
Antioxidant properties:
With Pine bark do I need Ashwagandha and/or Vinpocetine?
Adaptogens and stress:
With Bacopa and Rhodiola Rosea do I need Ashwagandha?
Cerebral circulation:
Ginkgo Biloba vs. Vinpocetine?
Brent, with Pine Bark Extract you do not need Ashwagandha or Vinpocetine.
And with Bacopa and Rhodiola Rosea you do not need Ashwagandha.
And you’ve got cerebral circulation covered with Pine Bark Extract.
Appreciate the feedback! It sounds like the combination of pine bark and bacopa outweighs adding additional nootropics to my stack.
Do you think I could get by with removing any of my current nootropic supplements in the stack, such as ginkgo biloba?
Do you think adding ALCAR would benefit the stack?
Brent, I’d probably eliminate Ginkgo. But suggest you look closed at the mechanism of action for each nootropic. Compare them and decide from there. ALCAR would very likely benefit your stack because it is a required cofactor in the synthesis of acetylcholine among other benefits.
thank you sooooo much for sharing your knowledge. I’m just trying to do brain repair and maintenance. My mom had Alzheimers. Can you recommend an already stacked OTC supplement?
Neva, there’s two ways you can approach this.
Based on this article, the best nootropics for brain repair and maintenance include; Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Aniracetam, CDP-Choline, DHA, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Vinpocetine, Rhodiola Rosea, Pine Bark Extract. Some of these are including in Mind Lab Pro which would be a great start because it also includes Lion’s Mane Mushroom, L-Tyrosine and some of the B-Vitamins. You can read more about it here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/mind-lab-pro-review/.
You other option is to use the search function top right of this website using the exact keyword in quotes “Alzheimer” and see what turns up.
Then do additional searches for other issues you have in mind. Read those reviews that come up in your search. Then write a list of supplements you found and that resonate with you. And either report back here or start searching for pre-formulated nootropic stacks that contain some (or all) of the supplements on your list.
thank you so much! I’ll check it out.
Thanks so much for your time and knowledge that you’ve shared with
everyone!
Hey David ,
I took a look at your website and it look like you spent some time reasearching about nootropics and you have extensive knowledge about it. I’m a third year dentistry student living in Egypt . My primary problem is lack of energy , feeling fatigued all the time and lack of recall. Lots of things slip my mind like calling the patient , getting missing dental materials and I even misplace some of my belongings and forget about them only to remember them later . Also , I have no Energy for social interactions and in dentistry I’m required to have to interact with lots of people on a daily basis ie taking with patients and doctors etc . I have uni 6 days a week so what do you recommend for me ???
Zeyad, without knowing more about your situation I suggest going through this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-improve-memory-and-concentration/. Select 2 or 3 nootropics from each of the categories and follow dosage recommendations for each supplement.
Or select one of the pre-formulated stacks near the end of that post. Once you get in delivered start with a single recommended dose and see how you feel. If there’s no side effects then double your daily dose until you start feeling some improvement.
Hi David.. did you recently update your book Head First? because i bought it like a year ago and i dont think it contains everything as you are saying now.. for example in depth review for DHA
Marek, I have not yet updated Head First and the current edition does not have a review of DHA. But it will in the next which is no where near being ready for publishing.
Hi David,
Thanks for your excellent work! One question: you extol Pycnogenol but you don’t mention Grape Seed Extract. Supposedly both supply abundant Procyanidins and are equally effective, but Grape Seed Extract is significantly less expensive. Is there something I don’t know? Any reason not to use Grape Seed Extract instead?
Thanks!
Alan, all of the research I found was specific to Pine Bark Extract. And not Grape Seed Extract.
I imagine the scientists that discovered all the benefits of Pine Bark Extract were aware of Grape Seed extract. But didn’t mention it. So not sure if that tells us anything. But it likely means you’ll have more success with Pine Bark Extract.
Thanks for the info in this article! I’ll admit that I’d heard of a lot of them and I am excited by those that I hadn’t heard of. Just a point about DHA, I have taken omega 3s all my life in fish oil form but I truly felt the mood enhancement benefits of DHA when I switched from fish oil omega 3 supp to phospholipid based supp. The supplement I used, (I won’t give the name) was formed from salmon brain extract and was rich in EPA and DHA in phospholipid form which has been proven to easily cross the blood brain barrier. And after a couple of years of being on SSRIs (and then going off them for 4 months without any change in mood), I started taking phospholipid based omega 3s which significantly improved my mood. The supp I took was about 60 usd for a months supply. Krill oil is known to contain significantly more phospholipid omega 3s than fish oil. Just my 2 cents.
Ryan, you just eloquently explained why fish oil is about the worst choice there is for improving brain health. The human brain is about 60% fat and most of that fat is DHA. Not fish oil. Thank you.
One last question Mr David , can I stack 200 mg of 5-htp with 200 mg sulbutiamine, and 15000 Aniracetam, and a B complex safely . I was going to be very careful with the 5-htp as I’ve heard you mention serotonin syndrome and I’m not on any other ssris . I figured I needed something to boost my serotonin levels tho. My naturopath recommended I take the 5-htp, but didn’t say anything about the others
Malik, L-Tryptophan is a much safer way to increase serotonin. 200 mg 5-HTP is too high of a dose in my opinion. Unless you are very experienced with using this nootropic. 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed will help increase serotonin. Which also goes on to make melatonin to help you sleep.
And please DO NOT use 15,000 mg Aniracetam. I hope that was a mistake and you meant two 750 mg doses of Aniracetam. But note that this nootropic will not work if it is not stacked with a choline supplement. You need at least 300 mg CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC with each 750 mg dose of Aniracetam.
Hello Mr David as I read in your article you suffer a From ADD as well and I’m pretty sure that comes with a lot of anxiety ( social and otherwise) low self esteem, low motivation and a strong inability to focus . What do you think I should add or take out of this stack to help me focus and stop being so anxious ,
N acetyl – cysteine 1800 mg
Probiotic
Resveratrol 250mg
Alpha lipoic acid 100 mg
Ashwaganda Ksm 66 1000 mg
B complex
Turmeric 1500 mg
Aniracetam 1500 mg 3x a week
Sulbutiamine 2x a week 200 mg
Alpha gpc 3x a week 600 mg
DHA 1000 mg
Lithium Orotate 2 a week 5 mg
Do you think this is enough to help me calm social anxiety and be able to control the ADD
Malik, this is what you need to control ADD: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. Please study that post from top to bottom so you understand the cause of ADD. And what your brain needs to get back to some kind of balance and working closer to ‘normal’.
You’ll notice is your reading that ADD is primarily a dopamine and brain signalling problem. This means increasing dopamine and acetylcholine. That’s what the ADD stack does.
You should find that when you start to take care of that then some of the other symptoms you describe begin to decline. And after that process gets started then you dig deeper into whatever anxiety issues you are still experiencing. This post will help you with that analysis: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
One final note … please go back through your current stack one-by-one and get familiar with dosage recommendations for each. Alpha GPC for example needs to be used (in your case) 3-times per day. Each of the others need to dosed per day, and not a couple of times per week.
Thank you so much Mr david for everything you do
Where do I source these please mate?
John, it depends on which country you live. In the USA, most of the nootropics reviewed in this post can be purchased from Amazon, The Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods, and local vitamin stores. The Aniracetam full review has a link to a vendor I have a relationship with called Hard Rhino based in Las Vegas, NV.
Hello, I have huge exams after 8 months and it will determine my future career, what stack you suggest for that matter, I already take a 1g of DHA and b complex + whole food multi + L-theanine + NALT and I’m considering taking Mind Lab Pro, Is there anything you suggest to add?
Thanks in advance.
Michael, here is a great resource for exactly your situation: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-studying/. I may be a little biased 🙂 but use the stack at the end of the post and you should do well. Esp. if you add Methylene Blue.
Hi David,
I am 37 years old. I have a problem with short-term memory. When I read something and finished 2,3 sentences I already forgot what I read and can repeat and sometimes I can’t even paraphrase what I read to myself. One of the reasons I can’t focus on it and another one, maybe I don’t have sharp memory.
My next problem I felt very often nervous without any reason and become angry. I want to control my emotions.
I felt insecure in myself, some kind of social anxiety, sometimes I just know how to start to speak with people I know, I felt blocked.
Please give me some tips.
Dean, use the search function top right for the keyword “short-term memory”. It will take a little effort but you’ll find at least a couple of nootropics proven to help that type of memory.
Next, see this post for types on dealing with social anxiety: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Thank You David! You already wrote about what I need it, sorry because I didn’t search first. I will read all about it.
In this year I heard for nootropics and start to research. I recently bought Piracetam and now I use it. I tried Modafinil too (it works great only with 100mg!). I happy I have a lot of source about those stuff and I found you site where I can read quality information.
Regards,
Dean.
Hey David, my name is Chris. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate the work you do. I came across your channel about a month ago now and decided to check out your website now. I can’t express enough how much I like it when you go into detail on each of the supplement and nootropics and how you break down the use, dosage etc. Your not full of hype and it’s extremely calming to hear how you explain everything. This allows me to absorb as much information as possible. Nootropics have definitely changed my life and I’m surprised more people don’t know about them. We care so much about our physical appearance and performance but forget everything starts with our brain and the thoughts it can create. I hope reading this message will inspire you to keep creating more great content!
Thanks again
Chris
Thank you Chris. Deeply appreciated.
(I take SNRI, anticonvulsant, fish oil, b12, magnesium, turmeric). I recently got aniracetam, only been taking it for two days; however, every time I take it I just fall asleep. What racetam do you recommend?
David, if Aniracetam makes you sleepy it’s because you are not using a choline supplement. Aniracetam boosts the use of acetylcholine in your 200 – 300%. If that ACh is not there you’ll get side effects like you are experiencing. You need Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline every time you use Aniracetam.
Hi david,
Can I give children of 9 years and 5 years old PL Whole food multi? If yes how much the daily use for both? And why the company doesn’t recommend it fir children??
Thanks
Yazan, PL Whole-Food Multi is not recommended for children because no one really knows what the best dosage is for each of these vitamins and minerals are for kids. If it was my kid I’d say that one capsule per day was likely safe. But I cannot legitimately recommend it for any number of reasons. It’s not morally responsible of me to do so and it’s a legal grey area that I don’t want to enter.
Hey,
can you take Nalt and DLPA together? Or is that too much of a good thing?
My thinking is that NALT might give you instant ‘succes’ where as DLPA is more of a foundation kind off thing.
If that makes sense:)
regards,
richard
Richard, DLPA is the precursor to L-Tyrosine (i.e. NALT). So they are both in the pathway to dopamine production. You could use both. I’ve never tried but don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work. I use NALT and Mucuna Pruriens (L-DOPA) and it works for me.
Hi,
Have you evaluated Qualia Mind or Alpha brain ?
Yazan, they are on my list “to-do”. I’ll have very short reviews in the next post I’m going to publish. But full reviews will be later this year.
HOLA , gracias por toda esta valiosa información, tengo 51 años , trabajo en seguros, quiere un “motor” que me ayude a estar motivado , buen estado de ánimo , enfocado y me de energía, cuál me recomiendas, he probado Optimind por un solo mes, pero leyendo el artículo tengo la duda si sea el adecuado para lo que estoy buscando. Gracias.
Miguel, click on this link: https://nootropicsexpert.com/category/guides/. And scroll through the different posts. You’ll find separate posts which include suggestions for each of the issues you mentioned.