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
Miguel
July 5, 2021
Hi David,
Thank you for the detailed review.
If I’m already taking one capsule of Caffeine 200mg + L-Theanine 100mg, then two capsules of Mind Lab Pro, is the L-Theanine too much? I need the Caffeine capsule for energy..
Thank you
David Tomen
July 5, 2021
Miguel, the L-Theanine in Mind Lab Pro in addition to another 100 mg of L-Theanine will likely just make you sleepy.
BTW, the most effective caffeine + L-Theanine stack is 1:2. In other words 50 mg caffeine to 100 mg L-Theanine. Or 100 mg caffeine to 200 mg L-Theanine. 200 mg caffeine is a lot of caffeine for one dose. Do you really need that much?
Miguel
July 9, 2021
I’m taking the Caffeine 200mg + L-Theanine 100mg capsules from Nootropics Depot. Yeah, I think one is enough for one day. Although, I’m curious with the Performance Lab Stim based from your review. Just not sure if the 50mg caffeine will wake me up.. 🙂 it also has 100mg of L-Theanine? Hmm..
I also tried Aniracetam, Pramiracetam, and Phenylpiracetam in different occasions. Btw, all from your review 🙂
My goal right now is to have a capsule for (energy/wakefulness) and for cognitive enhancement that is natural and long term use, was thinking about Mind Lab Pro.
Thank you!
David Tomen
July 9, 2021
Miguel, the dosage ratio used in Performance Lab Stim is based on clinical studies showing that ratio as effective for most people and safe without side effects. You could double the dose of PL Stim and see if that worked better for you.
Mind Lab Pro is in an entirely different category of supplement. It is not intended to be stimulatory at all. Just complete brain support. Two very different functions.
Davud
May 23, 2021
Can you take this if you are taking Prozac? I have tinnitus
David Tomen
May 24, 2021
Davud, none of the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro are contraindicated with Fluoxetine. But that may be because no one has ever paid for the very expensive clinical studies needed to test each ingredient. And no one likely ever will either.
I cannot ethically tell you that it is OK to combine Fluoxetine with MLP because there is no way to predict how you will react to it. All I can suggest is become very familiar with the mechanism of action of each ingredient in Mind Lab Pro (which I have done for you here on Nootropics Expert: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/).
Compare each one to the mechanism of action for Fluoxetine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine#Pharmacology). Then you can decide for yourself if it’s safe to try.
Mary
May 7, 2021
If my adrenals are off can that affect my learning and cognitive abilities?
Thanks so much. Mary Hodges
David Tomen
May 8, 2021
Mary, of course it can. Because your adrenals are producing cortisol and norepinephrine. If either of those are high (or low) it can affect mood, anxiety and even reaction time. High cortisol affects stress which negatively affects learning and cognition.
Lena
April 27, 2021
David,
Do you think elderly people like my father 86 years young can take MLP? early signs of dementia and severe depression
His blood pressure is on the low side but overall the rest of his organs are fine or as well as can be for his age. Do you think MLP is not too harsh for elders? I tried everything to help with depression, nothing helps. Will not turn to pharmaceuticals. Just cautious of his age.
Any advise is highly appreciated.
Thanks so much
David Tomen
April 27, 2021
Lena, he should be able to use it. Try it and see to make sure there is no bad reaction. If it works consider using 2 capsules twice per day.
But depression is a tougher nut to crack because you need to find out what is causing it. This may help you figure that out: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
And for dementia see the relevant section in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
Rob
March 14, 2021
Hi David,
I have tried 1 capsule of the Mind Lab Pro and it has given me a headache, eye migraine / blocked feeling, and affected my concentration and vision. Strange.
I do have a history of migraine with auras so obviously a neurotransmitter reaction.
I did have a similar reaction in the past to Herbs of Gold Memory formula containing Bacopa Monnieri and Gingko Biloba. Am obviously very sensitive to certain nootropics. Any ideas?
I also tried L-Tryptophan for sleep and this resulted in worse sleep and left me feeling wired / awake on and off most of the night.
We are complex beings aren’t we.
Thanks
Rob
David Tomen
March 15, 2021
Rob, it sounds like the Bacopa Monnieri in Mind Lab Pro did not agree with you based on your history.
Craig
March 7, 2021
One thing that doesn’t make sense to me is this with Mind Lab Pro. They say they don’t sell on Amazon, yet they have it on Amazon. I researched Nootropic Depot to see if they are in a “similar boat”. They claim that they are in constant moderation to ensure that no one tries to counterfeit their brand and if they do they immediately notify Amazon to have it taken down. Why is Mind Lab Pro not doing this? My wife sells on amazon and have a very large successful business. She told me this is something that she and her team have to constantly have to be on the look out for. I contacted the Nootropic depot for further questions and they said that they rarely have anyone try to mimic them, but when it is caught Amazon immediately removes them. So why is Mind Lab Pro not doing this?
David Tomen
March 8, 2021
Craig, likely because Mind Lab Pro is one of the most popular pre-made nootropic stacks on the planet. And trying to keep it off of a marketplace like Amazon is like whack-a-mole.’
I’ll mention this to the CEO and see what he has to say about it. But expect a similar type of answer from him.
Craig
March 8, 2021
But the one one that is listed on Amazon has been there for a long time. You have comments on there from 2019 about product reviews. I do believe this is the real Mind Lab Pro selling on Amazon. There is no way they wouldn’t have known about this product being sold and using their name. I believe this company is a scam, and is hiding behind bad reviews by saying its not them selling that product its a “fake”. Someone mentioned on the Amazon comments that its being shipped out of Miami Florida….. That is Odd. A Mind Lab Pro rep lives there, why would he be shipping their product out of Florida? Are you familiar with this guy?? He sounds familiar
David Tomen
March 8, 2021
Craig, I would never comment on a fake Amazon listing for Mind Lab Pro. There is no “Mind Lab Pro rep” that lives in Miami. I am an affiliate of Mind Lab Pro and I live in Miami. And the company ships Mind Lab Pro from their warehouses in New Jersey and California here in the USA. Please provide me with a link to this listing on Amazon that you found and I’ll send it to Opti Nutra and have them instruct Amazon to remove it.
craig
March 8, 2021
URL deleted
URL deleted
David Tomen
March 9, 2021
Craig, got it and thanks. I pinged the CEO of Mind Lab Pro and he is aware that these listing pop up now and again. And apparently it’s a challenge getting them taken down. They are illegal and illegitimate listings. But they’re working on it.
I have no idea if these supplements are the genuine product. I don’t see how they could be and someone would make a profit selling them. Thanks again for alerting me to this. It’s not good for our community when this kind of crap goes on. And certainly does nothing for my integrity when recommending these supplements.
leo
March 5, 2021
What is your opinion on Magnolia Bark Extract Vs Pine Bark Extract?
David Tomen
March 6, 2021
Leo, there is no comparison because they are two totally different supplements. Pine Bark Extract has clinical research supporting its use for brain function dating back to 1948.
Magnolia Bark Extract has very little research on how or if it works in the human brain.
Leo
March 6, 2021
I want to get Pine Bark Extract as a stand-alone is there one you recommend?
David Tomen
March 6, 2021
Leo, I recommend this one: https://amzn.to/30pQQ5n
Leo
March 6, 2021
Thank you David!
Earl
March 4, 2021
I am very much interested in the product you are advertising I do have a question though. I have been doing some research into all of this and I came upon a company called nootropicsdepot. Wouldn’t it be more cost effective to buy from them every single ingredient than purchasing it from Mind Lab Pro? Mind Lab Pro is pretty dang pricey and it seems like it would be a better solution? Thank you for taking my question
David Tomen
March 5, 2021
Earl, scroll back up this article to this section: https://nootropicsexpert.com/mind-lab-pro-review/#mind-lab-pro-is-impressive-value. I’ve done the calculation for you. But must admit it’s been a while and I should re-do that section. Because I’m likely low balling at least some of those ingredients.
Mind Lab Pro is a deal when you consider ALL of the ingredients in this stack. And consider that most of them are patented versions of each ingredient which ensures quality and effectiveness.