Mind Lab Pro Nootropic Review
Until around 3 years ago I had not heard of nootropic supplements or bio-hacking. However, Mind Lab Pro was suggested to me when I constantly felt like I was walking around in a fog.
Read my full personal review and analysis of the nutrients included.
LAST UPDATED: February 2019 by Ben.
Mind Lab Pro & Cognition
Nootropics are new to me and I only really came to know about them because a good friend suggested that I try them…
Without wanting to bore you I have pretty long days – by all means through my own choice so don’t think I am being hard done by.
But we all have jobs to do, money to make, bills to pay and also be able to enjoy ourselves with our own set of goals to achieve.
Just to give you an idea of my daily grind, it starts at 0600 whereby I am in my car for 0630 to commute to work which takes 2 hours (each way).
Once at work I have a busy day in commercial real estate sales and management – my day is usually quite varied but it means dealing with sales, renewals, customer service etc.
I usually finish my work around 1830 and then it time for my return journey home or over to my girlfriends house which is also a 2 hour drive but in a different direction to my hometown.
Once home it’s time to either write content for here, trial products to review manage the social media side of things, do research et cetera and then hit the gym.
If it isn’t the gym, it is rugby training which is about a 15 minute drive.
I would say I manage to get to bed for approximately Midnight, usually shattered.
Can a nootropic like Mind Lab Pro help?
All-in-all, a fairly busy schedule for 5 days of the week, not forgetting playing rugby on Saturday and being hungover on Sunday.
But not only is it busy, I have to be concentrating.
I have to concentrate for 4 hours driving each day, once at work it isn’t a case of switching of mentally – I have to react to many different situations and make sales, ensure I am generating enough revenue for the companies targets.
Then once I am home, it’s a whole different job of research and writing – I cannot even switch off at rugby training either otherwise you are likely to get flattened by a 250lb monster.
My previous form of attack (and defense) to my daily routine was caffeine…lots of caffeine.
However, this brings a whole world of it’s own problems. It becomes difficult to multi-task, difficult to switch from one task to another and react to clients and/or the changing situation, research the market place and generally see through to the next day or plan your week.
This is where Nootropics came in, my friend had read about them and said they could be worth a shot…
The idea is that the ingredients in Nootropic products feed the brain with the nutrients it needs to be razor sharp, they heighten your senses again so to speak.
A car will not run properly with an old, dirty and clogged up air filter and neither will your brain if it isn’t getting all it requires.
What Are Nootropics?
Mind Lab Pro is a Nootropic, also known as smart drugs, are products that help stimulate and increase cognitive function, with particular focus on executive functions, memory, focus, creativity and motivation.
As people are leading more stressful and demanding lives, these sort of products are seeing an incline in sales, as people, like myself and probably like you, realize that topping up that coffee cup isn’t the solution.
If I am being honest, I was sceptical. My thoughts are that exercise alone is a great way to ensure you are on top of your game both physically and mentally…
Now, there are studies out there conducted by universities what prove that people with a higher IQ will earn much more than those who aren’t blessed so much with the old grey matter – but let’s be honest that is common sense, right?
A doctor surely wasn’t struggling with learning the days of the week at school or trigonometry.
However, how many people do you see that are clever, have a college/higher education degree yet once they fall in to the routine of work they really do not reach their potential and fall foul of underachievement?
Or even yourself, you have a good standard of education but you feel like you are not firing on all cylinders, work becomes more of a chore and not because it is particularly difficult or mundane but because you feel like you’re caught in a fog of war.
Tasks that never seem to either get started or completed properly because your mind wanders to other things?
I thought it wouldn’t do any harm to try them, these are legal, above board and suitable for vegans and vegetarians so anyone is good to go. From scholars, truck drivers to machine operators, we may all be able to benefit from a nootropic supplement.
Who Are MindLab Pro?
MindLab Pro are formulated under the Opti-Nutra brand, Opti-Nutra Ltd claim to be an advanced nutraceutical manufacturing company based in North London.
The location of the offices is very close to the University College London Medical Centre and School.
Is the location important?
In today’s modern world location is becoming less relevant as people can transfer data from anywhere in the world.
However, if you require the services of a certain category of professional it helps to be located within easy reach to capture these individuals to work with.
Plus, it means there’s the facilities required to formulate and manufacture products.
Which actually brings us on to the manufacturing facilities that are used by Opti-Nutra.
It would be an understatement and it would be a disservice to label them as just FDA compliant…
Opti-Nutra do in fact employ 15 different compliance certifications ranging from Halal, Kosher, cGMP to US Pharmacopeia.
This high level of compliance instils confidence in the product and reflects in the quality of the high grade nutrients included which are branded, patented and standardized to ensure highest levels of purity and effectiveness.
How Does Mind Lab Pro Work?
What Are The Benefits?
First things first, my good friend had said this particular product was good after he had done some in-depth research, he was happy with the results for both work and play – he works in finance and plays amateur rugby like myself.
My friend is a bit of a thinker when it comes to playing rugby whereas, I prefer the brute force approach. Both have their pro’s and cons but let’s be certain here, I definitely end up with more black eyes.
There are 6 key functions to the Mind Lab blend of ingredients which have been specially formulated to ensure you;re taking the optimal amounts for cognitive performance;
Memory:
Memory is boosted, mental processing is increased and you feel more relaxed for it.
Focus:
Your neural power is increased to assist in your brain becoming more focused and alert to ensure quick thinking in stressful situation.
Cell Regeneration:
Aid cell recreation and repair. Neural growth is optimized.
Flow:
Blood flow is increased to deliver more oxygen, transport waste and ensure the ingredients are utilized.
Antioxidant:
The antioxidants defend your brain cells from the accelerated aging process which leads to decline.
Learning:
You are more awake and able to absorb information without distraction or a wandering mind.
Price
It is important to note that there are no reoccurring charges involved with any purchases bought direct from MindLab Pro.
There’s also a 30 day money back guarantee with most currencies or methods of payment accepted.
One box costs $65 or £40.
However, the best value is provided if you buy three boxes, because you then get a fourth box free of charge.
Ingredients: The Formula
There are 11 ingredients that have been formulated to ensure the right amounts are delivered and nothing is being wasted.
There is no proprietary blend in Mind Lab Pro either which is good news.
I have looked up the ingredients and provided links to the studies so you can see what the outcome is for each.
– Vitamin B6
Comprising three chemically distinct compounds pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxine, is involved in the regulation of mental function and mood.
Vitamin B6 is also an essential homocysteine re-methylation cofactor, and deficiency is associated with increase in blood homocysteine levels and increased inflammation.
Homocysteine is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and may also have directly toxic effects on neurons of the central nervous system.
Neuropsychiatric disorders including seizures, migraine, chronic pain and depression have been linked to vitamin B6 deficiency.
‘Low PLP status remains a risk factor for cognitive decline and depression in at-risk populations.’ [1]
– Cognizin (citicoline)
Studies have shown that it can have beneficial effects both in degenerative and in vascular cognitive decline. [2]
This has led citicoline to be a proposed treatment of serious brain issues, plus other trauma such as strokes and Parkinson’s.
Citicoline is able to prevent the spread of free radicals and it may encourage the release of dopamine. [3]
– Phosphatidylserine
Supplementation could improve the memory functions of the elderly with memory complaints. [4]
There were four identified areas which were significantly improved, these were:
- Memory recall and recognition
- Executive function
- Mental flexibility
These results noted a general improvement of total and overall learning capacity. [5]
– Hericium Erinaceus
The studies available state that hericium is effective in improving mild cognitive impairment. [6]
Further research in to this mushroom shows that it can stimulate the growth of nerves while encouraging healthy brain and nervous system function.
These multiple factors could well be the reason for its ability to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. [7]
– Rhodiola Rosea
Can protect against cognitive deficits, neuronal injury and oxidative stress, can also be used as a potential agent in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.[8]
Documented as a herb that can improve exercise and reduce stress further studies demonstrate that it can also help to reverse spatial learning and memory deficits. [9]
To potentially cement the use of Rhodiola more so, the military have researched the use of rhodiola and believe that it could be of use to improve physical performance. [10]
– Theanine
Theanine is a constituent of green tea and considered a neuroprotective amino acid. Its benefits include calming and relaxation while increasing dopamine and serotonin levels which have been documented by a reduction of the heart rate which reduces stress. [11]
Furthermore, the effects of inhibiting cytokines expression has reduced neuroinflammation, depression and anxiety. [12]
There are also studies available that suggest improvements to memory and learning functions. [13]
– N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Former available studies suggested that tyrosine is not so much a cognitive enhancing amino acid but rather it has an ability to reduce negative brain functions primarily driven by dopamine impairment.
Its effects seemingly varying from person to person due to their unique dopamine production. [14]
There is a slight contradiction to the thought that tyrosine isn’t a cognitive enhancer, though.
Because a study into working memory showed that tyrsosine supplementation targets cognitive control operations to perform more difficult tasks.
‘…cognitive resources when more control is needed and, more generally, that food can act as a cognitive enhancer…’ [15]
In addition, there’s evidence that shows tyrosine can improve cognitive function under stressful and demanding situations. Particularly for those with depleted dopamine and norepinephrine. [16]
Then there’s further supporting evidence of tyrosine’s cognitive improving abilities by its effects regarding overt response actions while under study. [17]
– Bacopa Monnieri
Clinical trials trying to establish the benefits of bacopa monnieri, and in 2012 a study found that people who showed no cognitive impairment improved their memory recall when supplementing with 300-450mg of extract daily. [18]
With scientists looking for an alternative to synthetic drugs to improve symptoms of ADHD bacopa has been highlighted due to the large number of studies showing to improve mood, attention and those aforementioned memory benefits. [19]
Other research implies that improvements are much better at 8-12 weeks than they are at 4-6 weeks of treatment. [20]
– Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is a highly capable antioxidant with evidence to support the notion that this component of blueberry has anti-inflammatory and (importantly) a modulation of neurological disease. [21]
‘Several studies show that consumption of berries rich in antioxidants may effectively thwart neurological deterioration associated with ageing.’ [22]
Further research have shown that this compound is capable of enhancing cognitive functions by reducing metabolic syndrome and he symptoms of dementia due to chronic inflammation leading to neurotoxicity. [23]
– Vinpocetine
This alkaloid is showing promise as a treatment to help palleviate cognitive defects such as dementia, because as of yet there is no treatment to prevent the symptoms of dementia. [24]
Vinpocetine encourages and stimulates cerebral blood flow amongst other benefits that show promise as a therapy. [25]
Additionally, Vinpocetine may be able to protect the brain from damage caused by strokes and help reduce the risk of ischemia. [26]
– Huperzine-A
Patients treated with Huperzine showed improvements in their memory, cognitive, and behavioral functions. [27]
Animal studies have proven huperzine’s ability to reverse cognitive defects and that it has neuroptrotective effects which has stimulated use of huperzine in China for Alzheimer’s therapy. [28]
Additional research in to relevant and contemporary studies also shows that huperzine is beneficial for those patients suffering from cognitive disorders relating to schizophrenia. [29]
PROS – 11 nutrients that all contribute to improved cognitive function. Even the military are interested in some of the nutrients.
CONS – It has been suggested that more research is required in to Rhodiola. Bacopa is on the low side compared to studies I unearthed.
Can Mind Lab Pro Benefit You?
As I initially said, I was quite sceptical of these kind of products called a nootropic that ‘boosts brain power and IQ’ and at first I took Mind Lab Pro and thought I would feel something…maybe a tingle, or being fidgety but, alas, nothing.
I thought this nootropic was a waste of time and I was tempted to not bother with them – however, the tight Northerner in me would not let go – I had after all paid $65/£40 for them so I carried on as normal.
I was a few days in of taking this nootropic and without realizing immediately I noticed I was sleeping like a baby.
I normally get to bed around Midnight but wake probably around 0400 and turn over a few times before waking at 0600 feeling not my best but okay enough to get ready and prepare myself for the 60 miles drive to work.
However, it dawned (pun intended) on me that I hadn’t been having broken sleep at all and instead of lifelessly dragging myself into the shower and into the car eager for my flask of coffee I just felt absolutely fine as if I was performing a task a few hours in to my day.
Now, my theory was that exercise alone is a great way to de-stress and promote healthy sleep and that does work.
However, although I can never say I have a particularly bad nights sleep or trouble nodding off but my sleep just feels much better now.
I think what most people expect from these sort of supplements is that they are going to transform from having little scholarly application into a genius to then picking up a Nobel Peace Prize after a year or so.
Unfortunately they do not work that way otherwise with the amount of bottles I have consumed I would be working at CERN right now!
No, what a nootropic does is help take away the fuzz, the distractions and the stress which can make you feel like you are swimming through treacle everyday to get a job done.
For instance once I am in my car autopilot sets in generally and the next thing I know I am walking to the office with my mind full of fuzzy ideas.
I need to be planning on what needs to be done, trying to remember anything that is outstanding, who my next clients name is, what offices are available and who hasn’t paid their rent not to mention all of your personal admin you need to remember to do over lunch.
Yet, since taking this nootropic from Mind Lab Pro the haze just seems to be lifted, the distractions of other tasks to be completed are not there until needed, recalling peoples names or where plans are stored in what folders isn’t such an issue – I seem to have much more mental structure as opposed to trying to write everything down.
It feels like I am back firing on all cylinders again.
Best of all, I have saved time; once home instead of laboring over writing and research I can just crack on, get the articles done and spend more time lifting weights!
I guess Stephanie who uses Mind Lab Pro explains how it works very well.
Pros
This product is hard to ignore, and hard not to recommend.
It’s ingredient profile is chock full of nutrients that all have compounding evidence demonstrating that they can either increase learning, memory function and other aspects of cognitive health while also increasing physical performance.
Naturally, some of these nutrients have even grabbed the attention of the military, particularly as soldiers are subject to long hours or fatigue and stress which can effect operational ability.
And, with lots of soldiers already self administrating natural supplements to give them a performance edge while under stress, it seems that the military forces around the world are also admiring and appreciating the use of these compounds.
‘The self-reported use of supplements of any kind by military personnel in the United States and United Kingdom is in the range 55–61% for males and 65–71% for females. Anecdotal evidence also indicates that dietary use is highly prevalent in military personnel in Australia.’ [30]
This cognitive supplement from MindLab Pro offers ingredients with the proven abilities evaluated by good quality sources that will help the following areas:
- Reduce stress
- Improve mood
- Enhance memory recall
- Increase dopamine levels
- Improve serotonin production
- Reduce neural toxicity
- Improve cerebral blood flow
- Treat trauma
- Better learning capacity
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduce metabolic syndrome
- Counter the symptoms of dementia
It is also important to understand that MindLab pro is only available direct, this stays clear of any counterfeit products or the wild west only markets such as Amazon or eBay.
Cons
There’s not a great deal wrong about this product if your goal is to increase and improve brain power and processing.
If you want to reduce stress or the ability to perform tasks while under pressure.
However, for all of these benefits you do have to pay a premium. Now, this is not the most expensive supplement available, however, it is not considered cheap.
But it depends what price you place on the whole benefits and package. If you want the best, this is it.
Unwanted Side Effects
As with anything from alcohol, coffee and peanuts, someone can react differently to another person.
So, ensure you initially take caution and understand if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to certain nutrients.
However, generally speaking, much of the content is safe to use.
There’s a slight bit of caution regarding hericium erinaceus and rhodiola reducing blood sugar for diabetics or in the latter case, rhodiola may worsen autoimmune conditions.
On the whole, the ingredients may cause headaches or dizziness or even gastrointestinal discomfort. If this is the case stop taking it.
If you have some serious health condition, ensure you consult a professional regarding how these nutrients may effect your situation.
My Mindlab Pro Nootropic Review Conclusion
If you expect to become the next Stephen Hawking or Mozart by taking this, think again. A nootropic doesn’t work like that.
Don’t expect 20-20 vision or an ability to read minds either.
However, the little subtle differences felt by taking this such as better sleep, improved concentration and focus can lead to much bigger achievements.
For some, myself included, being able to avoid procrastination and completing a task to ensure I can claw back an extra hour every evening for gym, rugby or just catching up with family is priceless. I certainly recommend giving it a go.
Further Recommendations..?
Check out this video from Dr. Ramon Velazquez, Ph.D
FAQ
Do Mind Lab Pro sell on Ebay?
No. Counterfeits are common for everyday items from sneakers to cell phones.
Mind Lab Pro is only available from their website. Do not risk buying a counterfeit which could be unsafe or just not effective.
Can I trust Mind Lab Pro on Amazon?
No. Once again, only Mind Lab Pro bought from the website is genuine and guaranteed.
Once you have my bank details will Mind Lab Pro send out a repeat order automatically?
No. Mind Lab Pro does not send out automatic repeat orders.
Is Mind Lab Pro a PED?
This does not contain or provide your body with performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Is Mind Lab Pro safe to use and is it legal?
Yes, absolutely safe and legal.
Where can I get the best deal?
Mind Lab Pro keep prices as competitive as possible so offer multi-buy deals so you can benefit more.
Always be sure to order direct, do not be tempted by anything found on Craig’s List, Amazon or eBay for your safety and to ensure you are not wasting your money.
Best Deal for MindLab Pro?
References
[1] https://www.fasebj.org/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.346.6
[2] The role of citicoline in cognitive impairment: pharmacological characteristics, possible advantages, and doubts for an old drug with new perspectives. Gareri P, Castagna A, Cotroneo AM, Putignano S, De Sarro G, Bruni AC. Clin Interv Aging. 2015 Sep 3;10:1421-9. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S87886. eCollection 2015. Review. Erratum in: Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1625. PMID: 26366063
[3] Citicoline (Cognizin) in the treatment of cognitive impairment. Fioravanti M, Buckley AE. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(3):247-51. Review. PMID: 18046877
[4] Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints. Kato-Kataoka A, Sakai M, Ebina R, Nonaka C, Asano T, Miyamori T. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2010 Nov;47(3):246-55. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.10-62. Epub 2010 Sep 29. PMID: 21103034
[5] The effect of soybean-derived phosphatidylserine on cognitive performance in elderly with subjective memory complaints: a pilot study. Richter Y, Herzog Y, Lifshitz Y, Hayun R, Zchut S. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:557-63. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S40348. Epub 2013 May 21. PMID: 23723695
[6] Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2634. PMID: 18844328
[7] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/biomedres/31/4/31_4_231/_article/-char/ja/
[8] Pretreatment with Rhodiola rosea extract reduces cognitive impairment induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin in rats: implication of anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects Qu ZQ, Zhou Y, Zeng YS, Li Y, Chung P. Biomed Environ Sci. 2009 Aug;22(4):318-26. doi: 10.1016/S0895-3988(09)60062-3. PMID: 19950527
[9] https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/15/A1.2
[10] https://jmvh.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Review-Artical-Military-Effectiveness.pdf
[11] L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. Biol Psychol. 2007 Jan;74(1):39-45. Epub 2006 Aug 22. PMID: 16930802
[13] The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. Nathan PJ, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):21-30. Review. PMID: 17182482
[14] People are different: tyrosine’s modulating effect on cognitive control in healthy humans may depend on individual differences related to dopamine function. Jongkees BJ, Hommel B, Colzato LS. Front Psychol. 2014 Oct 6;5:1101. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01101. eCollection 2014. No abstract available. PMID: 25339925
[15] Working memory reloaded: tyrosine repletes updating in the N-back task. Colzato LS, Jongkees BJ, Sellaro R, Hommel B. Front Behav Neurosci. 2013 Dec 16;7:200. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00200. eCollection 2013. PMID: 24379768
[16] Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands–A review. Jongkees BJ, Hommel B, Kühn S, Colzato LS. J Psychiatr Res. 2015 Nov;70:50-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014. Epub 2015 Aug 25. Review. PMID: 26424423
[17] Eating to stop: tyrosine supplementation enhances inhibitory control but not response execution. Colzato LS, Jongkees BJ, Sellaro R, van den Wildenberg WP, Hommel B. Neuropsychologia. 2014 Sep;62:398-402. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2013.12.027. Epub 2014 Jan 13. PMID: 24433977
[18] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2011.0367
[19] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/7/12/5507/pdf
[20] http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/606424/
[21] A review of pterostilbene antioxidant activity and disease modification. McCormack D, McFadden D. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013;2013:575482. doi: 10.1155/2013/575482. Epub 2013 Apr 4. Review. PMID: 23691264
[22] Blueberry extract alters oxidative stress-mediated signaling in COS-7 cells transfected with selectively vulnerable muscarinic receptor subtypes. Joseph JA, Fisher DR, Bielinski D. J Alzheimers Dis. 2006 Mar;9(1):35-42. PMID: 16627932
[24] Vinpocetine for cognitive impairment and dementia. Szatmari SZ, Whitehouse PJ. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(1):CD003119. Review. PMID: 12535455
[25] Pharmacology of nootropics and metabolically active compounds in relation to their use in dementia. Nicholson CD. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1990;101(2):147-59. Review. PMID: 2190256
[27] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305703001114
[29] Adjunctive huperzine A for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Zheng W, Xiang YQ, Li XB, Ungvari GS, Chiu HF, Sun F, D’Arcy C, Meng X, Xiang YT. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2016 Jul;31(4):286-95. doi: 10.1002/hup.2537. Epub 2016 Jun 15. Review. PMID: 27302211
[30] https://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-14-143
