There is no running away from the fact that you are growing older with each passing minute. Yes, you, now, make smarter decisions and wiser choices but with age and wisdom comes creaky joints, muscle aches, and failing dental. Along with that age also brings memory loss, brain fog, mental decline, and failing cognitive function. If left unchecked, the mental skills that have gotten you so far would begin to lose their edge. The fact that you are constantly exposed to stress only hasten this decline. Cognitive performance is dependent on a number of factors like age, of course, exposure to physical and mental stress, genetics, and upbringing. Because we live in an imperfect world, there is no way to control all of these factors but it is possible to prepare for them. Here are the most common indicators of declining cognitive function. Where do you stand?
- Failing to recall appointments, dates, or deadlines.
- Forgetting pieces of conversation or events
- The feeling of being overtaken by decisions and plans
- Difficulty to follow through with plans or instructions
- Losing direction and having no sense of spatial awareness
- Failure to prioritize tasks
- Increase in aggression and giving in to impulses
- Forgetting manners and etiquette
- Having words slip away from you.
Apart from these telltale signs, there is also anxiety, depression, and a general feeling of constantly being judged or criticized. Not all the signs have to be there but if you’re over the age of 40, you should be starting to experience more than a few items listed above. You need not worry though; there is hope.
If you go to the local drugstore, you would find so many memory pills, cognitive enhancers, and mental tranquilizers that you run the risk of stressing yourself out. Pills and potions that claim to cure age-related memory loss or teas that restore mental sharpness – you may also find a few exercises that promise to hone your cognitive abilities. The reason why most of these treatments fail is because they see cognitive functioning and brain health as two separate entities. This is false. If you wish to sharpen the mind, you must work towards the brain’s well-being. Only a handful of supplements do that.
Provasil and Mind Lab Pro are two such brain health supplements that claim to help the brain heal from years of wear and in the process restore the mental edge. Let’s take a closer look at them to see if they actually do what they claim.
Provasil vs Mind Lab Pro: What Are They?
What is Provasil?
Provasil comes to you from PharmaxaLabs® and is advertised to be a ‘maximum strength cognitive formula’. The dietary supplement promises to improve memory function, reduce brain fog, and retard age-related cognitive decline. The term ‘senior moments’ has been used which suggests that these brain pills are targeted towards people in their late 40s or 50s. Provasil promises to improve brain performance and claims that it can do so within 4 weeks. Provasil mentions most of the markers for cognitive decline and states that these markers would fade with the use of the product. This dietary supplement owes its success to the fact that it acts on brain health, the production of neurotransmitters and provides nutrition for the brain. This keeps brain cells healthy which directly affects overall cognitive function. Provasil backs its claims with a 28-day survey conducted on subjects that used this supplement. The results were astounding:
- A 98% reduction in brain fog,
- An 89% hike in creativity, and
- A 66% decline in stress.
*Note: The numbers indicate the number of people who benefitted from the pills and not the actual rise in cognitive abilities.
How to use Provasil?
2 tablets with breakfast should suffice but if you feel the need, you could take an additional pill or two with your afternoon meal.
What is Mind Lab Pro?
Mind Lab Pro is an offering from Opti Nutra, a brand with several dietary supplements to its name; most of which are successes. Mind Lab Pro is the biggest seller yet. With the use of natural ingredients – vitamins, herbs, and amino acids, it boosts brain function, protects the brain cells, and improves communication between the brain cells. This, in turn, improves mental agility and increases mental sharpness. Of the many salient features of the product, two stand out.
- The first is that Mind Lab Pro uses NutriCaps® instead of gelatin capsules which improve digestion and makes the product suitable for vegans.
- Secondly, Mind Lab Pro was independently tested and found to be a potent and effective supplement to boost the brain’s ability.
- Unlike other nootropic supplements that address a single aspect of cognitive function like memory or learning, Mind Lab Pro address focus, creativity, mental processing, motivation, attention, and mental clarity.
- Mind Lab Pro is not only marketed to senior citizens; instead, it is a product for members of all age groups who wish to improve brain health and mental performance.
- This brain-boosting nootropic also includes flexible dosing, like Provasil.
How to use Mind Lab Pro?
2 capsules with breakfast is ideal but if you are looking for an additional boost, you could also take another 2 capsules with your afternoon meal.
For more details on Mind Lab Pro, click here to visit the Official Website.
What Can You Expect from These Brain Supplements?
Both supplements use only natural and safe ingredients, so the chances of side effects are few and far between. However, just to be sure, it would be wise to consult your doctor before you start the use of these or any other dietary supplements. This is especially important if you suffer from a pre-existing medical condition and/ or are taking prescription medication or if you suffer from severe sensitivity or have quick allergic reactions.
Provasil and Mind Lab Pro both claim to provide long-term brain health and boost cognitive functioning, they both provide a long list of health benefits.
| PharmaxaLabs Provasil |
|
| Opti Nutra Mind Lab Pro |
|
By count alone, Mind Lab Pro seems to be in the lead. However, it all boils down to whether the brain pills can actually deliver what they claim. To check that, we would have to deep-dive into the ingredients each brain supplement uses and also go through what users have to say about the products themselves.
Provasil vs Mind Lab Pro: The Brain-Boosting Ingredients
If you look closely at the labels of both brain supplements, you would see that they share many ingredients in common. Most of the inclusions can be found in many nootropic supplements because they have been proven to influence overall brain health and cognitive function. There are differences though, which we shall get to in a bit.
The following are the components that both, Provasil and Mind Lab Pro have in common.
Vitamins B9 (Folate) & B12
- Vitamin B9 plays a central role in emotional and mental health. Even though the actual work is not clear, low B9 is linked with emotional and mental distress. Vitamin B9 also reduces the activity of oxidative stress which improves memory, retention, and recall.
- Vitamin B12 is a key player in the production of brain chemicals – neurotransmitters. These chemicals influence mood, and motivation and aid communication between brain cells. Depression is also associated with low vitamin B12 levels.
L-Tyrosine/ N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
- This amino acid can increase blood flow to the brain. This ensures that the brain has a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients.
- Moreover, tyrosine influences neural communication which directly impacts mental alertness and speed of processing information.
- It also helps to keep working memory sharp especially when tired or deprived of sleep.
Bacopa Monnieri
- This herb has active bacosides which are powerful antioxidants that work towards brain protection by removing free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
- It also supports the brain pathways which improves all brain functions.
- It also promotes a sense of relaxation and calm which improves mood.
Phosphatidylserine
- 15% of the brain’s fat is a phospholipid compound called phosphatidylserine. This supports brain energy production and is also linked with increasing nerve growth factor (NGF) to support brain cell creation and repair.
- All damaged brain cells are removed to prevent brain degeneration. This reduces the risk of cognitive decline and can enhance memory with extended use.
Ingredients Exclusive to Provasil
Vitamin C – 300 mg
- Required for brain cell membrane and myelin formation, vitamin C keeps the nervous system healthy.
- A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can significantly reduce oxidative stress and support enzyme and neurotransmitter production.
Biotin – 150 mg
- This B vitamin protects the brain and is a key player in nerve signaling and overall brain function.
- Along with the neuroprotective qualities, Biotin is also associated with mood, focus, and concentration.
Choline – 150 mg
- The mineral is needed for the formation of cell membranes in the brain and body.
- Required for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, choline is directly associated with memory, learning, and focus.
Low levels of choline may increase the risk of disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
N-Acetyl L-Carnitine – 100 mg
- Another amino acid, carnitine may be responsible for the prevention of brain degenerative disorders and age-related memory loss.
- The amino acid supports memory, retention, and recall.
- It also triggers the release of dopamine which improves motivation and mood.
Ginkgo Leaf – 60 mg
- A powerful antioxidant, the herb can reduce oxidative stress in the brain.
- The presence of terpenoids improves blood flow to the brain replenishing the organ with oxygen and nutrients.
- It may also work to prevent brain fog and fatigue.
L-Glutamine – 45 mg
- This amino acid is needed for the manufacture of neurotransmitters and this in turn affects a number of brain functions.
- Supplementation of glutamine can improve cognitive function and memory as well.
Phosphatidylcholine – 30 mg
The addition of this ingredient is a bit of a mystery. Phosphatidylcholine and choline have the same function. The addition of both choline and Phosphatidylcholine makes for an extra ingredient with zero value add.
Asian Ginseng Root Extract – 30 mg
- An adaptogen, ginseng can protect the nervous system from oxidative and environmental stress.
- The herb has been in use for centuries to help calm the nerves and reduce cortisol levels.
- There is a belief that the herb improves brain circulation but this needs to be verified still.
Resveratrol – 25 mg
- A powerful phytonutrient with strong antioxidative action, resveratrol can work to keep the brain and nervous system healthy and free from oxidative stress.
- It also increases dopamine and serotonin levels which work toward mood and motivation.
DHA – 5 mg
- Docosahexaenoic acid is essential in infants and children as it supports the growth and development of the brain tissues.
- In adults, it helps to boost learning abilities.
Ingredients Exclusive to Mind Lab Pro
Vitamin B6 – 2.5 mg
- The vitamin has an indirect effect on the brain. It actively restricts the action of homocysteine – a protein that restricts brain function. High levels of homocysteine are linked to degenerative diseases like dementia.
- It also has a calming effect on the brain by stopping excessive firing between brain cells.
Citicoline – 250 mg
- A supplement on its own, citicoline has been clinically proven to raise neurotransmitter levels, enhance mental energy, and protect the brain from damage and age.
- Claimed to be a neuroprotective agent, citicoline can help the brain achieve long-term health and this influences a number of cognitive and mental functions.
Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom – 500 mg
Lion’s mane mushroom is one of the few fungi that can directly influence brain health. It increases nerve growth factor which boosts brain plasticity.
- Moreover, it supports brain regeneration,
- Keeps the brain cell membrane healthy and
- Boosts memory formation and learning.
L-Theanine – 100 mg
- Naturally found in green tea and a few mushrooms, L-theanine is an amino acid that increases alpha brain wave activity.
- Alpha waves are responsible for creating a sense of calm and settling anxiety.
- It also influences sleep patterns, relaxation, mood, and motivation under stressful conditions.
Rhodiola Rosea – 50 mg
- Another adaptogen, Rhodiola rosea has been used to reduce symptoms of depression and everyday anxieties.
- The herb reduces the activity of stress hormones which helps with clear thinking, emotional stability, and quicker recall.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract – 75 mg
- This botanical dilates blood vessels by inciting NO-nitric oxide release into the bloodstream.
- This improves blood circulation to the brain and removes free radicals from the brain.
- Maritime pine bark is also being looked at as a potential remedy for ADHD because of the effect it has on hormones and neurotransmitters.
Where & How to Buy These Brain Supplements?
When it comes to nootropic supplements, it would be best to purchase the products directly from the official sellers. This would ensure the quality of the product and in case you are dissatisfied with the supplement, the refund process would be a lot easier.
For Provasil, you can visit its official website or buy it from other online sites like Amazon, GNC, Walmart, etc. Some of the purchase options and offers available are (however, they might vary from one website to the next).
- A single bottle of Provasil (60 tablets) would cost $49.99.
- However, if you opt to purchase in bulk, you get free shipping and a bottle of NUU3 – a green tea extract, absolutely free. The price for 3 bottles is $119.97 and for 5 bottles is $174.95.
All purchases are covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee. All you would need to do is get in touch with customer service and you would be issued a ‘return authorization number’. Just send the bottles back with the number and a full refund would be credited to you minus the shipping fee.
Mind Lab Pro can be only bought from the Official Website, tap on this link to visit the merchant site! You will get access to special discounts and deals here.
- A single bottle of Mind Lab Pro (60 capsules) would cost $69.00.
- A pack of 2 bottles of Mind Lab Pro (120 capsules) would cost $138.00.
- If you choose to buy 3 bottles at once, you get a fourth bottle free and shipping would be free too at just $207.00.
Fast shipping is available for single and double-bottle purchases. Should you not be happy with the results, Mind Lab Pro offers a 30-day return policy where your purchase would be completely refunded. There is a form you have to fill out on the website, post which your refund would be processed.
Provasil vs Mind Lab Pro: Which Brain Pill Improves Cognitive Performance?
There is no denying that both, Provasil and Mind Lab Pro, are rated among the best OTC nootropics and are, in fact, high-quality brain supplements. They are similar in so many and yet are different as well. First, the similarities.
Similarities
- Both nootropic products use natural and safe ingredients that have been clinically backed to positively impact brain health, brain function, and cognitive functions.
- The ingredients can keep the brain healthy by reducing the action of free radicals, aiding brain chemical production, and delaying brain aging.
This in itself is a big plus and Provasil and Mind Lab Pro have done a stellar job. However, that is the only common aspect the two brain supplements share.
Differences
The major difference between the two is the audience.
- While Provasil targets the latter age group, Mind Lab Pro markets to anyone over the age of 18. This works for Mind Lab Pro as stress and lifestyle can hamper brain health regardless of age. Of course, the age-related decline does happen, which Provasil addresses too, but that does not mean that nootropics cannot benefit the younger population too. Provasil misses out on a major demographic as it appeals only to senior citizens.
- The word memory appears a maximum of 23 times on the Provasil website. Other cognitive functions like learning, attention span, motivation, creativity, mental processing, and retention are only mentioned a few times or never. Provasil runs the risk of appearing to be just memory pills rather than a complete nootropic agent.
Mind Lab Pro repeatedly mentions all aspects of cognitive performance and portrays the image of being a supplement that can improve cognitive performance as a whole.
- The dosages of the ingredients in Provasil for the vitamins are slightly overboard. Considering that it suggests flexible dosing – up to 4 pills a day, the vitamin dosage could exceed and while it’s okay for B12, high levels of B9 can have adverse effects. If you were to take 4 Provasil pills a day, you would potentially get 1200 mcg of folic acid. This is considered to be an overdose. And this is not accounting for the vitamins you would get from food or multivitamins that you might be taking. Mind Lab Pro has safer doses.
- On the flip side, Provasil has chosen to underdose its botanicals and herbs. Why it has chosen to do so is unclear. This does not mean that the supplement would be ineffective, only that it would take longer for effects to become evident.
- The survey that Provasil touts on its website is not scientific in any way. Users of the products were asked to track cognitive improvement. How the users did so is unclear; was the method similar for all participants, how did they measure improvement, and was measurement conducted daily – these are questions we do not have answers to.
Whereas, Mind Lab Pro was put through rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials by a third party. The Mind Lab Pro results are scientifically and statistically sound. To read more about it, you can visit this link to learn how it works! - It would be wrong for us to state that Provasil is a sub-par product. It isn’t. Mind Lab Pro only happens to be a better supplement. Reviews for Provasil are mostly positive with testaments to improve memory, recall, and thinking skills. There were also mentions of how quickly Provasil seemed to work. Mind Lab Pro has similar reviews, the only negative being the price of the supplement.
To see how Provasil and Mind Lab Pro compare, here is a quick recap of all we know about the two brain supplements.
| PharmaxaLabs Provasil | Opti Nutra Mind Lab Pro | |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Ingredients | Vitamin C, Folate, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Choline, L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl L-Carnitine, Bacopa Herb, Ginkgo Leaf, Phosphatidylserine, L-Glutamine, Phosphatidylcholine, Asian Ginseng Root, Resveratrol, and DHA | Vitamins B6, B9 & B12, Citicoline, Bacopa Monnieri, Organic’s Lion Mane Mushroom, Phosphatidylserine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, and Maritime Pine Bark. |
| Audience | Marketed mostly for senior citizens | Designed for all over the age of 18 |
| Reviews | Positive | Positive |
| Third-Party Tested | In-house survey only | Tested by the University of Leeds |
| Dosage | Flexible dosing – 2 to 4 pills a day | Flexible dosing – 2 to 4 pills a day |
| Price | $49.99 for a single bottle purchase | $69.00 |
| Refund Policy | 60-day money-back guarantee | 30-day return policy |
| Where to Buy? | You can Buy Provasil from Amazon, GNC, Walmart, or other health stores. | Click here to Buy Mind Lab Pro from the Official Website. |
FAQs
Q1. Would these supplements make one smarter?
Ans.: No nootropic supplement can’t alter your IQ. Provasil and Mind Lab Pro are designed to help you use your brain and cognitive abilities better. So, your brain would work better but your IQ would remain the same.
Q2. Are they habit-forming?
Ans.: No. Neither supplement contains habit-forming ingredients.
Q3. Can these brain pills stop cognitive decline?
Ans.: The cognitive decline will happen with time as all machines wear out with time and use. However, the degree of decline can be influenced to a certain extent by the use of nootropics. The onset of decline can also be delayed.
Q4. Are they safe to take with other supplements?
Ans.: Because Provasil and Mind Lab Pro use natural ingredients, they are safe to use. However, it would be wise to speak to your doctor before you start the use of either supplement.
Provasil vs Mind Lab Pro: Verdict
Cognitive decline is an eventuality and it is best to do all we can to delay it and to lessen the degree of decline. Over-the-counter nootropics are the best and easiest solution to that problem. Provasil and Mind Lab Pro are considered to be the best brain supplements out there and in truth they really are. However, on closer inspection, Mind Lab Pro was found to be the superior supplement in terms of scope, clinical trials, ingredients, dosage, and reviews. When looking for a supplement that would promote healthy brain function and mental health, Mind Lab Pro is what we would recommend.
Table of Contents