text: Improving cognitive performance and keeping complaints such as brain fog away can feel like a never-ending struggle. What if there was a safe way to keep your brain healthy, without the risks of pharmaceutical stimulants?
  Nootropic supplements may be right for you, whether you want to ace your exams, stay on top at work, or prevent cognitive decline. Let's look at Mind Lab Pro, and whether it could help.
  Mind Lab Pro: First Look
  11 evidence-based ingredients
  No proprietary blends; all ingredients and dosages are transparent
  Standardized herbal remedies to ensure consistent potency
  Includes tyrosine and Bacopa monnieri for dopamine production
  Ingredients support growth of new brain cells
  Essential nutrients for neurotransmitter production e.g. folate
  No pharmaceutical racetams
  Some ingredients may not be at the optimal therapeutic dose for you
  Cost per daily dose is relatively high at $4.60
  Purchase a bundle of four bottles for the price of three
  Sign up for Mind Lab Pro's newsletter and get 10% off your first order
  Mind Lab Pro is a fantastic all-rounder in the world of nootropic supplements. With broad-spectrum neurotransmitter support, protective antioxidants, and regenerative ingredients, it can enhance focus and improve mental clarity across a diverse range of needs.
  Mind Lab Pro is a nootropic supplement, aimed at enhancing your cognitive function. It is a blend of herbal remedies, each as a full-spectrum extract, amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients tailored to the brain's complex needs.
  Mind Lab Pro is branded as a Universal Nootropic, meaning it targets all key underlying factors for brain health. Its ingredients work together to enhance neurotransmitter production, protect new brain cells while supporting the growth of new ones.
  As for long-term brain health, some ingredients can reduce the formation of beta-amyloid in the brain. Deposits of beta-amyloid form the plaque seen in Alzheimer's disease, so it is important to prevent their accumulation.
  Mind Lab Pro is designed by its namesake company in the United Kingdom, but is manufactured by OptiNutra in New Jersey.
  Manufacturing Company Reputation
  Mind Lab Pro is made in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered factory in the USA owned by OptiNutra.
  OptiNutra is registered by the relevant US, Canadian, and European health regulatory bodies, and is USDA Certified Organic. All raw materials for supplements are subject to random testing, and high-quality nootropic ingredients are selected for Mind Lab Pro and other products.
  Nootropics are supplements designed to enhance cognitive function. Some ingredients seen in nootropic supplements work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters—others boost the regeneration and maintenance of neurons by working on growth factors.
  Nootropic supplements can also include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, protecting brain tissue from damage.
  An increasing number of people take nootropics for motivation and cognitive function. Some products contain only one ingredient, such as ginkgo biloba for memory, but more recent formulations focus on a blend of targeted ingredients.
  The benefits of Mind Lab Pro on cognitive performance fit into six categories:
  Increased energy production: Essential for brain health as it is the most energy-demanding part of the body. Ingredients such as Rhodiola rosea support the mitochondria, the energy-producing powerhouse of the cell [1].
  Supporting neurotransmitter synthesis: These are the mediators of neural communication—each has its own set of effects. For example, dopamine assists in focus, motivation to make an effort, and learning new information [2].
  A boost in brain circulation: This is necessary to deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste products. Blood vessel damage, on the other hand, is linked to an increased risk of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease [3].
  Improved balance of brain waves: This includes the increase in alpha brain waves seen with L-theanine supplementation. These promote an alert but relaxed state, assisting in stress management and cognitive performance [4].
  Protection of brain and nerve cells: Protects against inflammation and oxidative stress. Alzheimer's disease is perhaps the end stage of poor brain health and involves chronic inflammation and oxidative damage too [3].
  Increased neuroregeneration: Restoring the lack of support for the growth of new brain cells seen in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions [3].
  Mind Lab Pro contains 11 diverse ingredients each with its own set of therapeutic effects on the human brain:
  N-acetyl-l-tyrosine is a supplemental form of tyrosine, which the body uses to make dopamine and noradrenaline. These neurotransmitters assist in working memory, motivation, focus, and learning.
  Working memory is your capacity to remember information at a given time. Research demonstrates that tyrosine supplementation can also improve cognitive flexibility, where you have to rapidly switch between tasks [5].
  The L-tyrosine group had consistently higher scores than the placebo group
  Vitamin B6 supports neurotransmitter production by acting as a cofactor. GABA, serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, histamine, D-serine, and glycine require vitamin B6 to be synthesized.
  As it helps out with the production of multiple neurotransmitters, vitamin B6 can be useful when you don't know which ones you are deficient in. Multiple neurotransmitter deficiencies are connected to autism, for example, but the exact ones differ between individuals. It is estimated that around half of people with autism benefit from vitamin B6 [6].
  Vitamin B9, or folate, aids the remethylation of homocysteine back into the amino acid methionine. What this means for you is reduced brain inflammation and improved cognition as a result.
  High homocysteine causes brain degeneration and blood vessel damage, increasing the risk of dementia. A study on individuals with cognitive impairment found that using folate to reduce homocysteine improved mini-mental state (MMSE) scores, from an average of 20.1 to 22.2/30 [7].
  Vitamin B12 works together with folate in turning homocysteine back into methionine. Through this effect and the role it plays in neurotransmitter production, research demonstrates a lower risk of depression with higher levels of B12 [8].
  As vitamin B12 is only found in animal products, you should ideally choose a supplement containing the vitamin if you are vegetarian or vegan.
  Citicoline is a safe supplemental form of choline, as it does not convert into the toxic metabolite, TMAO. The body uses choline to produce acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for cognition, as well as phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is a major component of cell membranes, so it is needed for cell maintenance and potentially brain regeneration.
  One clinical study on citicoline found that it reduced impulsivity while improving motor function and attention in young men. In other cases, it has reduced cognitive decline in older adults and can make the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used to treat Alzheimer's disease more effective [9].
  Citicoline improved memory in healthy older adults over the course of 12 weeks
  Phosphatidylserine is a nootropic that protects cognitive function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, including that caused by amyloid-beta protein, which is the protein that forms dangerous plaques in Alzheimer's disease.
  When immune cells in the brain kickstart the inflammatory response in the face of amyloid-beta or another trigger, they disrupt the functioning of the neurons and eventually kill them off.
  Research on humans suggests that phosphatidylserine can improve cognitive function through greater brain protection [10].
  Lion's mane mushroom can increase brain regeneration, a natural process that assists in maintenance and brain plasticity. Not only does it boost nerve growth factor, but it also protects mature cells by preventing cellular senescence. Older adults showed some restoration of their cognitive abilities when taking lion's mane mushroom [11].
  Bacopa monnieri has several beneficial effects on the brain, such as supporting neurotransmitter production, boosts blood flow, slows the breakdown of acetylcholine, and inhibits beta-amyloid buildup.
  Bacopa can increase dopamine and serotonin levels, but not noradrenaline. Bacopa benefits include increased production of our own antioxidants too, meaning it has indirect effects [12].
  Compared to the placebo, Bacopa consistently lowered the depression score, improving symptoms
  Rhodiola rosea is in the adaptogen class of herbal medicines, meaning it may improve your ability to cope with stress. Clinical research has demonstrated its effects in improving cognitive function and brain energy. It could also have a mild antidepressant effect. Rhodiola benefits partly come from a reduction in cortisol, the major stress hormone [13].
  Maritime pine bark extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, able to protect the body's tissues from damage. This includes the brain, which is vulnerable to severe damage as it can only slowly regenerate at best.
  A study on individuals with traumatic brain injury found that maritime pine bark can significantly relieve inflammation, and improve survival rates by 15% even in severe cases [14].
  Finally, L-theanine is a non-protein-forming amino acid found in green tea. It has a relaxant effect while improving cognition at the same time, thanks to its ability to increase alpha brain waves and energy metabolism.
  These promote a relaxed yet alert state—many people also choose to take L-theanine for weight loss and memory. At the brain chemistry level, L-theanine increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine [4].
  Some of Mind Lab Pro's ingredients increase levels of dopamine, which is essential for promoting optimal brain chemistry if you have ADHD. However, increasing dopamine too much can lead to worsened cognitive function [15]. Stop taking the supplement if you notice a lack of focus and perpetual brain fog.
  Who Shouldn't Use Mind Lab Pro?
  Reconsider taking Mind Lab Pro, or ask your doctor if it's safe, if you are taking other drugs for neurological conditions. Some drugs increase levels of the same neurotransmitters as the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro. For example, both Adderall and tyrosine increase dopamine [16].
  This may lead to more severe side effects.
  Mind Lab Pro Customer Review
  Mind Lab Pro: Where To Buy
  You can buy Mind Lab Pro directly from the company's website, or Amazon when it is in stock. The supplement is not currently available at any physical stores. However, it is available in many, if not most countries around the world. Just place your order on the official site!
  The price of Mind Lab Pro per bottle falls as you purchase more bottles at once. Purchasing just one bottle, which is a one-month supply, costs $69.00 or $2.30 per pill. Each two-pill daily dose costs $4.60. A three-bottle bundle will cost $207.00, and as you get one bottle free, this is an average of $51.75 per bottle. Per serving, you only pay $1.73.
  Mind Lab Pro comes with a 30-Day Performance Promise. If you are not happy with your results, just return your empty bottle within 60 days for a product refund.
  Of course, Mind Lab Pro isn't the only nootropic supplement out there. Alpha Brain is another alternative that may improve cognitive functions through enhancing neurotransmitter production.
  Alpha Brain ingredients include vitamin B6 at six times the necessary daily intake, for example. As mentioned above, it plays a role in dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and GABA production. Huperzine-A supports acetylcholine, the main neurotransmitter for cognition and neural communication [17].
  Both Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain contain Bacopa monnieri and tyrosine for dopamine and noradrenaline production, too.
  Alpha Brain is more affordable at $1.78 per daily dose.
  Dopamine, acetylcholine, and GABA production are all supported with Alpha Brain.
  High doses of vitamin B6, which reduces homocysteine while supporting neurotransmitter production.
  Some ingredients are listed as part of proprietary blends, making dosage unclear.
  Scientific evidence is mentioned on their website, but a direct link is not provided.
  Although Mind Lab Pro is one of our top choices when it comes to nootropic supplements, it certainly isn't the only option out there. Let's have a closer look at our top alternatives.
  NooCube focuses on increasing acetylcholine levels, with Alpha-GPC as its top ingredient. This acetylcholine-booster has been shown to boost verbal intelligence and relieve depression in people with Alzheimer's disease [18].
  Huperzine-A is another ingredient that can boost cognitive functions such as memory through increasing acetylcholine, even in healthy people. In a clinical study, high school students taking Huperzine-A enjoyed improved exam scores, and their average memory test results rose from 104 to 115 [17].
  Unfortunately, NooCube contains gluten due to the presence of oat straw extract.
  If you can take NooCube, another advantage is its cheaper price compared to Mind Lab Pro, at $2 per dose instead of $4.60.
  For more information, read the full NooCube review here.
  Performance Lab Mind is another nootropic supplement, which contains only four ingredients also shared by Mind Lab Pro—including tyrosine (as Ajipure), citicoline, phosphatidylserine, and maritime pine bark. These ingredients cover dopamine and acetylcholine production, cell membrane maintenance, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
  Performance Lab Mind also has a higher dose of tyrosine, at 250mg instead of 175mg. This may benefit you more if low dopamine is an issue for you. However, Performance Lab does not contain the B vitamins essential for keeping levels of homocysteine down. It does not have the relaxant nootropic, L-theanine, and there is no lion's mane mushroom for brain cell growth.
  For more information, read the full Performance Lab Nootropics review here.
  What are the most important things to know about Mind Lab Pro and its effects on brain function?
  Every ingredient used in Mind Lab Pro is backed up by scientific research. All 11 of them have both laboratory and clinical research demonstrating beneficial effects on brain health and nerve cells.
  Mind Lab Pro contains gentle stimulants such as Bacopa monnieri and Rhodiola rosea, which act by supporting your neurotransmitter production. They are not forceful in their functions, and you will not get the same side effects seen with synthetic nootropics, such as racetams or Noopept.
  Both research and customer reviews point to Mind Lab Pro beginning to work within the first day or two. However, clinical research uses study periods of at least two months to see the ingredients' full effects.
  Mind Lab Pro has some stimulant effects through increasing dopamine. It may therefore amplify the side effects of medications such as Adderall, by worsening anxiety and insomnia [16]. If you use any prescription medication, speak with your doctor first before trying any supplementation.
  Research on Mind Lab Pro's ingredients has study periods of several weeks or months to measure their full effects. You won't see the full effects right away, but with B vitamins being essential nutrients, you may enjoy some benefits in the first day or two. In fact, many people mention they notice some effects beginning after the first dose.
  Yes, but many people notice superior, longer-lasting effects of nootropic supplements when they are cycled. This is believed to maintain your response to the ingredients, as the liver cannot build up a tolerance. Mind Lab Pro's manufacturers recommend cycles of either five days on, two days off cycle; or four weeks on, one week off.
  Mind Lab Pro should be your first option for boosting brainpower today. Targeting six mechanisms of action and including 11 ingredients to support them, it is one of the best for all-around support. With organic lion's mane mushroom extract for enhanced neuron regeneration, Rhodiola rosea for better brain energy production, and more, why not give it a try?
  If you're looking for more nootropic-inspo, check out our Hunter Focus review, for a nootropic containing one of the highest doses of lion's mane in commercial nootropics, and our Brain Pill review, focusing on neurotransmitter support.
  Abidov, M et al. "Effect of extracts from Rhodiola rosea and Rhodiola crenulata (Crassulaceae) roots on ATP content in mitochondria of skeletal muscles." Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine vol. 136,6 (2003): 585-7. doi:10.1023/b:bebm.0000020211.24779.15
  Kurakin, Alexei, and Dale E Bredesen. "Alzheimer's disease as a systems network disorder: chronic stress/dyshomeostasis, innate immunity, and genetics." Aging, vol. 12,18 17815-17844. 21 Sep. 2020, doi:10.18632/aging.103883
  Steenbergen, Laura et al. "Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance." Neuropsychologia vol. 69 (2015): 50-5. doi:10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.01.022
  Hama, Yuka et al. "Influences of Folate Supplementation on Homocysteine and Cognition in Patients with Folate Deficiency and Cognitive Impairment." Nutrients vol. 12,10 3138. 14 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12103138
  Sangle, Prerna et al. "Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Preventing Onset and Improving Prognosis of Depression." Cureus vol. 12,10 e11169. 26 Oct. 2020, doi:10.7759/cureus.11169
  Hashioka, Sadayuki et al. "Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine-containing liposomes inhibit amyloid beta and interferon-gamma-induced microglial activation." Free radical biology & medicine vol. 42,7 (2007): 945-54. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2006.12.003
  Friedman, Mendel. "Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds." Journal of agricultural and food chemistry vol. 63,32 (2015): 7108-23. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914
  Panossian, A et al. "Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy." Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology vol. 17,7 (2010): 481-93. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002