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
Craig
March 4, 2021
My wife bought this and i told her to try the Mind Lab Pro. What is your thoughts on this product? This is their version of a Nootropic
Thorne Memoractiv™
David Tomen
March 5, 2021
Craig, Thorne’s product is just one of many attempts by major supplement manufacturers to jump on the nootropic bandwagon. This after Mind Lab Pro set the bar for the industry.
It looks like it may be a good supplement but it doesn’t cover the spectrum of brain support and optimization that Mind Lab Pro does.
All you need do is evaluate the mechanism of action for each of the ingredients in the Thorne supplement. And then do the same analysis for the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro. You’ll see at least two segments not covered that MLP does cover. And the Thorne supplement is more expensive.
[email protected]
February 28, 2021
Hi David, my question is this. Do you feel that Mind Lab Pro has everything you could want in a Nootropic? Is it missing any ingredients that you believe should be in there? If so, which ones? Do you believe the dosages are adequate as well with the ingredients that are in there?
David Tomen
March 1, 2021
I do think Mind Lab Pro has everything you could want in a premade nootropic for the average person looking to boost cognition and for brain repair and maintenance when used long-term.
But it may not provide everything a person needs if you are treating a specific neurological condition. It makes a great “base” to work with and on which you can build a stack more specific to what a person is trying to ‘fix’.
The dosages in this stack are definitely adequate because of how it’s designed. For example, 175 mg L-Tyrosine is potentiated by including Rhodiola Rosea which acts like an MAOI which boosts dopamine and norepinephrine. And it includes L-Theanine which boosts the availability of dopamine in your brain. And it contains PS which supports how dopamine works in your brain.
That is just one example of several on how these ingredients work in synergy. If someone had limited funds and simply wanted a nootropic stack that worked and has been proven by thousands of people – then Mind Lab Pro is a great choice.
Kristian
February 5, 2021
Hi David
Is it safe to take Sam-e while taking Mind Lab Pro? Or are there interactions to consider?
David Tomen
February 5, 2021
Kristian, it should be safe as there are no contraindications with any of the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro and SAM-e.
Arik
January 24, 2021
Hi again, do you recommend we cycle this, Ive heard different views, do you cycle? And do we take these nootropics with food?
David Tomen
January 25, 2021
Arik, I do not see the need to cycle Mind Lab Pro. The amount of each ingredient in this stack is not high enough to warrant cycling. I’ve been using it daily for the last 6 years. And it works every single day.
Some of the compounds in Mind Lab Pro are fat-soluble. So you need the healthy fats in food to ensure they absorbed by your system. But I don’t bother trying to time my stack with a meal and simply use a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil each time I take my supplements. That fat ensures absorption.
Stanislas
December 20, 2020
Hello, i’m going to try MLP I’ve had chronic low to mild depression/anxiety for many years. By now i feel my brain is burned out : fatigue, brain fog, difficulties to focus and memorize, no motivation, tinnitus etc. I’m not, of course, expecting anything spectacular from nootropics, but would be satisfied to find something to use long term in order to support overall brain health. Some kind of “brain food” to take daily alongside multi vita, omega 3 for exemple.
So i’m going to give a shot to MLP through your link…
I have a few questions :
1) B vitamins : i already take a daily multi vitamin that contains 1,4mg B6 (100% dri), 200μg B9 (100% dri) and 3μg B12 (120% dri). Mindlab Pro also contains those same vitamins, does it make it “too much” ? I read several warnings about dangers of going too far with vitamins…
2) St John’s Wort : i take 600mg daily of a standardized extract and i plan to reach 900mg, the effects are mild but are clearly present, with no side effects. Is it safe to combine this with MLP ? Knowing that some ingredients already have an impact on serotonine, like Rhodiola for exemple. I had to abandon Rhodiola recently, i took 300mg per day (mixed with saffron) combined with St John’s Wort and i felt really tired and “brainfogded” for the next hours…
3) Fatigue : i read some comments on a nootropic forum of some folks who experienced enhanced tiredness while taking MLP. I know that these were only two people … but the lack of energy resulting from my chronic illness is very delibitating and i wouldn’t want it to be worsened… Could you tell me from your experience if there’s something to worry about ?
Thanks for your time and sorry for the bad english ! 😉
David Tomen
December 21, 2020
Stanislas, the duplication in B-Vitamins with Mind Lab Pro and your Multi should not be a problem. They’re definitely not in the danger zone.
Just so you know, a safer option would be a multi like the Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi I talk about on this site. Because the vitamins and minerals are all ‘natural’ and ‘bioactive’ forms of these nutrients. Just like in MLP. There is less worry of ‘overdosing’ when using this form of nutrient because your body knows what to do with it.
It will depend on your system if you can use St. John’s wort with Mind Lab Pro. The amount of each ingredient in MLP, while very effective because they work in synergy, are dosed low enough that you may be OK with the combo. Only way to find out is to try it.
More “fatigue” from using Mind Lab Pro is highly unusual. But it is possible because it is a powerful stack. But safe for most people. I’m sure there are a very few who may experience fatigue because acetylcholine or dopamine was too high for their system. That is exactly the opposite reaction that most people experience.
If you have no serious health issues MLP may work well for you. Only way to find out is to try it. And if it doesn’t they do have a generous guarantee so there is little risk.
Robert Long
November 23, 2020
Hi – Based on “What I Take” link – you have both MindLab Pro as well as taking:
Alpha GPC
NALT
These are already in the MindLab Pro blend… is this not too much of a dosage?
*side crazy question – how do they get That Much into a couple capsules?
David Tomen
November 23, 2020
Robert, it works for me because this brain needs more dopamine and acetylcholine. That certainly is not the case for everyone.
It is surprising how much you can fit into two capsules if you don’t include any other ‘junk’ like “other ingredients”.
Malek
November 14, 2020
David,
What’s your take on combining Mind Lab Pro (and also all the other stuff on your ADHD stack) with meds like Paxil and Wellbutrin? I’m interested in trying these things you’ve listed that you take for your ADD.
I’m also curious about Ritalin. How does it compare to things like Adderall, Atomoxetine, etc? And do you have any good suggestion for a legit online ADD test? I’ve recently looked in to making an appointment with a psychiatrist, but because of COVID, they’re booked out months in to the future….
Thanks David!
Yury
November 12, 2020
Hi David!
First of all, thanks a lot for this wonderful resource! It is very well structured and contains a lot of helpful information. Your YT channel is great as well.
I am 26, IT professional without any diagnosed mental diseases, looking for ways to boost my performance. I am relatively new to nootropics. Few weeks ago I started using MLP.
My stack now is: in the morning 2 MLP capsules, one extra Lion’s Mane pill, Omega-3 from Solgar, CoQ + Magnesium from Doctors Best. In the evening I take a pill of Gaba with a pill of 5-Htp from Nowfoods.
My issue is when i take 2 MLP capsules at once, i quickly turn somewhat edgy! It feels like blood pressure in my head increases, this affect lasts for about an hour, then things turn to normal and I can see pure MLP effect. I feel like I am doing something wrong so I wanted to hear what you think on my case. May be I should split this 2 capsules with 1hour break ? Or may be I should get rid of / add something to my stack ?
The thing is when I take L-Dopa instead of MLP, for example, I do not experience any side effects.
Could you please share your thoughts ? Thank you in advance !
David Tomen
November 14, 2020
Yury, you are likely reacting to the N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine dose in Mind Lab Pro. I suggest splitting your dose so you take one capsule in the morning and another at noon. That way you get the benefits of everything Mind Lab Pro has to offer. And you avoid the side effect of excess dopamine or norepinephrine.