Are you looking for ways to enhance your cognitive function and improve your mental performance? Nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, may be just what you’re looking for.

In the UK, nootropics are legal to purchase and use. On top of that, they’re becoming increasingly popular among students, professionals, and anyone else who wants to unlock their brain’s full potential.

In fact, the nation is hooked on the most popular natural nootropic: caffeine. However, caffeine alone is often not enough to keep you at bay from the distractions of modern society.

As such, if you are looking to increase your performance at work, your attention span or your learning abilities as a student, the best nootropics in the UK might just be what you need.

In this article, we’ll discuss all nootropics in the UK, their benefits, and answer your frequently asked questions.

What are Nootropics?

Nootropics are cognitive enhancers that are designed to improve brain function, memory, and focus. They can be natural or synthetic substances, including herbs, vitamins, and drugs.

The primary function of nootropics is to boost cognitive performance without causing significant side effects.

They can help individuals to achieve their maximum potential by increasing productivity and creativity as well as improving mental agility.

Types of Nootropics

When it comes to nootropics, there are several types available on the market. Each type has its own set of benefits, mechanisms of action, and potential side effects. Here are some of the most common types of nootropics:

Racetams

Racetams are a type of synthetic nootropics that are designed to enhance cognitive function. They work by increasing the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in learning and memory.

Some popular racetams include Piracetam, Aniracetam, and Oxiracetam.

Choline

Choline isn’t technically a nootropic, but it’s often taken alongside racetams to enhance its effects.

Choline is an essential nutrient that’s required for the production of acetylcholine in the brain. It can be found in foods like eggs, liver, and soybeans. Many people choose to supplement with choline to ensure they’re getting enough, though.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are a type of herbal nootropics that are designed to help the body adapt to stress. They work by regulating the body’s stress response, which can help to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function.

Some popular adaptogens include Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa Monnieri.

Ampakines

Ampakines are a synthetic nootropics. Ampakines enhance cognitive function by increasing the activity of AMPA receptors in the brain. Other ampakines include Sunifiram and Unifiram.

Natural Nootropics

Many natural substances are counted as nootropics. These include things like caffeine, L-Theanine, and Ginkgo Biloba.

We discussed them in depth in the best natural nootropics piece if you want to learn more about each one of them.

While they may not be as potent as some other types of nootropics, they can still be effective at boosting mental functions. When looking at the best nootropics in the UK, you should make sure they include a few of them at meaningful doses.

Are Natural Nootropics Safe?

For the most part, nootropics are safe, particularly those that you will find in these nootropic blends. They include natural herbs and ingredients that are safe for consumption.

That said, not all nootropics types are suitable for everyone. Some may interact with certain medications or have potential side effects. 

Before taking any type of nootropic, it’s important to do your research and talk to your doctor to ensure that it’s safe for you to use.

Benefits of Nootropics

There are several benefits to taking nootropics, including improved concentration and productivity. Nootropics can also help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as promote better sleep and relaxation.

Additionally, some nootropics can enhance creativity, motivation, and mood, making them a popular choice for entrepreneurs, students, and professionals alike.

Among other areas nootropics can help you with:

• Improving cognitive performance
• Mood
• Anxiety and Stress relief
• Improving long-term brain health
• Neuroprotection
• Boost in learning, and memory
• Enhance attention span and focus

Best Nootropic Stacks in the UK

There are many types of nootropics available in the market nowadays. This section covers the top brain supplements in the UK that you can choose from.

What you pick will depend on 2 factors mainly:

• What’s your goal?
• Budget

If your goal is to fight anxiety or stress, you should look for nootropics with ashwagandha, l-theanine or Rhodiola. On the other side, omega-3s, vitamin B group, bacopa and lion’s mane are great for improving memory.

Similarly, the more ingredients are in a nootropic blend, the better it is. However, it also comes with a cost increase.

#1 Hunter Focus

Hunter Focus is a premium nootropic supplement that aims to improve focus, memory, and mental clarity.

It’s a mix of 9 natural ingredients, including Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Bacopa Monnieri, and Ashwagandha—all of which work closely to enhance cognitive performance and provide long-lasting mental energy.

From our experience, Hunter Focus is one of the only nootropic blends available in the UK that has all natural ingredients at the right doses.

This is extremely important, as many manufacturers include small doses that won’t provide you with any benefits.

For instance, Hunter has 500mg of Lion’s Mane mushroom, which can help neuron repair and improve your memory. Similarly, they add 40g of Panax Ginseng, found effective to improve your mood and increase happiness levels.

Hunter Focus is the best brain supplement in the UK for students, as it is the most efficient in boosting learning pathways, memory and focus. Not only in the short term, but also in the long term.

Besides, Hunter Focus is also vegan-friendly, making it a safe and effective choice for anyone looking to improve their brain function.

#2 Mind Lab Pro – Best Caffeine Free Nootropic

Mind Lab Pro is another popular nootropic supplement that’s designed to improve cognitive performance and brain function.

It contains 11 natural ingredients, including Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Bacopa Monnieri, and Citicoline, which work together to enhance focus, memory, and overall cognitive function.

Mind Lab Pro is also free from allergens and caffeine. Thus, it is a good caffeine free alternative to Hunter Focus.

However, this brain supplement has slightly lower doses of bacopa, rhodiola and citicoline. When looking at the ingredients, it feels like 2 doses are required to reach optimal levels.

That said, when tested, Mind Lab Pro was surprisingly effective at increasing our short-term productivity. We felt focused and noticeably more productive for 3h, after consumption.

#3 Qualia Mind 

If you are looking for the best money can buy, Qualia Mind is one of the best nootropics out there. With a unique blend of 28 powerful brain boosting supplements, it tackles all the areas a good nootropic should do.

In our experience, Qualia Mind is particularly good at increasing sharpness and focus, and helping you control your mood swings. As such, Qualia Mind is great for those who tend to procrastinate or struggle with starting to work.

Unfortunately, Qualia Mind is among the most expensive nootropics, so it won’t fit everyone’s budget.

#4 Noocube 

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Noocube, one of the most affordable nootropics in the UK.

Unlike, the other nootropic pills on the list, Noocube has a slightly different set of ingredients, including:

• Lutemax
• Resveratrol
• Huperzia
• Cat’s Claw
• Oat Straw

For instance, it includes 14mg of resveratrol which studies have found to reduce cognitive decline. Similarly, Huperzine-A has been used in trials to combat Alzheimer’s due to its ability to stop the degradation of acetylcholine (neurotransmitter precursor). 20mg is slightly lower than the recommended dose, but it acts synergistically with Lutemax and Bacopa to protect your brain.

It’s also caffeine free, which means that you can use caffeine alongside Noocube for better short-term focus and an increase in attention span.

#5 Performance Lab Mind 

Last but not least, Performance Lab Mind is another good budget nootropic.

Performance Lab Mind contains all-natural ingredients, including citicoline, phosphatidylserine, and tyrosine. Performance Lab Mind is vegan-friendly and free from caffeine and other stimulants.

As such, Performance Lab Mind is ideal for daily use. Their formula contains Cognizin and Sharp-PS, two patented boosters that encourage blood flow to the brain, increase neuronal regeneration, and help you restore brain chemicals.

That said, Performance Lab Mind is less efficient than the Pro version and Hunter Focus, as it contains less ingredients. It’s better suited for those looking for a moderate boost.

Nootropics to Avoid in the UK

Even though the testing and the quality of the average brain supplement has gone up, there are still many nootropic pills that are little more than snake oil.

One such is the well-known Alpha Brain backed by Joe Rogan. Despite the claims of the popular podcaster that helps him with clarity and speech, there are many red flags about this nootropic supplement.

First of all, the ingredients are hidden behind proprietary blends, and they are not in effective dosages. Furthermore, the clinical trials backing Alpha Brain’s formula were funded by Onnit (the manufacturers) themself, thus there is a clear conflict of interest.

Can I Get Adderall in the UK?

Another famous brain boosting supplement to avoid is Adderall. In turn, Adderall is not available OTC, and it’s rarely prescribed by doctors in the UK.

This is due to being extremely potent and designed to treat ADHD. It’s composed by amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and regular use can cause serious side effects.

Instead, you are better off consuming plant-based Adderall alternatives like Hunter Focus, which will not only help you in the short term, but will also have long-term benefits (neuroprotective properties)>

FAQs

Are Nootropics Safe?

Generally, nootropics are safe for healthy adults when taken as directed. It’s also critical to speak to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.

How long does it take for nootropics to work?

How nootropics will affect you will depend on your drug tolerance and what type of supplement you decided to go with.

Some people may notice immediate improvements in cognitive function, while others may take several weeks to see results.

Can I take multiple nootropics at once?

It’s generally not recommended. Don’t take multiple nootropics at once, as this can increase the risk of side effects and interactions.

Conclusion – Best Nootropics in the UK

Nootropics are a great way to improve your cognitive performance, memory, and overall brain function. Hunter Focus and Mind Lab Pro are two of the best nootropic supplements in the UK market.

They offer the most comprehensive blend of natural brain supplements, with actual effective dosages. In fact, Hunter Focus is the best nootropic for those looking to improve their work performance, as it’s great at boosting short-term and long-term memory.

However, never sleep on the fact that you should always consult your doctor before taking nootropics or any other medication, especially if you’re already on a med regime.

We hope this article answered your questions and left you with better information on nootropics in the UK.