Looking for nootropics at CVS? Also known as brain-boosters or smart drugs, nootropics' increasing popularity has made them more accessible to everyone. Nowadays, it is so easyto obtain nootropics, you can even find them in mainstream stores like CVS.
In this article, we will highlight some of the Best Nootropics at CVS pharmacy. We'll cover today's top nootropic compounds and reveal which brain supplements at CVS supply them. We'll discuss pros and cons of buying a nootropic at CVS. And we'll conclude with the best overall nootropic supplement on the market today, which combines 11 nootropics into one effective stack. Let's get to it!
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CVS Nootropics and Brain Supplements Selection
CVS specializes in wellness products. This includes vitamins and dietary supplements. Therefore, it is not surprising to find nootropics (brain supplements) in CVS in their most mainstream forms, featuring popular brain-boosting ingredients.
The brain supplements selection in CVS might be confusing for you as a buyer because there are many different formulas mixed in with dozens of additional dietary supplements addressing other areas of wellness. This article will clear up the confusion, starting by listing some top nootropic ingredients.
Best Nootropic Supplements at CVS
In this section, we have selected for you the most effective brain-boosting nutrients on the market today, many of which can also be found at your local CVS. Let's find out why these natural ingredients are found in the best nootropic supplements at CVS.
Citicoline
Citicoline (CDP Choline) is a leading nootropic ingredient that delivers 2-in-1 benefits for both mental performance and overall brain health. It is known for both energizing the brain (without caffeine!) and supplying building blocks for brain plasticity, neural regeneration and repair. It may also increase cerebral circulation and help to support neurotransmitters.
Given its multifaceted roles, studies propose that Citicoline supports mental performance in many ways. It promotes attention, focus and response speed, memory retention, performance in verbal learning, and may help counteract age-associated cognitive decline. It also energizes brain cells, and may help to boost energy without crash concerns.
Citicoline CVS supplements: CVS sells its on branded Cognitive Health Capsules, which contain only one ingredient: Cognizin Citicoline, at a nice dose of 500 mg.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring phospholipid found in high concentrations in the brain, playing a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane fluidity and function, including neurotransmitter performance. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is the ultimate memory nootropic, with bonus benefits for learning, concentration, mood and overall cognitive function, particularly in aging individuals.
Phosphatidylserine PS supplements: Nootropic products found in CVS with PS include Roman Stress Relief, Neuriva, Focus Factor, Natrol Cognium and Genius Consciousness.
Learn more about Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri, rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, is prized for its memory-boosting attributes, especially among students.
Modern studies back this belief, with evidence suggesting that Bacopa might aid individuals in retaining new information for extended periods while also supporting cognitive processes such as memory and enhanced learning.
Bacopa also has adaptogenic qualities, which means it promotes relaxation and helps the body perform better under stress.
Bacopa monnieri CVS supplements: Products found in CVS that feature Bacopa include Host Defense Mycobotanicals, Focus Factor Pro Max, Nuvomed Brain Fog Plus, Rae Wellness Destress and Irwin Naturals Brain Awake.
Learn more about Bacopa Monnieri
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus and colloquially referred to as Yamabushitake or Hedgehog Mushroom, is a culinary mushroom that also holds a significant place in traditional Chinese herbalism.
Lion's mane is believed to work via active nootropics called hericenones and erinacines, which appear to stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF).
NGF plays a multifaceted role as it supports brain health. Studies have associated Lion's mane with positive impacts on overall brain health; it also stabilizes mood and may have a relaxing effect.
Lion's Mane CVS supplements: Host Defense Mushrooms Lion's Mane, Dr. Emil Lion's Mane Focus, Immunity & Memory Support, Genius Mushroom capsules.
Learn more about Lion's Mane Mushroom
Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Peak cognitive performance requires substantial brain energy, yet the processes that produce this energy can also release harmful free radicals that damage brain cells.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract, which is loaded with protective proanthocyanidin antioxidants, has become a popular nootropic because it:
- Boosts cerebral blood circulation, helping deliver vital oxygen and glucose to the brain; and
- Crosses the blood-brain barrier to fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the brain.
Thanks to these functions, along with other brain-beneficial properties, Maritime Pine Bark bolsters focus, attention, learning and memory, while also mitigating potential factors associated with cognitive aging.
Maritime Pine Bark CVS supplements: Irwin Naturals Whole Body Turmeric Extra plus BioPerine Softgels
Maritime Pine Bark CVS supplements: Irwin Naturals Whole Body Turmeric Extra plus BioPerine Softgels.
Learn more about Maritime Pine Bark Extract
L-Tyrosine (as N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that helps make crucial neurotransmitters -- dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine -- that play vital roles in mood regulation, alertness, and cognitive function.
As a brain-boosting nootropic, L-tyrosine is believed to enhance cognitive performance, particularly under stress or sleep deprivation.
L-tyrosine may improve focus, memory, and mental clarity, making it a sought-after supplement for those seeking to perform in challenging situations.
L-Tyrosine CVS supplements: Genius Consciousness, Chewsy So Long Stress Chew, Alpha Brain Instant, KOIOS Sparkling Energy Drink
Note: Found in higher-end nootropic stacks, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is considered the more bioavailable form of this amino acid.
Learn more about N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves, specifically in green tea. As a nootropic supplement, L-theanine has gained popularity for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties.
Research has shown that L-theanine can promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to reduce stress and improve focus. It has enhanced alpha brainwaves in human research, promoting a tranquil, relaxing state of "wakeful relaxation" for meditation, art creation, or sharpened attention and alertness.
L-theanine is sometimes paired with caffeine in top-rated caffeine pills and may help to improve cognitive performance and mood while taking the edge off some of the jittery side effects associated with stimulation.
L-Theanine CVS supplements: L-Theanine is popular for several benefits, and CVS responds with several supplements. They include CVS Health Ashwagandha & L-Theanine Tablets, Fx Chocolate Exhale GABA & L-Theanine, ZHOU Energy + Focus Capsules, and some sleep-oriented formulas that combine L-Theanine with melatonin.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a performance-enhancing herb that derives nootropic benefits from its adaptogenic activity: It helps the mind to stay strong and sharp under stress and pressure.
It also acts like an energy pill, helping to banish mental fatigue and brain fog without any of the risks or side effects associated with caffeine.
Rhodiola is a great nootropic to look for if you are an athlete, competitor, performer, or driven professional seeking sharper performance under stress.
Rhodiola CVS supplements: Roman Stress Relief, Applied Nutrition Healthy Brain All-Day Focus, Rae Wellness Destress Capsules, Irwin Naturals Sunny Mood
Learn more about Rhodiola Rosea
Vitamins B6, B9 & B12
Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 are integral members of the B-vitamin family, each playing a pivotal role in supporting brain health and optimal cognitive function.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is crucial for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and support overall brain communication.
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate) aids in the proper brain function and plays a key role in emotional and mental health. It works in tandem with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells, convert food into energy, and produce DNA and RNA.
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for maintaining the health of the brain's nerve cells and supporting the production of neurotransmitters.
If you get too low in any of these B-vitamins, it can lead to a range of cognitive and psychological issues. But when you get enough, these vitamins work together to maintain brain health, support energy production, and facilitate vital biochemical reactions in the brain.
B-Complex vitamins: Many CVS brain supplements (as well as CVS multivitamins and other dietary supplements) supply B-vitamins.
Learn more about Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, and Vitamin B12
Omega 3 & Fish Oil CVS Products
Fish oil is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These "good fats" are super healthy for the mind and body, with extensive benefits related to cell health, immune performance, joint comfort and more.
The Omega-3s (particularly DHA) are also among the best nootropics you can take, with notable benefits for overall brain health and mood balance.
Fish oil and omega-3 CVS supplements: Since this is one of the more popular supplements on the planet, there are quite a few of these products on the shelves at CVS. But if you are looking for a clean, vegan, eco-friendly alternative to fish oil, check out our recommendation below.
Why Buy Nootropics at CVS?
CVS stands for Consumer Value Stores. In 1963, the first CVS store opened to sell health and beauty products in Lowell, Massachusetts. CVS quickly grew to 17 stores in 1964. In 1967, CVS added pharmacy departments in their stores. Nowadays, CVS offers products which range from contact lenses, dietary supplements, prescription drugs, photo albums and many more.
It is convenient to buy nootropics at CVS. If buying from a brick-and-mortar CVS location, you get instant gratification.
In addition to bypass any buying difficulty, the variety of brain supplements at CVS is enticing. You can scrutinize each label and see all the benefits of each supplement listed on the packaging. Since CVS offers many other products, you can also do additional shopping while scoping out brain-boosters.
Some popular CVS nootropic supplements:
CVS Health Extra Strength Cognitive Health: Single-ingredient brain supplement. It contains Cognizin®, a premium form of Citicoline. This ingredient is clinically proven to support multiple aspects of your cognition such as mental energy, focus, attention and overall brain health.
Prevagen: contains Apoaequorin.(1) This formula promotes sharp mind and clear thinking by providing the brain with calcium-binding brain cell proteins which declines as you age. In addition, Prevagen has anti-aging benefits for your brain. Prevagen CVS supplements are available in-store and online.
Focus Factor: Contains a patented formula which gives you a good variety of ingredients which are known to be safe and effective, with minimal side effects, even for long-term use. If you are after a formula which is versatile and readily available, Focus Factor may be a good choice.
Natrol Cognium: Unique formula derived from the cocoon of silkworms (silk protein hydrolysate). Suggested to promote healthy cerebral blood flow while supporting glucose uptake in the areas of the brain for learning and memory. In addition, it has antioxidant properties.
Neuriva CVS supplements: Neuriva is a supplement that combines a branded ingredient called NeuroFactor with phosphatidylserine. There are several formulations of Neuriva you can buy at CVS.
Mind Lab Pro® is NOT available at CVS.
As great as CVS is, it doesn't have all of today's popular nootropic formulas customers may be seeking. Vyvamind CVS products, for example, do not exist. And Mind Lab Pro®, the best nootropic supplement on the planet, is not sold at CVS or any other stores.
Customers don't get instant gratification with Mind Lab Pro® (even though it ships out within 24 hours and gets delivered fast). What customers do get with Mind Lab Pro® is an effective, top-shelf product with a key advantage you won't find at CVS (or Target, Walgreens, GNC or other retail locations):
The Mind Lab Pro® website is a rich source of knowledge on nootropics, educating customers far more than a product label seen on a CVS shelf.
CVS may have a lot of different brain supplements, and customers get to pick each one up and examine it. However, CVS offers virtually no information about the ingredients in each of those supplements.
Mind Lab Pro® shares extensive information on the formula's design, quality and usage tips, plus general information on nootropics including:
Mind Lab Pro® also provides the research and reasoning behind all 11 nootropic ingredients in the formula, which is something you don't get with CVS nootropics. Here are MLP's natural ingredients, with dosages, and links to more information on each one:
- Citicoline, dosage 250mg
- Phosphatidylserine (PS), 100 mg
- Bacopa monnieri, 150 mg (full-spectrum extract, 24% bacosides with 9 bioactives)
- Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom, 500 mg (fruit and mycelium)
- Maritime Pine Bark Extract, 75 mg: (Standardized to 95% proanthocyanidins)
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, 175 mg
- L-Theanine, 100 mg
- Rhodiola rosea, 50 mg (Standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides)
- NutriGenesis® B-Vitamins: Vitamin B6 (2.5 mg), Vitamin B9 (100 mcg), Vitamin B12 (7.5 mcg)
As a result of its broad-scope design, MLP impacts more brain functions and delivers more cognitive benefits than any other brain supplements, including all nootropics at CVS. It supports:
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Enhanced focus, attention, and concentration for optimal productivity.
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Natural mental vigor; no energy crashes (it's caffeine free)
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Optimal cognitive function even under stressful conditions and while multitasking.
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Boosts memory across various facets: immediate, long-term, learning, and retrieval.
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Sharp mental precision, effortless task-switching, and rapid information processing.
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A luminous, even-tempered, serene, and driven state of mind.
MLP is also a big deal because it is research-backed. In well-designed clinical trials, it has been shown to improve information processing and several different aspects of memory.(1,2)
Because it is the world's first Universal Nootropic™, Mind Lab Pro® can improve all types of thinking in all types of people -- working professionals, athletes and fitness enthusiasts, students and learners, entrepreneurs and business owners - especially those who want to be motivated, active and highly productive.
MLP is also a high-quality supplement: In a clean prebiotic capsule, synthetic additive-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, and Vegetarian Society approved.
Additional supplements that deliver top nootropics
- Performance Lab® Mind: Great for productivity; supplies citicoline and L-tyrosine plus maritime pine bark extract and phosphatidylserine. This formula is a performance booster that also helps with mental recovery after intense brainpower sessions.
- Performance Lab® Omega-3: Advanced plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA) nootropic. All of the brain health and cognition benefits Omega-3s, but in an ultraclean algae-sourced form. No fishy taste, gastric distress, or negative environmental impact like with fish oil.
- Caffeine 2: If you like caffeine as a nootropic, give this caffeine pill a try. It's low-dose caffeine boosted with L-Theanine and B-Vitamins, so you can get a clean surge of mental energy without negative caffeine side effects and crashes.
Conclusion on Best Nootropics at CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy gives you a wide variety of brain boosters in their shelves. However, the effects of the Best Nootropics at CVS are still not as potent as Mind Lab Pro®.
Mind Lab Pro® is better for brain health and mental performance than even the best nootropics at CVS.
As a bonus, Mind Lab Pro® also offers superior customer service and more in-depth resources to help you achieve the best possible cognitive benefits.
If you prefer to shop at CVS for your brain supplements, rest assured that there are many good formulas to choose from.
But for the best nootropic brain supplement ever developed, you ultimately only need 1 formula, and it's not found at CVS: Mind Lab Pro®.
References
- Utley A, Gonzalez Y, Imboden CA. The Efficacy of A Nootropic Supplement on Information Processing in Adults: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res 49(1)-2023. BJSTR. MS.ID.007746
- Abbott-Imboden C., Gonzalez Y., Utley A. (2023). Efficacy of the nootropic supplement Mind Lab Pro on memory in adults: Double blind, placebo-controlled study. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, e2872.
- Moran DL, Underwood MY, Gabourie TA, Lerner KC. Effects of a Supplement Containing Apoaequorin on Verbal Learning in Older Adults in the Community. Adv Mind Body Med. 2016 Winter;30(1):4-11. PMID: 26878676.
