New research shows that the better your brain works, the better your life will be.

A study conducted at Ohio State University found that smart people make more money than their less-bright counterparts – as much as an extra $616 for each one point increase in IQ.

Another study, this one published in the journal Psychological Medicine, reports that people with IQs of 120 or more are happier than those with IQs below 100.

Increasingly, men, women, and even teenagers worldwide are turning to dietary supplements to give their brains essential vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and herbals they are not getting – or not getting enough of – in their diets.

All three of the brain supplements reviewed below are natural nootropics, meaning they mimic the beneficial effects of prescription drugs but without the harmful side effects.

#1 Pick—Mind Lab PRO

When I was searching for a brain supplement, one that really stood out was Mind Lab PRO.OptiNutra, the manufacturer, has taken a research-based approach to their product formula with impressive results reported by users.

Mind Lab PRO is a formula with 11 key ingredients that are proven to improve brain health and performance including citicoline.

If you weren’t already aware, citicoline supports mitochondria which generate power for all brain cells to increase brain energy 13.6%.

Lion’s Mane, a mushroom extract used in Mind Lab PRO, contains hericenones and erinacines that trigger the growth of new neurons.

In a Japanese study published in Phytotherapy Research, participants with mild cognitive impairment taking Lion’s Mane for 16 works showed a significant increase in cognitive function.

Mind Lab PRO also includes phosphatidylserine (PS).

By helping to grow new neurons, PS is a powerful agent for slowing, halting, or even reversing age-related brain deterioration.

In a study published in the journal Aging, patients between ages 65 and 93 given 300 mg PS daily showed statistically significant improvements in cognitive performance.

L-theanine, Rhodiola rosea root, N-Acetyl Tyrosine, vitamin B6, Bacopa Monnieri, Ptersostilbene, vinpocetine, and Huperzine A round out the formula.

#2 Pick – Optimind

Optimind is designed to help sharpen focus, enhance memory, increase brain energy, improve cognition, and boost overall drive.

It uses a complex blend of 16 ingredients including GABA, DMAE, Huperzine-A, alpha lipoic acid, caffeine, green tea, and taurine.

GABA has been shown to help as a calming agent and perform a regulatory function on melatonin production.

DMAE, also known as Deanol, helps the body produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

It improves memory and mood while increasing thinking skills.

Vinpocetine is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that enhances memory and cerebral metabolism.

#3 Pick—Mind Boost Night and Day Formula

Mind Boost is a daily all natural formula designed to help improve memory and cognition, help you become more creative, and sharpen your concentration.

There is one formula to take during the day and a second taken at night.

The day formula has 4 primary ingredients: folic acid, vitamin B-12, monosodium citicoline, and Rhodiola Root Extract.

This herb, native to Russia, has been clinically proven to stimulate brain activity and mental work capacity.

The night formula includes green tea extract; olive leaf extract, which has neuroprotective properties; and picamilon, which works by helping to calm and relax you before bedtime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Supplements

Are there any side effects?

Because all three are nootropics, they ostensibly have no side effects.

But it’s always smart to speak with your doctor to confirm this and discuss any possible interactions between the ingredients in the supplement and any medications you may be taking.

Do these products really enhance mental performance?

I’ve taken all three supplements and in every case have felt real improvement in my mental abilities including memory, learning, concentration, focus, problem-solving, and thinking.

They made me feel sharper and more alert while lifting mental fog and lethargy.

How long do I need to take these to see the best results?

While each supplement is different, I personally noticed the best results from each of these on an average of 2-3 months.

Also, keep in mind that if you stop taking them, you will see a reduction in the benefits.

They support optimal brain health and chemistry while in our blood system but do not have a permanent effect.

Should I reinforce the effects of the brain supplements with other brain-boosting activities?

Yes.

These include regular physical exercise, getting enough sleep, good nutrition, and drinking plenty of water; the brain is 70% water, so staying hydrated contributes to optimal brain health. In addition to physical exercise, you should also exercise mentally.

Activities you can do to keep your brain active and sharp include learning a new skill or subject (e.g., a foreign language or playing an instrument), doing the crossword or solving other puzzles, and forced memorization – for instance, go grocery shopping without a written list.

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Author: Rob Miller

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +. View all posts by Rob Miller