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
Mick
October 22, 2018
OK David Thank you. Once I’ll start using Mind Lab Pro for a couple of weeks I will report back to you and let you know how I’m doing.
Thank you for your help.
Mick
October 21, 2018
Thank you David for your recommendation, everything is clear. I will add Performance Lab Whole-Food Multi and DHA to my stack.
I just have one question about Magnesium L-Threonate. The dosage rate on the label is 3 capsules equal 2 g (2.000mg) per day.
At the moment I’m taking 2 capsules in the evening.
You recommend to increase my dose to 400mg per day.
What is the best way for me to do that?
How many capsules do you think I should take?
Thanks for your help.
David Tomen
October 22, 2018
Mick, 2 grams per day is far more than what I suggested at 400 mg per day. I’d keep on doing what you’re doing. But in the evening.
Mick
October 20, 2018
Hi David
I’m taking these nootropics at the moment
B Complex, methylcobalamin, folate
Magnesium L-Threonate
Zinc 25mg
L-Theanine
I’m also taking Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) Nortriptyline (Allegron).
My biggest problem is social anxiety and depression. Because I’m taking antidepressant I don’t get depressed much, but social anxiety is the biggest problem for me.
At the moment L-Theanine 400mg twice a day (800mg a day) works well for me, but I’m still uncomfortable in social situations.
I would like to purchase Mind Lab Pro stack and see if it helps.
In M.L.P. there are 6 nootropics that can help with depression and 7 that can help with anxiety, and one of them is L-Theanine 100mg.
Would you please recommend how much L-Theanine I should add to M.L.P. stack?
And should I still continue using L-Theanine twice a day as I do now, or once is enough?
And could you please tell me if I need to add something to my basic stack like CDP-Choline or DHA or maybe some other vitamins?
I’m not sure about Zinc, do you think I still should be using it?
Sorry for so many questions, but you’re the only person that I know who can help me with nootropics.
Thanks
Mick
David Tomen
October 21, 2018
Mick, your L-Theanine dose is a little high but if it works for you then I wouldn’t be too concerned. Mind Lab Pro contains 100 mg L-Theanine so if you try it you many want to only take 400 mg L-Theanine once per day.
Zinc usage varies with age. Older guys need more zinc. But any one dosing zinc should be using 1.5 – 2 mg copper per day.
Increase your magnesium dose to 400 mg per day and take it in the evening.
Also consider adding a high quality multi to your stack. My preferred multi is the Performance Lab Whole-Food Multi for men which works well for me.
Mind Lab Pro also provides 250 mg Citicoline which may help. Definitely add 1,000 mg DHA per day.
Once you start using Mind Lab Pro for a couple of weeks report back and let me know how you are doing. And we’ll go from there. We need to be careful because of your use of a tricyclic antidepressant.
Graeme
October 7, 2018
Hi David,
I started taking Mind Lab Pro (MLP) and within an hour my mood was up, I was motivated and confidant and my productivity was up. This continued for 5 days. I then added Whole Food Multi (WFM), and crashed. I stopped taking WFM but didnt improve. I have retested MLP again and it made me feel worse, lower mood, anxious and couldn’t concentrate. I am wondering if it is the folate. I am hetrozygous MTHFR C677T, numerous COMT hetroxygous, and numerous MAOA homozygous and have reacted badly to folate in the past. But I thought MLP and WFM might have been ok for me as the B12 and folate in MLP and WFM are not the methylated form?
I am ADHD and have been prescribed dexamphetamine, it works great for me, stops my racing mind, lifts my mood and confidence. But it only lasts 3 hours and I cant take it after 2pm, and have a terrible crash in the late afternoon. My doctors wont prescribe it for me anymore as they say I should not be taking it after age 50. I am desperate to find something to replace the dex. I have tried hundreds of supplements with no success. Do you know how dexamphetamine works in the brain and what I may be able to replace it with?
Thanks for your help.
David Tomen
October 9, 2018
Graeme, I had to think about this one and cannot give you a quick answer to what you experienced.
The folate and B12 in the Performance Lab Multi is equivalent to the methylated form to ensure absorption. But I can’t imagine the doses are high enough to cause this type of reaction. Even with your MTHFR gene issues.
As for dexamphetamine, you get a ‘terrible crash’ later in the afternoon because the stimulant forces your brain to use more dopamine. And especially in the aging brain, it runs out of dopamine much more quickly than it should. Younger guys have this problem as well. But it’s more pronounced the older you get.
May I suggest that you try the ADHD protocol I’ve been using for years that addresses exactly what you are talking about. The stack supplies dopamine, acetylcholine, improves signaling and repairs dopamine receptors. If you dose according to how I describe it in the post, you don’t crash in the afternoon. You can see that post here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Come to think of it now, the use of Mind Lab Pro and the Whole Food Multi could have amplified how your brain is using the stimulant. Maybe the extra support I talk about in that post would help.
Marek Šedina
September 22, 2018
Hi David i bought your book and its awesome, i want to start using MindLabPro and im curious bcs to be honest i do use drugs like mdma/ecstasy/cocain like once or twice a year on music festivals. And i want to ask you if it can interfere with mindlabpro or is it save to use and if its not save then how many hours/days i have to stop taking mindlabpro before use of those substances and also how many hours/days to start taking mindlabpro after that night when ofcourse mindlab pro i ll take in the morning and other things at night. And i also wanted to ask if its problem to use performance lab sleep after that night because Performancelab sleep and also extasy/mdma interferes with serotonin. (If is something only precursor for neurotransmiters than it should be okay right?)Thank you for your answer.
David Tomen
September 22, 2018
Marek, you are right to be cautious and I haven’t got a simple answer. Because it depends on what the drug is and it’s specific mechanism of action.
I suggest looking up each ingredient for both Mind Lab Pro and Performance Lab Sleep. Learn their exact mechanism of action in your brain. And play close attention to the “side effects” section of each individual review here on Nootropics Expert. And do the same thing (Wikipedia) for the drugs you occasionally use. Understanding how each works will help you understand which may amplify or interact with another.
I know for certain I’ve reviewed a couple of nootropics that work well when detoxing from something like MDMA. So please use the search function top right for “ecstasy” and “MDMA” and see what turns up.
David Tomen
September 22, 2018
And thank you Marek for your feedback on my book Head First. It’s means a lot to me. And let’s others know that there is a real guide available now on nootropics and how to use them.
Chris Keener
July 30, 2018
David,
Great review. What are your thoughts on taking Mind Lab Pro on an empty stomach? That is how I have been taking Mind Lab Pro for awhile, now; Primarily due to the fact that is it full of water soluble vitamins and amino acids.
I see you take yours with Coconut Oil, is there a specific reason why, as opposed to an empty stomach?
The other reason I use it on an empty stomach, is I stack the dose with 500mg of additional Tyrosine, and, I had tried Neurohacker’s Qualia Mind, and they mention to use it on an empty stomach – the ingredients are very similar.
Let me know your thoughts.
Bernardo
September 11, 2019
I have the same question.
Also, do you think taking the MLP within the fasting window while doing Intermitent fasting, would be ok? Or it could mess with the fasting signaling, given it has aminos and vitamins.
Thanks;.
David Tomen
September 11, 2019
Bernardo, MLP is primarily water-soluble amino acids and B-Vitamins. I can’t see how it would interfere with fasting on a physical level. But in theory I suppose a “fasting fundamentalist” would argue that taking anything would negate true fasting.
Andy
July 19, 2018
Hello David,
thanks for a really interesting and informative page, and the effort of helping people out! I am new to the world of nootropics but interested in how to get more out of my brain and myself. I have also trouble in concentrating and getting things done, mood swings, lack of energy, and low self esteem, which I would like to treat somehow. The spectrum of nootropics seems really wide and I am wondering, where to start. I was considering starting with Mind Lab Pro for three months and see how it works. Meaby later add something else, if it feels necessary. What do you think?
David Tomen
July 19, 2018
Andy, starting with Mind Lab Pro is a good idea because this stack was designed with two ideas in mind:
1. high quality ‘starter’ stack that can be used longterm
2. for the experienced neurohacker who expects results and wants to avoid buying individual supplements
I tried many different pre-formulated nootropic stacks in the last 12 years. But once I started using Mind Lab Pro I’m still with it. Because it works. And if I run out for a week I can feel it.
Start with MLP and see how you feel in a month or two. Report back with your results and we can tweak it from there.
Bernardo
June 21, 2018
I appreciate the fast response, David.
As I don´t live in the US and it takes quite some time to have the products delivered to the country where I live in, I won´t be able to get the True Brain in time.
However, I still have a small 3.6g packet of Alpha Brain here. I was wondering… if tomorrow (friday) I start taking the MLP consistently, but considering the heavy classes on saturday and sunday (which would be the 2nd and 3rd day of MLP) if I also take the Alpha Brain on these days, aiming on a more immediate effect, would that be ok (mixing both) ? Maybe half dose Alpha Brain each day (sat/sun)? ( I actually don´t remember trying the A.B. full dose yet) …
Then in August I might try the True Brain as well.
David Tomen
June 21, 2018
Bernardo, You should be able to safely add Alpha Brain to your daily stack on your two heavy days without overdoing it. Try it for a couple days and see how you feel.
Bernardo
June 21, 2018
Thank you and congrats for your work.