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.
Nearly 13 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.
Table of Contents
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
- 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 by Opti Nutra® 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 Opti Nutra Ltd. created for Mind Lab Pro 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 OptiNutra’s 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 OptiNutra’s 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 OptiNutra’s 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 Opti Nutra 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 Opti Nutra’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 Opti Nutra 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 Opti Nutra 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 Opti Nutra 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
Opti Nutra 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
We recommend the use of 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 Opti Nutra 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.
Opti Nutra 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 $65 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, Opti Nutra 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:
[i] Carlo Calabrese, N.D., M.P.H., William L. Gregory, Ph.D., Michael Leo, Ph.D., Dale Kraemer, Ph.D., Kerry Bone, F.N.I.M.H., F.N.H.A.A., and Barry Oken, M.D. “Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial”. Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. 2008 Jul; 14(6): 707-713 (source)
[ii] “Citicoline,” WebMD. www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements. Retrieved November 24, 2015
[iii] “Phosphatidylserine,” WebMD. www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements. Retrieved November 24, 2015
[iv] Wong, K.H., Naidu M., David, RP., Bakar R., Sabaratnam V., "Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review)" International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2012;14(5):427-46. (source)
[v] ”Rhodiola,” Life Extension Magazine. www.lifeextension.com. December 2007. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
[vi] “Theanine,” Mitchell, Terri. Life Extension Magazine. www.lifeextension.com. January 2006. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
[vii] Thomas J.R., Lockwood P.A., Singh A., Deuster P.A. “Tyrosine improves working memory in a multitasking environment.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 1999 Nov;64(3):495-500. (source)
[viii] “The “Other” Resveratrol,” Johnson, Tiesha D. RN, BSN. Life Extension Magazine. www.lifeextension.com/magazine. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
[ix] “Vinpocetine,” Life Extension Magazine. www.lifeextension.com. February 2006. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
[x] “Vitamin B6,” University of Maryland Medical Center. www.umm.edu. August 5, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
[xi] Louwman M.W.J. et al “Signs of impaired cognitive function in adolescents with marginal cobalamin status” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition September 2000 vol. 72 no. 3 762-769 (source)
Hi Mr. Tomen,
I am so grateful I found your site, thank you so much for all that you do. I just watched your phosphatidylcholine video on YT and wanted to check in with you before I purchase it. My main reason to take it is for brain health and liver support since I no longer have my gallbladder =( .
I do not want to take a soy product so that rules out a lot of pills that are advertised as phosphatidylcholine. I found a pure sunflower lecithin powder (NOW brand) that says that sunflower lecithin has phosphatidylcholine naturally and under the nutrition facts it states that it naturally contains 2,500 mg of phosphatidylcholine for every 1 and 1/3 tablespoon of the powder.
I know you mentioned that lecithin is not the same as PC so I am wondering if the NOW brand of PC is legit PC? Or if you could suggest a brand that is not from soy?
Your time and response is greatly appreciated… thank you so much!
Yesenia, NOW Foods is one of the manufacturers I trust. If their label states that the PC is from “sunflower lecithin”, I trust that it does. The company has an extensive testing program (https://www.nowfoods.com/now/quality-safety). And I’m sure they’d provide a Certificate of Analysis if you asked for one.
Is MindLabPro and Performance Lab Mind made by same company?
Bill, Mind Lab Pro and the Performance Lab line of supplements are made by Opti Nutra Ltd. It’s a UK company and the supplements are made in the USA.
HI David, thanks so much for such great in depth info.
I’ve been taking MLP for 3 months, now.
I’ve recently been prescribed Jornay PM for ADD, which is taken at night and the capsule dissolves in 12 hours and releases Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
I also take Fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin C, Magnesium supplement throughout the day.
When the stims are working, i feel a tightening in my shoulder/neck area and it switches sides. What would you recommend for softening the harshness of the stims side effects?
You also mentioned taking NALT and ALCAR with stims. Any other recommendations when on stims?
Thanks in advance.
Marcus, my entire ADD stack is detailed in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. Using that stack as I describe including dosage and timing should help.
But it sounds like your system is using that newly released dopamine and turning it into norepinephrine. Only way to deal with that is a norepinephrine blocker. In med terms those are called beta blockers.
DHA and magnesium will help a little. But the only true natural beta blocker I know of is one I haven’t researched or reviewed. And that’s Hawthorn: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249900/. And possibly Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot) which I know nothing about.
Hey Dave,
There’s a product called Dynamic Brain which is produced by Stonehenge Health, have you heard of it or have any opinions on if it’s as good as advertised? Thanks hope to hear back soon.
Kyhle, never heard of it so I looked it up. It’s a low quality multivitamin using synthetics and ground up rock for minerals. And a “proprietary blend” of various nootropics at a dose so low they’re useless. And they include Huperzine-A in their “blend” which cannot be used but every 2nd or 3rd day. Good thing they have a money back guarantee.
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, so you’re saying Mind Lab Pro is the best product on the market? Also you’re basically saying the dynamic brain nootropics aren’t weak & not worth it? Also have you heard of Kanna, PHenibut & deprenyl?? If so are they a good combo w MLP? Thanks for responding
Kyle, Mind Lab Pro is still the benchmark that other companies try to match. And so far no one has. I know because I’ve tried all the other top pre-made stacks on the market. At the request of the manufacturer.
The Dynamic Brain product is just not good quality and a poorly designed formula. It’s not even close to the other premium pre-made nootropic stacks on the market. Not even including Mind Lab Pro. It’s absolutely not worth any price they are asking for it.
I don’t know what Kanna is. Phenibut is not to be toyed with. It’s difficult to dose and subject to abuse because of the way it works.
L-Deprenyl is an MAOI and prescription drug in most countries. There’s no need to use because we have other natural MAOIs that work just as well.
Mind Lab Pro does not need anything else to help it work. Certainly none of the three you mentioned. It just works. But if you’re clinically ADD/ADHD you do need to add extra L-Tyrosine and possibly ALCAR and Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline to it. If you’re generally healthy you can use it on its own.
Thanks a lot David, you answered everything thoroughly & to the point! I do have ADD, was prescribed adderall years ago but had to stop bc of not being able to eat & it enhancing my anxiety horribly. I think I’m gonna try the MLP & add the other supplements you provided.
1 more thing there’s actually a product called NZT-48 have you heard anything about it? They’re obv. Copying the e act drug from the movie limitless! Just wondering if you heard anything about it, thanks again my man!
Kyle, I looked into “NZT-48” sometime ago and all I remember was that I wasn’t impressed. Except for their clever hook into the movie Limitless. And that’s the last time I’ve thought of it until you brought it up.
The protocol I outline in my ADD/ADHD post works for a lot of us. Try it and see if it works for you. And don’t be tempted by “shiny objects” because they’re just a distraction. And will slow your recovery.
Hi David,
I’m about to order my first 3(4) bottles of MindLabPro and I was wondering what’s the best way to take MindLabPro while doing intermittent fasting at the same time?
Label on the bottle states: “Take two (2) capsules in the morning or early afternoon, preferably with food” – does this mean some of the ingredients are fat soluble, ie. best taken with fats for full absorption?If this is the case, I’ll need to move my eating window. I fast for 20h and eat for 4h, my first meal is at 5pm and last at 9pm (doesn’t align with MLP recommendation).
What would be your advice on how to incorporate these two together for maximum benefits (both from MLP and fasting)?
Some of the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro are fat-soluble and need a healthy fat for delivery through cell membranes. For example Bacopa Monnieri and Phosphatidylserine are fat-soluble.
But you can get around this restriction by taking it with MCT Oil which shouldn’t break your fast. Because while it’s a “healthy fat” your body immediately turns it into ketones. Would that work for you?
i used modafinil first, enjoyed 3 months, then suffering now ,bcos internally i am weak, all
medicines create tolerance including nootropics, not able to find some permanent solution ,trying
all sorts of pills to solve mind issues ,
Jain, nootropics do NOT cause tolerance if you know how to use them. I sent a newsletter out awhile ago that addresses tolerance issues. Why it happens and how to avoid it. You can read that article here: https://mailchi.mp/31ec6378a9f4/how-to-avoid-nootropic-tolerance
You say that you are “internally weak”. Nootropics can help alleviate at least some of those symptoms. They saved my life. You’ve hundreds of pages and posts here on Nootropics Expert that can help. I humbly suggest you start searching using the search function top right for your specific issues. And get the answers you need if you want to get better.
Hello David I’m new to nootropics. I’m considering taking Mind Lab Pro. I have depression anxiety and brain fog. I want to add Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine. How much Choline do i need to add and what kind. Also what do you think of Nootropics depot. Thank you very much.
Mike, 750 mg of Aniracetam in general requires an extra 300 – 600 mg CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC. I prefer the latter because I get some CDP-Choline (Citicoline) in Mind Lab Pro.
I’ve ordered from Nootropics Depot in the past and their shipping and quality was good. But my preferred source for Aniracetam now is HR Supplements in Nevada. Link is near the bottom of my Aniracetam review. And Double Wood Supplements for Sulbutiamine which also has a link near the bottom of that review.
I’m careful about who I get my supplements from. And I know those two companies have an extensive testing regimen for each batch of supplements they produce. I can’t say that for sure about Nootropics Depot. Not saying they don’t. I’m just not sure.
Thank you David
Hi David,
If taking 750mg Aniracetam would you double the dose of Choline mentioned here and should the Choline be taken twice a day / at the same time as the Aniracetam?
Thanks.
Jamie, you should be using a choline supplement each time you use Aniracetam. But how much is dependent on how much your brain needs. And varies from person to person.
I use another 300 mg Alpha GPC on top of Mind Lab Pro when using Aniracetam. You may not need as much. Try double the dose and if you start feeling sleepy or fatigued that’s too much acetylcholine. In that case you’d cut back on your choline dose.
Thanks in advance for answering my question. What are the advantages (if any) to combining Mind Pro Lab and ThyNatural for my issues with hypothyroid symptoms.
Philip, Hypothyroidism causes major problems with cognition and the brain. Mind Lab Pro helps restore some of the functions impacted by being hypo. For example, MLP contains N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT). Thyroid hormone is made using iodine, selenium and L-Tyrosine.
Hello, thanks a lot for all the great information you provide. Do you have a preference between Mind Lab Pro and Qualia (caffeine free)?
Fe, I’ve used Mind Lab Pro for the last 5 years and have tried Qualia for a couple of weeks as well.
And I still prefer and recommend Mind Lab Pro because it works better and is less expensive.
Dear David,
First of all, thank you for your useful articles and insights.
Is it ok to use MLP with Lamictal? I have been using Lamictal for the last 3 years, I am diagnosed with bipolar disorder but I have no symptoms of it from the time I am on Lamictal.
Thank you in advance for your answer.
With best regards,
Richard
Richard, Lamotrigine (Lamictal) appears to increase the action of GABA, and inhibits voltage-sensitive sodium channels according to the National Institute of Health. I’m not aware of any direct contraindication with any of the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro.
But to be safe I suggest you check each ingredient against Lamotrigine before using it. It’ll take a little time but it’s well worth the effort. I like using this drug checker for this type of thing: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html.
Enter “Lamotrigine” in the search field, click “ADD” and then “Check for Interactions”. You’ll get a list of all the drugs and supplements that interact with this drug with a detailed explanation for each thing that turns up in the list.
Hello David,
Thank you very much for your answer. I will check it out.
Have a great day,
R.
Can you give me the best 3 or 4 nootropics for a 57 year old male who is busy raising 2 teenage boys, for memory, cognition, focus and brain energy?
Troy, select one nootropic from each of the five categories in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
Hi David, I’ve been taking MLP for a few months now and I had been wondering about cycling off of MLP as they suggest and I believe that question was answered in one of your replies back in June. This brings me to another question: Do you see any issues with adding 300 mg of uridine monophosphate and 750 mg of anaracetam to a two capsule dose of MLP in the mornings? A bit off topic, but still related to cycling, does t-booster from PL need to be cycled as they suggest?
Larry, you should be able to stack those two nootropics with Mind Lab Pro without any problems. I use Aniracetam with it daily with great results.
This question of ‘tolerance’ keeps on coming up. So I’m going to do the research and send an email to everyone with what I find. I personally have never found the need to cycle anything in my stack. But it may be just me. I’ll let you know what turns up in my research.
Thanks David. I too haven’t really seen a need to cycle anything due to ‘tolerance’ issues; that even includes daily modafinil for well over a year. However, after becoming familiar with your detailed reports, I would definitely be interested in the results of the email you mentioned.
Hello! Is it okay to stack Mind Lab Pro with LumiDay? I can’t find anything on your website about LumiDay.
Thank you
Iris, shouldn’t be a problem.
Hello David, first let me say glad you’re doing better from your hospital stay a few months back your contributions to the nootropic field are invaluable! With that being said I have two questions:one will Mindlab pro be offering any discounts again for your subscribers and two will you also be offering again discounts for your Consultation Sessions?
Thank you Portress. I wish I knew when another discount was coming our way but I don’t. Sorry.
As for discounting consultation sessions, I’m very reluctant to do it because it takes so much of my time. The last time I ran a sale on consultations I was swamped and couldn’t get anything else done.
Keep in mind Nootropics Expert is still a solo operation. I do have a little help from a developer. But that’s it. I don’t even have an assistant yet. So all reviews, posts, YouTube videos, email newsletters, Facebook posts and answering questions, books, and responding to comments and questions comes from me. So I need to make choice who gets the most benefit from my time.
Hi – thank you for the very informative site. I appreciate that you take this seriously, respond quickly and offer great advice.
My story – 57 y.o F, 5′, 112# (used to be 90-95 which was my preferred weight) married (w/no ‘human’ children (1 if I include my husband :-)), 2 dogs, 7 chickens, with lack for life. I work from home doing medical coding. Zero exercise (unmotivated), nicotine use (‘just’ started the 14mg patch-OTC), beer, bad diet, stress.
I suffered from 3 ‘back-to-back’ family deaths (mother age 83 (expected), brother 55 (1.5 yrs later – drug overdose (surprising, but not), sister 57 (2-years later, cancer (metastatic brain from lung) – COMPLETE devastation for me (she never did drugs or smoked, she ate well and exercised). After her death (2017) I gave up. Oddly – I started smoking and drinking. One would think ‘why’ smoke after this, but that is the part I gave up – I didn’t care.
I am interested in this MLP stack as 1) I am not one to take multiple supplements throughout day; 2) I want to go from A – Z in 5 seconds; 3) I would like to get ‘zest’ back in my life (basic house work, better care of animals (I’m depressed, they’re depressed)); 4) I need to continue to learn for my job (taking tests, courses, etc. that I am unmotivated to do currently); 5) I suffer no real ailments outside of the depressed mode, rarely need and/or take any type of OTC pain meds (I will only take acetaminophen-type when needed (which is rarely); 6) insomnia – but I strongly believe that is alcohol-related (2-4 beers/day).
I thought this would be a good start for me. I’m confident that once my chemicals are balanced other things will fall into place. How to get that balance is my issue. I know that diet, exercise, etc will help tremendously, but to get that motivation is where I’m lacking.
My goals are: quit smoking; learn and comprehend for test taking and courses; motivation to do things-which I then think other life-things will fall into place.
Is this a good start point for me? While I don’t want to take a hand-full of supplements do you ‘see’ anything else that I may benefit from? If so, dosage, etc.
Thank you very much in advance. Cam (PS-I like also that you added in post re: why this product is not offered on other websites – make perfect sense.)
Camilla, Mind Lab Pro is certainly a good start but at your age and with what you described is unlikely to be enough. There really is no “one-pill” solution no matter what the ‘experts’ say.
If not for anyone else, do it for your kids. Experiment with some other nootropics until you find some that work for you. Because they really do work if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Scroll down the list of posts here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/category/guides/. And look for my posts on “motivation”, “depression”, and there one on energy somewhere around here.
Get started with MLP and then after reading those posts, try a couple of nootropics that resonate with you. Keep on experimenting until you feel better. I know it will because 10’s of thousands of people in the Nootropics Expert community have said that it will. It did for them. It can for you too.
My first update in a while- hope you will have time to respond. Speaking of which, tracking responses and answers on this site is somewhat cumbersome, would be nice to see an auto response and reply function.
I’ve been on MLP 2 mos, coincidentally with Harvoni treatment for HCV. I was asked to discontinue my over the counter supp’s but that really wasn’t realistic due to side effects of increased anxiety. So I have continued MLP, 5HTP, GABA, NALT. Have completed the treatment but with a 48 hr half life it will be ~~2weeks before it’s out of my system. Although the md’s don’t tell you, one of the major impacts of the treatment is eradication of the virus from the brain, the secondary primary site of HCV replication…so while my body is clearing out I want to make an extra effort to take care of the gray matter. MLP is good but not spectacular. Exploring options. I’m on the low end of dose, 2/day. Considering 3/day? Have also looked at Akua Life Neuro, primarily for Lions Mane dose, but thinking the two together might stack well. Or just adding lions mane to MLP. Lots of options here with just these three components. Any suggestions/guidance HUGELY appreciated.
Be well, be good.
James, you can increase Mind Lab Pro to 4 capsules per day. Two in the morning and two at noon. But I agree that Neuro-Stack by Akua Life in your case could work wonders. Because it’s got such a high dose of Lion’s Mane Mushroom for neurogenesis. I’ve used the combo of MLP and Neuro-Stack and like the result. http://www.akualife.com?aff=15
Or would it be better price performance to just add a lions mane supplement? Any supplier you would recommend?
James, other than the Lion’s Mane that is in Mind Lab Pro, Neuro-Stack is the only one I can vouch for for high quality.
Fyi, also looking at a CBD “trial” using Feals Flight product. Any thoughts?
James, I think CBD Oil is great depending on what you are trying to achieve. But I’m not familiar with that company.
Hi David
I have just started nootropic one month ago and my first stack is mind lab pro. I took 2 capsule for the first 5 days and the results was amazing but on the 6th day the effects are gone. What can I do now?
I read about your article and realize I have all the symptoms of ADD. I do also have anxiety , low motivation, unable to concentrate and unwilling to learn new stuff , proscratination and social anxiety too. I have suffer the above symptoms for last 20 years and didn’t know it was an brain problem
I am currently started one month ago on noostropics stack.
Morning
Multivitamin x 1
MindLab pro x 1
L x 1
B6 x 1 (100mg)
Vitamin C (1000mg)
L tryrosine ( 1500mg)
Noon
Curcumin x 2
Reservatrol x 1
Mind lab pro x 1
Evening
L Tryptophan ( 1000mg)
B6 (100mg)
DHA ( 1000mg)
I am on the 28th day of mind lab pro and should I cycle it 5 days or just discontinue using it as I do feel the effects anymore. Kindly advice me. Thanks .
Kong, welcome to our world of nootropics. The funny thing about using nootropics is once your brain starts working better, after awhile you get accustomed to the “new you” and don’t notice the improvements any more.
So the question is are you looking for the “wow” factor? Or do you just want your brain working the way it was originally designed? If the latter then forget about cycling and use your stack every day. And as you learn more experiment with different things to tweak what you’ve already done.
Hi. Thanks for the reply. Your reply was the same as how the customer service reply me when I ask them.
The first 5 days after taking mine lab pro was that I was feel so energetic and my mood was better. I didn’t think of any negative things but the problem is I do get insomnia. On the 6th day. I was back to the lethargic me . The same as before I took mind lab pro.
Kong, there is no logical explanation for what you are experiencing without knowing much much more about your medical history, other meds your are using, other supplements, your living environment, diet, etc. And this comments is not the place to dig into this for confidentiality reasons and time. You can do more research on your own and try to figure out what’s going on in your situation. Or book a personal consultation with me to help you sort it out.
hi David
My father suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and has a problem swallowing pills. is it possible to mix the MLP with dates or with milk
Mohammed, you can certainly open the capsules and put them into a drink.
Hi David,
I’ve been experimenting for years now with different combinations of nootropics. At times I get great benefits, but I have a hard time isolating what combinations are working and which aren’t (partly due to my own inconsistency with keeping steady schedules and adding/taking away supplements without proper testing time). Your advice and tips on the Mind Labs and Performance Labs prestacks are a godsend for me as it will simplify my supplementation. I was curious if you take both every day? Presumably the MindLab Pro during the day and Performance Labs Sleep at night?
Thanks!!!
Ryan, Performance Lab Sleep about 60 mins. before bed and Mind Lab Pro in the morning. If you think you need it then take another dose of MLP at noon.
Hi there David,
Currently I’m taking Noocube, will it be safe to combine the Noocube Nootropic stack with Mind Lab Pro? I’m looking into improving my focus, memory retention and retrieval, anxiety and depression, and overall health.
I’ve tried Peformance Lab Mind but not much of an affect, as you stated in your previous videos that the ingredients are under dosed.
Kind Regards,
Rami Abbas
Rami, take a look at the ingredients in both stacks. Are the ingredients when combined under-dosed or too much? You should be able to combine them. But will they help with anxiety and depression? It depends on the root cause of both and if they are being addressed.
I’ve been taking MLP for 5 days- I seem to be one of the fortunate ones who perceive positive effects quickly. I plan to monitor effects closely and add singular nootropics as needed- I’m Bipolar. So I’m weaning off scrips, which I hope to complete in the next 30 days. I am continuing to take Chinese 7 Sacred Mushrooms (Naturealm) in the morning with coffee- gets into the bloodstream/brain quickly and then I slide into the MLP- highly recommended!
Just my thoughts and feedback- hope all enjoy and receive the benefits of this path…
Does Mind Lab Pro contain a GABA analogue?
James, no, Mind Lab Pro does not contain a GABA analogue.
Hello my friend I have a question… does mind lab pro help with fuzzy thinking? Because before 7 months I started having depression problems and one of the symptoms of depression is fuzzy thinking… btw I went to a doctor and he gave me medicine for my depression and everything is ok know but the fuzzy thinking is still here
Ali, if by “fuzzy thinking” you mean brain fog then Mind Lab Pro may help. It depends of course on what is causing the fuzzy thinking. It may be caused by the antidepressant you are using.