The human brain is the closest entity we have to a perfect machine. It never stops, requires very little fuel, and covers a range of responsibilities that we cannot even begin to fathom. Aside from being truly fascinating, the brain does such a brilliant job that we almost forget that it is an organic entity that requires some level of maintenance. Imagine the scope of influence this one organ has – it runs all the physiological facets of the body, stores, recalls, learns, and processes information, and then responds appropriately with language, emotion, and expression. Numerous brains were carefully dissected to examine and to simply see what it was that made it tick and in a bit of an anticlimactic discovery, it was discovered that the brain ran on electrical impulses, neurotransmitters, and the right nutrients. How and why it actually works is still a mystery.
The brain is affected by stress, age, bad diet, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. In retaliation, the brain swallows information, refuses to do math, and makes you forget why you went into the kitchen. For the first three decades or so, the brain puts up with whatever you throw at it. After that, all your bad habits come home to roost, and you begin to have problems. Cognitive functions begin to decline – short-term memory takes a hit first, mental clarity begins to dull, brain health isn’t at its best, and overall cognitive and brain performance slows down. However, things are not always as bleak as they sound here. There are steps you could take to regain some semblance of control of long-term brain health.
- Put down the device – Overexposure and dependency on your phone, smart TV, or watch is making you weaker – cognitively speaking. Because everything is available to you easily, your brain does not have to store as much information as we did in the past when such smart technology was missing. This dulls several aspects of cognitive function. As blades left unsharpened stay dull, the same principle applies to your brain.
- Eat better – Your body and brain will thank you for it. The heavier and unhealthier your meals, the more lethargic your mind gets. Supplying your brain with nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories would only have a positive effect on your overall brain health and function.
- Get help – It’s never too late to make the situation better. Eating better and exercising the mind with brain-boosting material is only half the effort. You may have to bring in the big guns, and the answer is not coffee or Adderall. Dietary supplements could help, provided that you choose wisely. That we can help you with.
Most nootropic supplements claim to provide you with the basic results – improved memory, recall, learning, information processing, and concentration. The nootropic supplements can do this by using ingredients that repair and maintain brain tissue. The claims are wonderful, but not all such memory supplements can deliver. If you are looking to add a nootropic support to your everyday routine, you need to get some research in. However, you don’t know where to start and what to look for. Let us do that for you. We compared three of the best brain supplements and took an in-depth look at them to check if they are worth your time and money.
Neuriva vs. Cognium vs. Mind Lab Pro: A Brief Introduction
#3 – Neuriva Original Brain Health Supplement
Neuriva Brain Health Original is an offering from Schiff Vitamins’ nootropic series.
This brain supplement is designed to refine the five indicators of cognitive function, namely learning, memory, focus, accuracy, and concentration. Formulated to help you filter out distractions while working on a task, Neuriva Original claims to help you retain more information, recall faster, and stay focused on the task at hand. Neuriva aims to increase BDNF, which is a brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a naturally occurring component in the brain that plays a key role in memory and cognitive function. The higher the levels of BDNF, the better your brain works for you. The USP of this dietary supplement is that it uses only two ingredients to achieve these results, while other nootropic products insist on using a multiplicity of inclusions. Whether this is a smart move or otherwise, we shall get to it in a bit. Neuriva Original is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian and decaffeinated.
How to use Neuriva Original Brain Health Supplement?
Take one pill daily, without fail.
#2 – Cognium
Cognium Memory Extra Strength is a memory supplement from Natrol’s Brain Health Range of products. This brain pill aims at memory improvement, recall, mental agility, and an overall boost to cognitive functions. Memory, retention, and recall of information is the cognitive function that is targeted, though the other benefits are rarely mentioned or addressed. Similar Neuriva, Cognium also limits its formula to one ingredient, taking an extreme approach. So potent is this ingredient that the brand claims that results are apparent in 3 to 4 weeks of continued use. However, there is a repeated use of the phrase ‘healthy adults’ which counters Cognium’s claims that this brain pill works for all. Cognium asserts that it is backed by clinical studies demonstrating its effectiveness, however, these studies actually pertain to the individual ingredient rather than the dietary supplement itself. Cognium is non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly, stimulant-free, and free from artificial colors and sweeteners, preservatives, and fillers.
How to use Cognium?
Take one pill in the morning and a second one with your evening meal. You could add the pills to your morning and nighttime meal plans for ease.
#1 – Mind Lab Pro
From Performance Lab Group Ltd. comes Mind Lab Pro or MLP, also referred to as the ‘Universal Nootropic’. Unlike the other two brain supplements that restrict themselves to five or one cognitive function, Mind Lab Pro was created to address all things related to the brain. This nootropic supplement is designed to calm the mind, help you focus, learn faster, retain the information you learned, use the information creatively, and recall it when required. In addition to that, the pill also helps to boost attention, mental clarity, and energy, and enhance mood. Mind Lab Pro was designed to be a safe alternative to coffee and other harmful substances that many use to heighten mental performance.
It offers an addiction-free, safe, and potent option available to everyone over the age of 18. One more distinctive feature of this pill is its consideration for the inevitable cognitive decline that affects everyone, effectively delaying the development of degenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Of the three products, Mind Lab Pro is the only one that discusses and deals with eventual cognitive decline. It is also vegan-certified, soy, gluten, caffeine gelatin-free and additive-free
How to use Mind Lab Pro?
Take 2 capsules with your morning meal or a cup of morning coffee. If you wish, you could take an additional 2 capsules at lunchtime.
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What Cognitive Benefits Can You Expect?
Although all three are nootropic supplements, there is a vast difference in what they promise to deliver. This is largely due to the formula that the products use. We shall take a closer look at the formulae in a bit, but for now, here is what each supplement claims to do for you.
| Neuriva Brain Health Original | Cognium Memory Extra Strength | Mind Lab Pro |
|---|---|---|
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By count alone, Mind Lab Pro wins this round. But making claims is a lot easier than actually delivering the goods. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients included in these brain pills.
The Natural Ingredients Involved
Before we go any further, you must understand that, unlike prescription drugs, natural supplements rarely have immediate effects. Drugs work by altering the basic biochemistry of the body, forcing it to perform and function in a particular way. Natural ingredients on the contrary work with the body. They allow the body to repair, heal, and rejuvenate by providing it with essential nutrients. There is no forced action here which is why they take longer to deliver results. There will be results; it’s just that when these results appear, it is difficult to predict. Also, natural ingredients are affected by factors like genetics, environment, health, exposure to stress, diet, and lifestyle habits.
The Neuriva Formula
This dietary supplement has decided to keep things simple. While the manufacturer’s claims of increasing BDNF are impressive, we find it difficult to believe that a combination of two ingredients would be able to do so to a noticeable degree. The simplicity of the ingredients justifies the doubts.
Coffee Fruit Concentrate Powder
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor is closely linked to degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and dementia. To increase levels of this factor, Neuriva enlists the use of coffee fruit extract. Research conducted on coffee fruit has shown to increase levels of BDNF which helps with sleep, memory, mood, and awareness. The polyphenols present in the fruit also act as an antioxidant which helps to reduce free radical damage on the brain tissue.
Phosphatidylserine
This naturally occurring phospholipid acts as a medium of communication between brain cells. Moreover, it acts as a protective layer around the cells preventing wear and tear. It is now being looked at as a possible remedy for stress and age-related cognitive impairment. Because of its range of influence, you would often find this fatty substance on the supplement labels of many nootropic supplements.
The Cognium Formula
This brain pill is a failure to impress. The products are based solely on the strengths of one inclusion and a dicey one at that. Of the many natural nootropics available, why Cognium would choose such an obscure one is something we cannot find an explanation for. Perhaps their desire to be unique and distinct overwhelmed them.
Silk Protein Hydrolysate
This component is extracted from silkworm cocoons and is rich in the amino acid glycine. If you aren’t okay with using products that are in any way related to animals, you might as well stop reading about Cognium now. There is a positive influence of the silk protein on the brain even though the actual science of it is unclear. At best, the glycine allows for the brain to increase protein uptake into the brain. However, when compared to other nootropics and brain boosters, silk protein falls short by quite a lot.
The Mind Lab Pro Formula
Now here is a supplement that is built to last. Not only does Mind Lab Pro make impressive claims, but it includes the firepower to ensure that these claims can be met. The inclusions here are clinically proven to work and have several studies cited on the official website as well. These ingredients provide nutrition, and antioxidant support, and fight inflammation. This helps with brain cell and tissue repair, the manufacture of neurotransmitters, and rejuvenation of brain function. Along with the Phosphatidylserine as Sharp-PS® Green, this nootropic product includes the following.
NutriGenesis® B6, B9 & B12
Studies have found that a deficiency in B vitamins affects two major physiological systems – the digestive and the nervous.
- The B vitamins play a major role in the proper metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbs which impacts energy production and use.
- These nutrients also play a pivotal role in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA which influence sleep, mood, anxiety, stress, and pain response.
- They may also prevent brain atrophy.
Citicoline
- A naturally occurring brain chemical, citicoline plays a protective role.
- The chemical curbs cognitive decline that occurs in the brain as a result of age or exposure to stress and acts as a line of defense against foreign attacks.
- Moreover, it boosts energy production in the brain by boosting glucose uptake in the brain.
Bacopa Monnieri
- A common addition to many nootropic products thanks to its potency, Bacopa Monnieri boosts the production and release of neurotransmitters and can also reduce the frequency of epileptic fits.
- The herb is also being looked at as a possible remedy for depression, anxiety, and stress-induced reactions.
- It can even help to arrest degeneration in the brain.
Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Still in use in Chinese medicine, this mushroom is believed to support cognitive function, especially in times of stress.
- Studies reveal that the fungus has a positive effect on the memory formation and recall centers of the brain and protects the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation as well.
- Lion’s Mane was also found to increase the production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) which is a precursor of brain regeneration.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
- This amino acid is key for the production of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
- These neurotransmitters influence attention, focus, information processing, and retention.
- NALT can even raise levels of catecholamine, thereby eliminating brain fog and helping the mind better respond to stress.
Rhodiola Rosea
- With many benefits for human health, this flowering herb has now gained fame as an adaptogen – a natural entity that can help the body and mind better react to stress.
- Rhodiola is believed to boost brain energy, mental clarity and alleviate brain fog.
- Moreover, continued supplementation of the herb is known to reverse damage to the brain caused by stress.
L-Theanine
The presence of this amino acid in tea is probably why tea is the universal remedy for all ills.
- L-theanine has a calming and centering effect without the jitters that come with caffeine.
- Theanine is known to regulate sleep, and mood and even regulate cortisol and serotonin levels in the body.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract
- Proven to improve blood flow to and from the brain, Maritime Pine Bark ensures that the brain has a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients while removing plaque and other undesirables from the vicinity of the organ.
- Because it influences brain circulation, supplementation is often linked to improved memory, focus, retention, and creativity.
Although all the ingredients involved in natural supplements are relatively safe and free from adverse effects, there is always a chance of allergies or drug interaction. Hence, it would be best if you spoke to your physician before you start the use of these or any other dietary supplements. This is especially vital if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from a pre-existing medical condition and/or are taking prescription medication.
Where Can You Buy These Brain Supplements?
Buy Neuriva
Neuriva can be bought from several online merchant sites or at your local drugstores. Available in a bottle that should last you a month, Neuriva prices vary depending on where you purchase the product. Prices usually start as low as $27.95. Refunds and purchases would depend on the purchase portal.
Buy Cognium
Cognium is available on the same terms as Neuriva. The lowest price we could find is $31.22.
Buy Mind Lab Pro
MLP can be bought from the Official Mind Lab Pro Website.
- A one-month supply would cost you $69.00.
- Should you opt to purchase 3 bottles at once, you get a fourth bottle free too for the price of $276.00.
- Fast shipping is available on all purchases from the website.
Last but not least, Mind Lab Pro also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first purchase from the brand.
Neuriva vs. Cognium vs. Mind Lab Pro: Which is the Best Brain Supplement?
There is this misguided belief that using any nootropic supplement is just as good as adding a good one. That is not true. When choosing a supplement that is intended to influence the brain, it would be wise to exercise some degree of caution and responsibility. This is where comparisons like this one come into play. Neuriva, Cognium & Mind Lab Pro are all brands that we have heard of and have, to some extent, left some impression on the market. However, there is a difference between excellent marketing and an excellent product. Let’s pick some bones.
Neuriva gets points for trying to be unique but almost immediately loses them for creating a weak product. The supplement uses a total of two active ingredients. The coffee fruit extract has some research studies supporting nootropic benefits, but they aren’t impressive at all. Phosphatidylserine is a much better inclusion, and this is a smarter choice. Nature has so much to offer in terms of nootropic elements that it does make us wonder why Neuriva decided to settle for just two. For the price that the pill charges for a monthly supply, the formula is blah at best, and there are so many other products that could impact cognitive health better. The only saving grace is the use of brain games that Neuriva allows you access to once you purchase the product.
Cognium is another similar disappointment. While the product claims to improve memory, it completely ignores all other facets of mental activity. Memory alone cannot make you function better; all facets of cognition would need to be enhanced for visible results. The ingredient used is mostly unheard of, and it comes as no surprise that it is sidelined by many nootropic supplements. With so many natural brain boosters available, Cognium has gone with one that is obscure and questionable—a total loss of effort and time. Silk protein could help maintain a healthy brain but little else.
Of the three, Mind Lab Pro seems to be the only one that has made an effort to put forward a product that is certifiably useful to the end user. The carefully crafted formula used helps with blood circulation to the brain, age-related cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, and wear and tear. These factors help with the cognitive and mental aspects of health – thinking skills, cognitive performance, mental alertness, and mood, and even eliminate brain fog. Preventing cognitive decline is addressed only by Mind Lab Pro. The use of amino acids in the products almost ensures that the pills get to work almost immediately. This would explain how Mind Lab Pro claims to start working in as little as 30 minutes after consumption. Of the three brain supplements, Mind Lab Pro is a much better buy than the other two.
If you are still on the fence about which brain pill to choose, here is a quick recap of everything we know so far.
| Neuriva Brain Health Original | Cognium Memory Extra Strength | Mind Lab Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed to keep the brain healthy & improve 5 indicators of brain function. | Formulated to support memory, mental agility & recall. | Designed to improve the physiology of the brain, which then influences cognitive performance. |
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| Cons |
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| Ingredients | 2 | 1 | 11 |
| Dosage | 1 pill a day | 1 pill in the day & another at night. | 2 pills in the morning & an additional 2 if you feel the need. |
| Price | $27.95 | $31.22 | $69.00 |
| Refund Policy | Depends on the point of sale. | Depends on the point of sale. | 30-day money-back guarantee. |
Summary & Verdict
It is nearly impossible to keep your brain forever young and in the pink of health. At some point, you are going to feel the pinch of age, stress, and a lifetime of bad diet choices. You could change your diet, and lifestyle and take yourself out of stressful situations but your brain may need a little more support than that. This is the perfect situation for utilizing natural nootropic supplements, and should you make a smart choice, they can make a world of difference.
We compared Neuriva, Cognium, and Mind Lab Pro to check which of the three can deliver the goods. On closer inspection, Mind Lab Pro was found to be the better of the three. With a carefully researched and put-together formula, ingredients that work, a range of benefits, and a guarantee to boot, Mind Lab Pro gives you more for your money and time. Reviews from users are stellar, and professionals have a similar opinion, too. Mind Lab Pro can help you give your brain the overhaul it deserves.
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