Table of Contents
I often get emails from Nootropics Expert® readers asking me what my favorite nootropic stack is. And what I use every day. This post is a detailed response to that question.
NOTE: This review has been updated to reflect the changes to the Mind Lab Pro® formula which was refreshed in early 2017.
Mind Lab Pro® is by far the best nootropic stack I’ve ever used. And I’ve tried a lot of them over the last 12 years. Including ready-made stacks from the local vitamin shop to many of the well-known stacks found online.
14 years ago, I was diagnosed with Adult ADD and my doctor put me on Ritalin. It was like the lights suddenly came on in my brain. And for the first time in my life I could concentrate and focus.
Up to then, I took my brain for granted. And hadn’t considered that the health of my brain affected every single aspect of my life.
That point was also the beginning of a journey into how my brain worked. What was wrong, and an earnest search on how to fix it. I’ve read thousands of threads on Reddit, Longecity and nootropic blogs in this search for the ultimate nootropic stack.
My Nootropic Stack Criteria
As this deep dive into neuroscience took shape, I started to develop a map of sorts on what my options were. Areas that I could fix on my own. And other areas that could be boosted and tweaked to get the most out of this amazingly complex organ in my head.
This is the list of cognitive improvements I eventually came up with:
- increase memory and recall
- eliminate brain fog
- support the stimulant I am using for Adult ADD
- ramp up motivation
- boost personal confidence
- help with concentration
- magnify my ability to learn and retain
- focus easily
- maintain a better mood – tone down depression
- improve vocabulary – words come easily
- reduce stress levels
- have better coordination
- improve sleep
It soon became clear that no prescription drug on earth could help achieve the results I was looking for. A completely optimized brain firing on all cylinders.
So I turned to natural supplements and started experimenting. Through trial and error things started to come together. My memory and recall got better. Confidence levels improved and I was in a better mood. Stress levels went down. And a better night’s sleep was finally within reach.
Anyone who has been down this path of brain optimization knows the expense and work involved. I’ve spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on supplements. Trial and error with different compounds. Buying ready-made stacks that promised a lot. But always fell short in some way.
Eventually I started buying nootropic supplements in bulk powder form and began making my own capsules. Still a costly way to boost my brain power but entirely worth the effort and expense. Both in my career and relationships with those I love.
Discovering Mind Lab Pro
But I was always on the lookout for the ideal nootropic stack that could help replace some of the many supplements I was taking. And in late 2015 I finally found it in Mind Lab Pro®.
I’ve been using Mind Lab Pro every day since then. And haven’t found another premade nootropic stack that comes anywhere close to what this stack can do.
Who Makes Mind Lab Pro?
Mind Lab Pro is a premium nootropic stack developed in the U.K. The company promotes Mind Lab Pro as “the first Universal Nootropic” stack that boosts all aspects of cognition in all types of people.
This nootropic stack can be used by students, athletes, competitors in sports and games, working professionals and even those over 55.
So how can one stack promise so much in just two capsules per day? Let’s dig into the ingredients to see what they do in the brain, and how they work.
(Note that every ingredient in Mind Lab Pro listed here links through to a full review of each nootropic on Nootropics Expert. You’ll get more detail on the history, clinical studies, dosage recommendations, side effects and forms available).
Mind Lab Pro Ingredients
This is the formula that the team at Mind Lab Pro created that works so well for me. And thousands of other neurohackers around the world.
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- Bacopa Monnieri 150 mg standardized to 45% bacosides with 9 bioactives cuts back learning time, and improves memory including recall.[i]
The active bacosides in Bacopa protects brain cells from free radicals which prevents cell damage and death. Bacopa also boosts acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin – all tied to focus, clear memory and better mood. Bacopa even helps boost cerebral circulation.
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- Citicoline as Cognizin® 250 mg enhances attention, concentration, memory, logical reasoning, learning and focus.[ii]
Citicoline helps synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC), a major phospholipid found in brain cell membranes. And supports the neurotransmitter acetylcholine while providing antioxidant activity.
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- Phosphatidylserine (PS) as Sharp PS® Green 100 mg improves memory and attention, increases cognitive processing speed, and accuracy.[iii]PS is a phospholipid making up 15% of brain cell membranes. Maintaining cellular fluidity, optimizing neuroreceptors and promoting acetylcholine and dopamine.
PS even increases nerve growth factor to help neurogenesis, cell maintenance and repair.
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- Lion’s Mane Mushroom (full-spectrum) 500 mg is effective in improving memory, neuron repair,[iv] liver detox, and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Lion’s Mane is the only mushroom that supports brain health. The active hericenones and erinacines stimulates Nerve Growth Factor which helps neurogenesis, and myelin axon sheath synthesis. Improving neuroplasticity which is involved in memory formation, and keeping cell membranes healthy.
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- Rhodiola Rosea 50 mg standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides improves mental performance under stress, and enhances mood.[v]
Rhodiola boosts mood by influencing norepinephrine, serotonin and the feel-good opioids like beta-endorphins levels in your brain. It helps neurogenesis, activates the synthesis of ATP, and reduces the inflammatory C-reactive protein in your brain.
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- L-Theanine 100 mg as Suntheanine® improves focus[vi], sleep, immune system strength, and blood pressure control. L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves which are associated with relaxation and enhanced creativity.
It settles excitatory neurotransmitters while promoting calming neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. Sharpening attention, alertness and focus that help creative problem solving, learning and studying.
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- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) 175 mg is an amino acid critical for the synthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine in your brain. Boosting these catecholamines helps improve cognition, mood, and memory.
NALT has been shown to promote working memory when multitasking.[vii] And NALT helps optimize mental performance under high stress, fatigue and sleep deprivation.
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- Maritime Pine Bark Extract 75 mg standardized for a minimum of 95% proanthocyanidins. This extract helps increase levels of nitric oxide which helps dilate blood vessels. Delivering more oxygen and glucose to brain cells for more energy, better learning and memory, enhanced focus and elevated mood.
Pine Bark Extract is one the most potent antioxidants ever discovered. Scavenging free radicals to protect neurons from oxidative damage.
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- Vitamin B6 2.5 mg supplied in the bio-identical form of NutriGenesis® vitamins which is critical for the synthesis of the major neurotransmitters dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine and serotonin. Which influence mood, melatonin, and helps regulate your body clock.[x]
B6 also helps protect your brain from excess homocysteine that can damage blood vessel linings. And B6 helps form myelin which is the protective sheath that surrounds axons in your brain and body.
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- Vitamin B9 100 mcg in the bio-identical form of NutriGenesis® vitamins. This vitamin participates in one-carbon transfers for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. And works with the other two B-Vitamins in this stack help regulate homocysteine levels.
Folate is also involved in gene expression, amino acid synthesis, and myelin synthesis and repair.
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- Vitamin B12 7.5 mcg in the bio-identical form of NutriGenesis® vitamins which is required to regulate homocysteine levels in your brain and body.
B12 is also a cofactor in the synthesis of the major neurotransmitters dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine and serotonin. Low levels of Vitamin B12 has been linked to poor mood and cognition leading to cognitive decline at any age.[xi]
One of the things that stands out in this nootropic stack is the company chooses to use their proprietary NutriGenesis® form of vitamins. Which are nature-identical to ensure these B-Vitamins are completely absorbed and used by your body and brain.
Mind Lab Pro Dosage
The amount of each ingredient listed is for Mind Lab Pro’s recommended 2-capsules per day. You can safely increase your dose to 4-capsules per day. 2 in the morning and 2 early afternoon.
Like every nootropic, it’s always better to start low and see how your body and brain react before increasing your dosage.
Synergy of Nootropic Ingredients is Key
The key to making this nootropic stack work is two-fold:
- the exact amount required for optimal performance from each ingredient
- synergy or how they work together and complement each other for maximum results.
This idea of “synergy” is a big deal when putting together a nootropic stack. While each nootropic on its own could call for a higher dosage, when combined they work together better in the brain at smaller doses. But more on these doses in a minute.
Just Say “No” to Proprietary Formulas
One thing that irks me is the way many nootropic manufactures ‘hide’ the exact amount of each ingredient in their stack. They call it their “proprietary formula”.
But Mind Lab Pro chooses to disclose exact amounts on their packaging. So I know exactly what I’m taking. For me, this shows respect for me as a customer. Then I have the option of upping doses of certain nootropics that are unique to my condition and state of health.
For example, I’m Adult ADD and continue to use 20 mg of Ritalin twice a day. Ritalin works by blocking the reuptake and degradation of dopamine in my brain. Making more dopamine available to help my focus and concentration.
The problem for me, and for many with ADD and ADHD as we get older is there’s not enough dopamine in my brain to start with.
Mind Lab Pro addresses this lack of dopamine with NALT. But in my case, the dose of NALT is too low. So I add 800 mg of NALT and 1,000 mg of ALCAR each time I take my Ritalin dose.
The result has been greater efficacy of Ritalin. I’ve never had to increase my dose of Ritalin due to tolerance. And at the end of my day, I don’t experience a stimulant ‘crash’ which is common when using these types of stimulants.
Do I consider this a ‘con’ for Mind Lab Pro? Absolutely not. Because while I need extra dopamine and acetylcholine in my brain, you may not. Unless you’re dealing with something like ADHD.
And I know exactly how much NALT and ALCAR to add to this stack because Mind Lab Pro tells me how much they are supplying in their stack. There is no guessing.
How Mind Lab Pro Works in Real Life
I love this nootropic stack. Two capsules in the morning with a tablespoon of organic unrefined coconut oil. And it launches my day. In my case with ADD and being hypothyroid, I take another two capsules at noon with coconut oil.
I also use 1,000 mg of DHA in the morning. Along with Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine. Since starting Mind Lab Pro my productivity has increased. My mood is better. Focusing on several projects is not a problem. Work seems to go faster. And I get more done in less time.
Everything just seems better. And life flows.
Mind Lab Pro is Impressive value
One of the things I’ve learned over the years of working with nootropics is it’s not cheap. In fact, taking each nootropic on its own in my case, can add up to a few hundred dollars per month.
But using Mind Lab Pro has dramatically reduced my nootropic budget. Here’s a breakdown of how much each of these nootropics would cost if purchased individually.
Note: These prices are from Amazon.com here in the USA at the time I write this. They’re usually competitive with other retailers online, and brick & mortar stores. Prices could be different in your part of the world, or when you read this.
Bacopa Monnieri (45% bacosides) 250 mg – 90 capsules $14.99
Citicoline (Cognizin®) 250 mg – 60 capsules $20.38
Phosphatidylserine (PS) (Sharp PS® Green) 100 mg – 120 capsules $48.97
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (full-spectrum) 500 mg – 60 capsules $8.99
Rhodiola Rosea (3% rosavins, 1% salidrosides) 250 mg – 60 capsules $7.86
L-Theanine (Suntheanine®) 100 mg – 60 capsules $11.49
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT) 350 mg – 120 capsules $12.29
Pine Bark Extract (95% proanthocyanidins ) 100 mg – 300 capsules $18.52
Vitamin B6 (P-5-P) 25 mg – 100 capsules $17.95
Vitamin B9 (folate) 400 mcg – 90 capsules $7.21
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 1 mg – 60 capsules $18.95
The total of each of these evidence-backed nootropics when purchased individually comes out to $187.60.
Now I realize that the dosages in this comparison are often higher when used individually. The quantities per bottle are often higher than a monthly supply. And I’ve included supplements packed in vegetarian capsules which are often priced a little higher than regular capsules.
Sure, I could re-calculate each of the comparison prices by counting capsules per bottle to figure out the exact monthly dose.
Adjusting the price per capsule accordingly.
But my point here is the cost of buying each of these nootropics individually will be higher. Much higher than what the company charges for Mind Lab Pro.
Mind Lab Pro for a 30-day supply if you take the recommended 2 capsules per day is only $69.00 (+ shipping & handling).
You can also choose a 3-month supply (3 boxes) of Mind Lab Pro for $207.00 and get one box free (including free international shipping & handling). That works out to $51.75 per box.
Pros & Cons of Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro has taken an extra step to include NutriCaps® instead of regular vegetarian capsules in their stack. These vegan caps are made from tapioca.
Most competitors (including the nootropics listed above) use HPMC vegetarian capsules which are made from a semi-synthetic polymer.
Now, let’s look at what I think are the pros and cons of this premium nootropic stack.
Pros
- Full disclosure on the amount of each ingredient
- High quality branded ingredients (i.e. Cognizin®, Sharp PS®, NutriGenesis® vitamins, Suntheanine®)
- Vegan natural NutriCaps®
- Highly bioavailable B-Vitamins (P-5-P and methylcobalamin)
- No additives
- Organic when available, and always free of toxic heavy metals and other contaminates
- Tested prior to encapsulation for allergens, GMOs, microbes, pesticides and herbicides
- Batches are re-tested to confirm potency, purity and activity after encapsulation
- Ships in recyclable cardboard security boxes filled with biodegradable packing peanuts
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Only available on their website (more on this in a minute)
- Citicoline dose is too low if you’re using racetams
In all, I think the dosages included in Mind Lab Pro are perfect for this stack. In these dosage ranges side effects are minimized, or non-existent.
And because they fully disclose how much is in each 2-capsule dose, I have a better idea on what I need to add to this stack for my unique issues.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
I recommend Mind Lab Pro as a nootropic stack for total brain optimization.
Pricing of Mind Lab Pro is very competitive for what you get. Some on reddit.com and other blogs have commented that the company only sells this stack from their site. And don’t offer a free trial.
I’ve been in internet marketing for many years and completely understand the hazards of offering a free trial. Especially when you’re selling a high-quality product at the best price you can to stay competitive. It doesn’t make sense to offer free trials when you back it up with a risk-free, “empty bottle”, money-back guarantee.
The company has also decided not to offer Mind Lab Pro on Amazon.com because they don’t want this stack to appear alongside low-quality junk products. I get that. Amazon can also be a place where reviews are easily manipulated by jealous competitors.
And for anyone looking to understand the methodology that went into developing this stack, Amazon.com is not the place for extensive product descriptions.
So if you’ve been experimenting with nootropics for a while, or even considering getting into neurohacking – I recommend giving Mind Lab Pro a try.
This is the best pre-made nootropic stack I’ve ever tried. And this after nearly 10 years of trying dozens of nootropics. Both individual ingredients, and various stacks by different manufacturers.
It’s certainly not the cheapest nootropic stack on the market. But it’s not unreasonably priced either at only $69 for a month supply. You can’t put this stack together individually for less than twice or even three times what Opti Nutra charges.
And for me, Mind Lab Pro went the extra mile by going top notch with everything in this stack. Product and packaging quality, brand name ingredients, testing and more testing, organic when they can. Right down to using and NutriGenesis® and NutriCaps®. Touches the average person wouldn’t even notice. Now that’s cool.
If you’d like to try Mind Lab Pro, or learn more about this premium stack, please go to their website for more:
Join The Discussion - 227 comments
James
November 24, 2017
Hello David,
I am two days into taking Mindlab pro at the standard dose of two in the morning. Not feeling much of anything except of course a side effect. What is in this formula that would cause a stomach ache several hours after the dose in the morning and even into the evening?
Thanks
David Tomen
November 25, 2017
James, Mind Lab Pro does not have any type of nootropic that provides a ‘stimulant-effect’. So you’ll not ‘feel’ anything noticeable like a big burst of energy, or amped-up alertness. Most immediate changes are subtle and take a lot of self-awareness to notice. Things like improved memory, better mood, less anxiety, etc.
The most noticeable differences are after using the stack for 2 or 3 weeks. And looking back on what’s improved. For many, the improvements are profound but take awhile to realize.
Bacopa Monnieri, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Rhodiola Rosea, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT), Pine Bark Extract, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 (Folate) can all cause stomach upset in some people. So it’s difficult to pin-point exactly what the culprit is in your case. It’s unlikely the B-Vitamins are the cause because the doses are small. But it could be any one of the others.
Have you tried taking Mind Lab Pro with a meal to see if that makes a difference? Or take one capsule with a meal in the morning. And the other at noon with a meal.
Giulio
November 19, 2017
Hi David
i tried just yesterday 2 cap. of Mind Lab Pro and the results was amazing but, after the good effect i notice a strange situation: i feel the brain “overpowered” and for some hours i get stuck procrastinating for a bit and having brain fog and i feel the brain power but for 2 hours i can’t focus on what to do. After this “ritual” i finally starting think with a lot of focus, clarity and motivation. What’s your advice?
P.S i’m the guy with adhd of 17 years that commented your post on adhd (amazing!) and in 7 days i’ll try your stack with a low dose of ritalin
David Tomen
November 19, 2017
Giulio, it sounds like 2 capsules of Mind Lab Pro started working right away in boosting neurotransmitters and neurotransmission. Once your brain adjusted, things settled and the stack continued to do its job.
I think you have two options; 1. use only one capsule for a week or two until your brain gets accustomed to more nutrients. or 2. Use the dosing you’re using now and cope with the 2-hour lack of focus until your brain gets used to Mind Lab Pro. Which again, may take a week or two.
Joakim
October 24, 2017
Hi David,
I want to switch My routine from ciltep + magtech from naturalstacks to mindlabpro, but i am worried about My energy level being low without the caffeine from smart caffeine, and I can’t use smartcaffeine with mindlabpro as the L-THEANINE dose will be doubled.
What is a effective subsitute with mindlabpro as a morning energy boost? (I really dislike cofee.)
Also do you think it is Good to continue with the magnesium boost from MagTech with mindlabpro?
Thanks in advance
David Tomen
October 24, 2017
Joakim, I don’t see a problem using SmartCaffeine with Mind Lab Pro because that would only boost your L-Theanine dose to 300 mg. Maximum dose of L-Theanine is 1,200 mg per day according to the Cleveland Clinic. So unless you are especially sensitive to supplements 300 mg should not be an issue.
And MagTech for your magnesium is a smart move as well. Your body and brain need the magnesium.
Oscar
October 18, 2017
Thanks David. So do you think Vitamin B9 is doing the same job as Vinpocetine, or is it worth taking Vinpocetine alongside Mindlab?
David Tomen
October 18, 2017
I would continue using Vinpocetine with Mind Lab Pro. But it’s Pine Bark Extract in the formula update with MLP that replaced Vinpocetine. This extract increases cerebral blood flow along with several other advantages not shared by Vinpocetine. Please see my review on Pine Bark Extract for more detail here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/pine-bark-extract-pycnogenol/
Oscar
October 18, 2017
Gotcha. Thanks David. Look forward to your updated review.
Oscar
October 18, 2017
Hi David,
I just started taking Mindlab Pro. Early days yet, but seems to be sharpening me up. I notice, however, that they’ve recently changed the formula. Vinpocetine has been replaced by vitamin B9, and pterostilbene with maritime pine bark.
I’ve seen some conflicting opinions on pterostilbene, but I’ve read nothing but good things about vinpocetine. I guess time will tell whether vitamin B9 does the same job, but what’s your take on this? Are you still using MLP, and have you noticed a different effect following the formula change?
David Tomen
October 18, 2017
Oscar, Vitamin B9 (folate) is ‘required’ for making dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin in your brain. In my humble opinion this makes it a required ingredient in any pre-made nootropic stack. You need folate to work synergistically to make some of the other nootropics in the stack work.
The other formula change to include Pine Bark Extract was a great decision as well. I love Vinpocetine. But it’s a prescription drug in some parts of the world. Which means Opti Nutra couldn’t ship Mind Lab Pro to those countries. And there is strong talk in the USA of taking Vinpocetine off the supplement market because of claims by a large pharmaceutical that they have first dibs on selling it as a drug.
I’ve been using Mind Lab Pro daily for about 2 years. And I was just thinking this morning about how much better my memory is now compared to just a year ago.
I’ll be updating my Mind Lab Pro review soon to reflect changes in the formula. So thanks for the reminder! 🙂
marcel
October 7, 2017
will you give it to chidren?
my daughter is 10 years old and do have concentration problems in school which in turn affects her grades
my idea is to start her on 1 pill a day. as it is all natural products can there be any harm. I am from south Africa and the ease with which our local doctors prescribe Ritalin makes me uneasy
I did contact the mlp help desk and they said that they did not test it on children so legally they are not willing to recommend it for children
any advise will be appreciated
David Tomen
October 8, 2017
Marcel, I would give Mind Lab Pro to my child because there is nothing in this formula that would interrupt a child’s normal cognitive development in a detrimental way.
I completely understand the company’s reluctance to advise you either way simply from a legal standpoint. They are correct in that nearly all clinical trials on most of the nootropics on Nootropics Expert are done with older people fighting some type of disease. All we can do is extrapolate the findings of these studies to determine if they would help a healthy person.
I’m reluctant to advise you either way as well for legal reasons. Because I’m not a doctor. Don’t even play one on TV. But I would give one capsule a day to my child.
Enrique Segarra
April 5, 2017
Hi
I’m taking CILTEP, not very impressed.
I can take MindLabPro, but what do I stack with if I wish to improve thinking, social, energy and motivation.
Thx
David Tomen
April 5, 2017
Enrique, Mind Lab Pro will go a long way in helping you with thinking, social, energy and motivation. I’ve tried a lot of pre-made stacks. And Mind Lab Pro is the best ‘base’ stack by far.
Please take a look at this post I put up in January 2017 on New Years Resolutions. In particular, go to this section > https://nootropicsexpert.com/7-nootropics-secrets-to-keep-your-2017-new-years-resolutions/#motivation. And scroll down through the other sections on memory, energy and anxiety. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from to stack with MLP.
Notice in that post that the nootropics in green font with an asterisk (*) are already included in Mind Lab Pro. I’ve added Aniracetam, ALCAR, NALT, and Sulbutiamine to my MLP dose. And it works great for me. Good luck and let me know what you end up choosing that works best for you.
Bob Sunset
January 13, 2017
David, thanks for your review! Even before reading your review, I had decided to try MindLabPro, for myself and for my 90 year old mother who has been showing some symptoms of cognitive decline (primarily short term memory) during the past 6 months or so. I hope it works well! I will also mention MindLabPro to her homeopathic M.D. next week. Thanks again!
David Tomen
January 13, 2017
Thanks Bob. MindLab Pro is the best pre-made stack I’ve used so far. And I’ve tried a lot of them. Wishing you the best with your Mom. My primary doctor was impressed (to say the least) with NootropicsExpert.com. So thanks for visiting. And please share this with your friends too.
Roman
March 4, 2018
Hello,
Have you ever heard of Qualia? They also offer rather a complete pre-made stack, but there are a lot of ingredients. Could you maybe do a review in the future?
Kind regards