If you’ve spent any time clicking around this site, you may notice a common theme. Mind Lab Pro is typically my #1 recommended nootropic supplement for enhancing cognitive function, and for a good reason!

Its efficacy is backed by robust scientific research and endless positive testimonials from thousands of users, making it one of the most effective products on the market today for those looking to upgrade their brain function.

It’s a comprehensive nootropic supplement that meets the brain’s complex needs with 11 nootropics working in 6 brain pathways to optimize a wide array of cognitive functions.

Who Should Take Mind Lab Pro?

What makes Mind Lab Pro my #1 recommended nootropic product is its ability to benefit such a wide array of adults seeking extra support.

Look at other nootropic products and smart drugs and you find a blitzkrieg of chemicals designed to stimulate your central nervous system.

While some people prefer a buzz-like approach to nootropics, this does little to promote better brain health.

Nootropic Noobies

If you’re new to nootropics, Mind Lab Pro is an optimal product to start with.

I call it a “gateway” nootropic because it will let you feel the differences in mental performance that nootropics can deliver without feeling overstimulated.

Qualia Mind is one of the most advanced cognitive enhancing dietary supplements on the market today.

Qualia Mind is a preformulated nootropic stack made by the company Neurohacker Collective, whose mission is to create groundbreaking products that help the body regulate its biochemistry and restore homeostatic balance.

Qualia Mind has been shown to improve focus, energy, and motivation in people with ADHD, and contains a blend of powerful ingredients that work together to support cognitive function and brain health.

Qualia Mind is also non-stimulatory, so it won’t cause the jitters or crash like some other ADHD treatments.

It’s touted by many high performers along with some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space as a nootropic powerhouse!

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 300 metabolic processes in both the mind and body.

These metabolic processes include neurotransmitter synthesis including dopamine.

In today’s hectic society filled with nutrient-depleted food, magnesium deficiency is on the rise.

Subsequently most people with ADHD exhibit low levels of magnesium.¹T Kozielec, et al. Assessment of magnesium levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Magnes Res. 2006

In clinical studies, supplementation with Magnesium has shown effective in improving ADHD symptoms. ²M Mousain-Bosc, et al. Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, Magnes Res. 2006

Ultimately, magnesium is highly effective at calming the body’s stress response, inducing relaxation, and steadying the mind.

Learn more about how Magnesium works in treating ADHD and other symptoms.

Sulbutiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1). It was created in an effort to improve the absorption and efficacy of thiamine. Sulbutiamine has been shown to increase alertness, vigilance, and energy levels while also reducing fatigue. Additionally, sulbutiamine has neuroprotective and nootropic effects.

Sulbutiamine is thought to work by increasing the level of thiamine in the brain. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that plays a role in nerve function and energy production. Sulbutiamine may also help to protect nerve cells from damage and improve communication between nerve cells.

Sulbutiamine has been shown to be effective in treating fatigue, improving cognitive function, and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, sulbutiamine has been shown to improve blood flow and protect nerve cells from damage.

Sulbutiamine is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. The most common side effect is mild gastrointestinal distress.

Adrafinil is a cognitive enhancer that has been shown to improve memory, motivation, and wakefulness in clinical trials.

Of all the supplements on this list, adrafinil is probably the most stimulatory in how Adderall is (although to a significantly lesser degree).

Adrafinil is structurally similar to modafinil and shares many of the same mechanisms of action. The human body metabolizes adrafinil into modafinil, so you do not need a prescription to buy it. However, adrafinil is not as potent as modafinil and has a shorter half-life.

The exact mechanisms of action are not completely clear, but scientists believe Adrafinil modulates the dopamine system but also acts on the histamine, GABA, and glutamate systems.

Although it is somewhat similar to Adderall, this nootropic does not have nearly the potential for damage or abuse.

If you need a little kick to get going, we think that adrafinil is a much healthier option.

Aniracetam is a nootropic that has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. It is believed to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is involved in many cognitive processes, including learning and memory. Aniracetam may also increase blood flow to the brain and protect neurons from damage.

Aniracetam is effective in animal studies, and there is some evidence that it may improve memory and cognitive function in humans. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Aniracetam is sometimes used off-label to treat Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and age-related cognitive decline. It is generally well-tolerated, but side effects may include headaches, anxiety, and gastrointestinal upset.

If you consider taking Aniracetam for memory or cognitive enhancement, speak to your healthcare provider to see if it is right for you.

DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is an amino acid that can be found in foods like meat, milk, and beans. It’s also available as a supplement.

Some people take DL-Phenylalanine for ADHD because it’s thought to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are two chemicals that play a role in ADHD.

This nootropic could provide the building blocks to make up this deficit.

There is some evidence that DL-Phenylalanine may help with ADHD symptoms. Some initial trials saw improvements in patients; others did not.³Wood DR, Reimherr FW, Wender PH.Treatment of attention deficit disorder with DL-phenylalanine, Psychiatry Res. 1985 Sep

And as always, be sure to consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications.

Read more about DLPAs potential for treating ADHD.

Noopept is a cognitive enhancer that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.

Noopept is structurally similar to Piracetam and works by increasing levels of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain.

Noopept has been shown to improve memory, attention, and focus in people with ADHD, and may also help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Noopept is typically taken in powder form, either by itself or mixed with a liquid.

Noopept is considered to be safe and well-tolerated but should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Noopept may interact with other medications, so it is important to talk to a doctor before taking Noopept.

is a naturally occurring amino acid that’s derived from tryptophan.

This nootropic acts as a precursor to dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. It is much more potent than healthy tyrosine and gets used by your body much faster.

It’s often used as a dietary supplement for people who want to boost their serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood and sleep. Nalt may also be used to help treat anxiety and depression. Some research suggests that nalt can improve symptoms of both conditions. Some people use NALT as an alternative to ADHD drugs, enjoying the energy and focus it brings. Others use it alongside their medication.

Because NALT provides the building blocks for the neurotransmitters that Adderall depletes, some people use it at the end of the day to replenish those stores.⁴Fernstrom JD, Fernstrom MH. Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis and function in the brain, J Nutr. 2007 ⁵Marty Hinz, et al. Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with monoamine amino acid precursors and organic cation transporter assay interpretation, Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2011

Some people also find that this nootropic also increases their mood.

Learn about NALT for mood, attention deficit disorder, and sleep deprivation.

Pine Bark Extract is a potentially powerful all-natural nootropic derived from the Pinus pinaster.

French Maritime pine bark extract (sometimes sold as Pycnogenol) is a natural supplement that has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD. It is also known to improve cognitive function and attention span.

Pine bark extract helps ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

ADHD is notorious for the low levels of these neurotransmitters. It can also lower inflammation, another possible factor in this condition.

Multiple studies show that it is effective for children with attention problems.

Although there have not been any studies done on adults, it is not unreasonable to assume these results could translate to older patients as well.⁶Dvoráková M, et al Urinary catecholamines in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): modulation by a polyphenolic extract from pine bark (pycnogenol), Nutr Neurosci. 2007 ⁷Dvoráková M, et al. . The effect of polyphenolic extract from pine bark, Pycnogenol on the level of glutathione in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Redox Rep. 2006 ⁸Trebatická J, et al Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006

Pine Bark Extract is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your cells from damage and can also help to reduce inflammation.

Learn more about how French Maritime Pine Bark Extract works in treating ADHD and other symptoms.

Citicoline is the most bioavailable source of choline for your brain. Getting adequate levels of choline is important for optimizing attention and focus.

Citicoline can also help improve memory and learning, making it a great choice for students or anyone looking to boost their cognitive performance.

It’s best used in combination with a racetam or acetylcholinesterase inhibitor like Huperzine A. Citicoline has also shown benefits for ADHD when used with caffeine. ⁹Steven E. Bruce, et al. Improvements in Concentration, Working Memory, and Sustained Attention Following Consumption of a Natural Citicoline-Caffeine Beverage, Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014

Since citicoline has shown the ability to increase dopamine release, it is a prime candidate as a nootropic for ADHD. It can also improve mood and memory, which are both often seen with ADHD.

Some people also find that this nootropic increases their mood.

Citicoline dosage typically ranges from 250-1000 mg per day. When starting out, it’s always best to start with a lower dose and increase as needed.

If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your cognitive function, Citicoline is definitely worth considering.

Learn more about Citicoline