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
Jon M
August 1, 2023
I’ve tried MLP but often find even if I take 1 in the morning I don’t sleep as well at night, particularly waking early and struggling to get back to sleep.
Any idea if any of the ingredients could cause that issue?
David Tomen
August 2, 2023
Jon, you can be especially sensitive to increased in dopamine which is increased when using Mind Lab Pro. That is not a common ‘side effect’ of this stack. But I never say never in this because we never know someone will react to a stack until you try it.
Robert
June 22, 2023
Hello Mr Tommen, i have a big question for you. I take Bupropion , and want to lessen adhd symptoms, I would like to take mindlabpro. Do these 2 have contraindications ? i do take multis, bcomplex, alcar.
David Tomen
June 25, 2023
Robert, they are certainly not contraindicated. In fact, Mind Lab Pro should support the use of Wellbutrin. But you likely need more L-Tyrosine that is what is in that stack because you are using Wellbutrin. Do Mind Lab Pro, L-Tyrosine, and CDP-Choline twice per day. Add 1,000 mg DHA and magnesium chelate 400 mg before bed. Give that 2 – 3 weeks and you should be in better shape.
Andy R
November 12, 2022
Many thanks to you David for offering such great information! I am currently taking Zoloft (Sertraline, 25mg/day) for depression and anxiety but I would ideally like to transition away from Sertraline to nootropics-only. Can I start taking Mind Lab Pro while slowly tapering off on Sertraline or would that have some potential to push me towards serotonin syndrome?
David Tomen
November 16, 2022
Andy, Sertraline is a potent inhibitor of the dopamine transporter (DAT). And this may cause problems with Mind Lab Pro which contains N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine.
Ed
October 30, 2022
Hi David,
I hope you are doing well! Recently, I have been looking into trying a medically supervised psilocybin (magic mushroom) session. (One of the main reasons for my interest is to benefit from the lasting increase in in synaptic connections, which will make learning new information easier).
However, as a long time user of Mind Lab Pro (as well as Magtein, NAC, Ubiquinol, turmeric, grapeseed extract, creatine, vitamin D3, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and Fish Oil), I am concerned of serotonin syndrome resulting from the combination of the flood of serotonin from the psilocybin and the supplements that affect serotonin in MLP (and potentially my other supplements?).
If you think that there are any risks of serotonin syndrome (or any other complications) from combining either MLP or any of my other supplements with psilocybin, would you mind pointing them out?
Specifically: I am concerned about Bacopa Moneri, since its benefical effects seem to last long after the supplement is stopped (and therefore, I am concerned whether or not its effects on serotonin continue after the supplement is stopped). Would you have any idea how long I would need to stop MLP (or any of my other supplements) to ensure that any of their serotonergic activity is no longer active?
As always, thank you so much for your help!
David Tomen
November 3, 2022
Ed, if you are going to try psilocybin then I highly recommend quitting EVERYTHING minimum 3 days before you do psylocibin.
Teresa
October 26, 2022
Hi David,
Thank you for taking the time to help us understand how Mind Lab Pro works.
My question is will this nootropic help someone that had a stroke and is having problems with speech impediment and mobility?
David Tomen
October 27, 2022
Teresa, Mind Lab Pro will certainly help a little but once you have a stroke you need to get more aggressive in approach to using nootropic supplements. And even then you will not likely be able to restore things back to the way they were because anything longer than about 6 hours post stroke is too long.
See this section on my article on aging here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/#vascular-dementia-cerebral-circulation-and-brain-aging. You may want to start out with Maritime Pine Bark extract and Vinpocetine. Those will help tame inflammation and increase brain blood flow.
Brady
August 8, 2021
Hello,
My name is Brady and I just wanted to get the opinion of an expert such as yourself. A little about myself, I am 20 years old and I have ADHD, Major Depressive Disorder, and anxiety. I have started taking Vyvanse, Lexapro, and Guanfacine. I have taken “Mind Lab Pro” in the past and it seemed to have some benefits. Would it be safe and beneficial to take Mind Lab Pro with my other medications? Also, the same company makes a fish oil supplement, would that be worth adding to my daily pills as well?
Thank you
David Tomen
August 9, 2021
Brady, yes to Mind Lab Pro and the Performance Lab Omega-3 (https://bit.ly/3q98chL).
But I think you’ll have even more success Brady if you added some ingredients that are included in Mind Lab Pro as separate supplements. Because I’m Adult ADD and find while Mind Lab Pro works great it’s not quite powerful enough for someone who is clinically ADHD. Explained in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add
Andrej
July 20, 2021
Hi David, could you please elaborate and comment on the phenomenological effects of using Mind Lab Pro. What does it feel like to you, what are the benefits, as opposed to baseline.
I must admit that the first capsule was quite strong – it felt similar to your description of trying Ritalin. It felt like my nervous system was struggling to cope with it.
I found this to be the case even with half a capsule – that it was very potent and thus disruptive and quite anxiety inducing, even though I would suggest I also got some benefits from it. However, I’ve got PTSD so not sure if this is the right solution for me at the moment. Have found ashwaghanda, ginseng, lemon balm and st john’s wort to be much more mild and subtle in their effects.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards.
David Tomen
July 21, 2021
Andrej, scroll up to the section near the top called “My Nootropic Stack Criteria”. If you can summarize that bullet list that’s what I think Mind Lab Pro provides. In real life it’s kind of hard to put into words. I just know my brain does not work as well when not using it.
But it’s the long-term effects that are most profound after using Mind Lab Pro daily for 2 – 3 weeks.
Pedro
July 6, 2021
Hi David, One thing that doesn’t make sense to me is that Mind Lab Pro is the only source of these ingredients in your diet, when in the review of each of the ingredients you mention higher doses, such as: Bacopa Monnieri (MLP has 150mg but you recommend 450), Rhodiola Rosea (MLP has 50mg but you recommend 200), Maritime Pine Bark Extract (MLP has 75mg but you recommend 300), I am confused David, if these doses are enough to have an effect Why Do you recommend higher doses in your reviews? Do you consume these ingredients individually in addition to consuming MLP?
David Tomen
July 7, 2021
Pedro, brilliant observation and good question. My dosage recommendations for individual supplements is when they are used on their own.
But a premade stack like Mind Lab Pro is designed for each ingredient to work in synergy and work in combination with at least one or two other ingredients in the stack. And why you can use a smaller dose to achieve a benefit.
Mind Lab Pro does a good job of displaying this in a graphic on this page of their site under the heading “Mind Lab Pro® Strategy”: https://www.mindlabpro.com/pages/how-it-works
For your last question, I do use L-Tyrosine, Phosphatidylserine (PS), and L-Theanine individually. 2 extra doses of L-Tyrosine 500 mg and PS 100 mg (noon and 4 PM) because I’m Adult ADD and use Ritalin. And L-Theanine 300 mg before bed to help me sleep through the night.
Pedro
July 7, 2021
Thanks David for your time and for helping me understand how it works, thanks to you Perfonmance Lab has a new client. Please I would like to know one more thing, if a person without ADHD can use Modafinil or methylphenidate to improve their mood and have more energy? If not, what is the worst that could happen? I am 29 years old.
David Tomen
July 7, 2021
Pedro, clinical studies show that methylphenidate and other stimulants help the symptoms of ADD and ADHD is those who are clinically and truly ADHD. But do NOT in a normal brain. In fact, long-term use in a normal brain showed damage. Not so in the the ADHD brain. I haven’t those studies handy but will find them if you really need them.
A far better and safer option for boosting mood and energy is by naturally increasing dopamine and acetylcholine levels by using L-Tyrosine and Citicoline (CDP-Choline) with ALCAR. That should also help with learning and memory.
Mike Garrett
March 10, 2022
David, Your site and articles above on mind-pro and its complete line of ingredients is amazing. I have been trying like hell to understand just what happened to my own mind these last three years. I operated well for almost 40 years in the business world with really only supplements to overcome issues from my early 20’s. I again found my self back where I started and am just now beginning to figure out some of the causes and remedies to help. I found your site researching Lion’s Mane supplements because from the start of taking a single 500 mg capsule daily along with Butyric for only a week literally put most of the anxiety and racing mind back to normal for the first time in 3 years. I didn’t make the connection of a previous concussion on the ski slopes 6 years earlier to maybe being much or most of the cause of my condition until trying Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements. Now almost everything is pointing in that direction. I just got the Mind lab Pro in today and will start it tomorrow in lieu of only the Lion’s Mane supplement along with Butyric acid to help with the gut and brain axis. My question to you do you have any knowledge on brain injuries for concussions taking the different brain stacks or additional products that would also be helpful for my condition?
David Tomen
March 11, 2022
Mike, I have a recommended stack for TBI near the end of this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-traumatic-brain-injury/