Welcome! My name is David Tomen, and I am the author of NootropicsExpert.com, my books Head First 2nd Edition – The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements and (FREE!) Secrets of the Optimized Brain, and my Nootropics Expert YouTube channel.
I started Nootropics Expert® in January 2016. You can learn more about my story and why I started Nootropics Expert over on my About Page.
You can quickly see the nootropic supplements that I personally use every day on this page: What I Take
And if you’re in a hurry, go to this page to Buy Nootropics.
I also do Personal Consultations if you could use some help choosing the best nootropic supplements for you. You’ll find my calendar here: Nootropics Expert Consultations
How Nootropics Can Help You
You can end your search now. Because here on Nootropics Expert you’ll find the help you have been searching for. No matter the brain health problem that is making your life miserable.
Here you’ll find information on this List of Nootropics which has dozens and dozens of links to nootropic supplement reviews that I’ve written, and update as soon as new science becomes available. In a language that is easy to understand.
You’ll learn where each supplement comes from, how it works, the benefits you can expect, how much you should use and how often, possible side effects, and how to select from dozens of options – which one to buy.
NOTE: Every single word on Nootropics Expert is written by me. It’s not an AI or a contract copywriter.
You will also discover that everything I write about a supplement is supported by peer-reviewed clinical studies. You will not find links to other websites or blogs.
Instead, you will find dozens of clickable links in each supplement review and article to supporting and relevant clinical studies.
So you have the option of reading the same research I found and used to write my reviews and articles.
My hope is that if you’re overwhelmed by the fragmented information for nootropics spread across several websites, you can end your search on what has become the best nootropics website.
Quickly find out how one nootropic may interact with another. Which ones are safe. And which nootropic supplements have side effects. I will cover all that here.
Use my Nootropics Guide to get more familiar with the top nootropics and different types of cognitive enhancers and what they do. Soon you’ll be able to safely build your own nootropic stack.
I’m happy you’re here. Because you should be able to find everything you need to know about nootropics on Nootropics Expert. No need to go anywhere else.
Armed with this knowledge you can choose the best nootropics for you, and finally start experiencing the benefits you’re working to achieve.
Where to Buy Nootropics
Once you’ve decided which nootropic supplements you’d like to try, how do you know which is the best supplement to buy?
I’ve done the homework for you and put together a list of nootropic brands and supplements. Most of which I personally use and highly recommend.
You’ll find the highest quality, purest nootropic supplements on this page.
The Definitive Guide to Nootropics
A nootropic is a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning.
Neuro-hacking and the research behind brain modulation, nootropics, and biohacking in general is a constantly evolving and improving science.
We cover all that in The Definitive Guide to Nootropics.
The Big List of Nootropics
Nootropics cover a broad category of compounds with cognitive boosting properties.
They have minimal side-effects and are appropriate for long-term use.
The Big List is a quick reference guide for nootropics. Learn what it’s for, how it’s used, side effects, interactions and dosing suggestions.
The Best Nootropics
Achieving brain optimization comes with a lot of trial and error. Experimenting to see what works best for you. But spend enough time in the nootropics community, and you begin to see patterns develop.
After you try the latest edition to the racetam-family of nootropics. Most biohackers settle into the nootropic that works best for each category of; cognition & focus, memory, energy & motivation, anxiety & depression, and brain repair & maintenance.
The “Best Nootropics” page is a distillation of what I have found to be the best nootropics for each category of brain optimization. You’ll find a list of the best nootropic compounds for each category. And links through to more detailed articles for each category.
Join The Discussion - 1,827 comments
Alex
October 10, 2023
Hi David! You look great! Thank you for the great and accurate work of extracting information from such a large volume of different sources, your work is very important. There are questions. What nootropics do you think it is important for a man to take regularly after the age of 50 to support brain health? Which courses should I take periodically? I live in the northern hemisphere, where there is not much sun in the year. Do you need to take ADD medications regularly or can you take a break? Thank you.
David Tomen
October 14, 2023
Alex, that’s a lot of questions which I haven’t the time to answer in detail. See this article for what happens to our brain as we age and what to do about it: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/. And pay particular attention to the last section on neurotransmitters. You also need 1,000 mg DHA per day, Vitamin D3 (start at 5,000 IU per day and get tested), 400 mg magnesium chelate before bed, and a bioactive, high quality multivitamin daily like this one: https://bit.ly/347dm5M
Muhannad
October 6, 2023
Hello, I suffer from severe working and short-term memory impairment. The lower my mood and more stressed I am, the worse the impairment. But it’s always pretty bad. I constantly lose my ideas and forget what I was thinking about, whether it was me walking somewhere to get something or saying a sentence. I can’t hold onto any thoughts. Please help.
David Tomen
October 6, 2023
Muhannad, go this section of my article for an explanation of the neuroscience with short-term memory: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/#short-term-memory. There is a list of supplements at the end of that section that support short-term and working memory.
John
September 29, 2023
I remember you wrote somewhere about the neurotoxicity of monosodium glutamate, I can’t find this article through a search. This is true? Is there enough research?
David Tomen
October 1, 2023
John, that is not what I wrote. What I did write is in the Side Effects section of this review (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-glutamine/).
Dan
September 28, 2023
Silicon dioxide nanoparticles induced neurobehavioral impairments by disrupting microbiota–gut–brain axis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8194163/
David Tomen
October 1, 2023
Dan, I have been ranting about and written articles for years on the importance of only buying “pure” supplements like those sold by Mind Lab Pro and Performance Lab. That one study also demonstrates why my family only drinks purified or spring water that has been tested. There is zero reason to buy a supplement that contains silica, silicon dioxide or magnesium stearate. Because you can make supplements without needing to use these toxins.
Dan
September 28, 2023
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809081/
What do you think about this study, I am still wondering whether it is actually harmful in such quantities as in capsule fillers or not.
John
September 23, 2023
A brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
Do you think (AVM) is possible due to nootropics/supplements?
David Tomen
September 26, 2023
John, it is caused by a genetic mutation in chromosome 7 and can even happen in newborns. See this study for more info: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/arteriovenous-malformations-avms
Met
August 17, 2023
Are you going to review MSM? It definitely affects cognitive functions.
David Tomen
August 21, 2023
MSM is on my “to do” list.
John
September 5, 2023
I am considering taking PEA or Inositol for major anxiety and depression. Is there one you would recommend over the other? Can you take both? I’ve tried several antidepressants but can not tolerate them.
Thank you
David Tomen
September 6, 2023
John, you can use both or either. It is highly unlikely the either will help with major anxiety or depression on their own. The only way to find out is to try each one and see what happens.
FERNANDO DE SOUZA MOLLA
August 8, 2023
hello
You published a Japanese study with 41 university students in Japan, the scientists compared a diet rich in DHA (1.5 grams/day) with a placebo. In that study it appears to me that DHA is superior to EPA for brain improvements. But this study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8408864/ says that EPA is better than DHA for cognitive improvements. Could you talk about it and clear up doubts about which one is best for the brain?
David Tomen
August 9, 2023
Fernando, the study that you pointed to was funded by BASF which I always find a little suspicious. Seems to me there is a conflict of interest when the company funding the study also provides the product being studied.
There is no doubt EPA is important. But DHA works in synergy with phosphatidylserine and phosphorylcholine to keep brain cell membranes healthy. EPA does not do that fundamental function. So, I stand by my recommendation of a high quality DHA supplement that contains half as much EPA.