Struggling to focus when you need it most? We take a look at the nootropic ingredients experts recommend for better focus and concentration, and which supplements to try.

Words: Amy Mica Marsden. Images: Shutterstock

According to a recent study, almost half of us regularly have trouble concentrating. Whether you have ADHD, you’re in perimenopause, or you’re just feeling run down at the moment, concentration issues can feel extremely frustrating.

Finding a solution can be difficult without a prescription, especially if you’re looking for a natural solution. This is where nootropics come in.

What are nootropics?

Sometimes called ‘smart drugs’, nootropics are substances which help improve mental functions, such as memory, focus and motivation.

The most commonly known examples of nootropics are those used to treat symptoms of ADHD, and are for prescription use only. However, there are some available on the market as natural supplements. These may not be as powerful as prescription medications, but may still help you focus when you need to.

What ingredients should I look out for?

L-theanine & caffeine

‘A review found that the caffeine + L-theanine combination produced improvements in alertness and some attention tasks compared with a placebo,’ says Olivia Rosenvinge, Nutritionist at Holland & Barrett.

L-theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea and black tea, as well as some mushrooms. 

Magnesium L-threonate

This supplement is one of the newer kinds of magnesium to hit the market, but results may be promising when it comes to concentration.

‘The blood-brain barrier is a sieve which effectively stops things going over that shouldn’t, but Threonate actually gets through,’ says nutrition therapist and food expert Ian Marber. This means Magnesium L-threonate ‘has a higher interaction with brain activity [and] can be good for general cognitive support.’

Lion’s mane

This mushroom is often used to support focus and help alleviate mild symptoms of stress and depression. Researchers at Northumbria University found it may improve recall and cognitive function.

Creatine

Often used by gym-goers for energy, some studies show this naturally occurring compound may also improve short-term memory and reasoning ability. This is because the brain uses a significant amount of energy in your body (around 20%) – by upping the amount of energy available, your brain is able to function better.

Creatine may be useful for people who are otherwise sleep-deprived or stressed.

Bacopa Monnieri

Commonly known as Brahmi or water hyssop, Bacopa monnieri has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve memory and support focus. It also has antioxidant properties and may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Ginkgo biloba

According to a 2022 study by the Czech University of Life Sciences, researchers reported an improvement in working memory and information processing speed after treatment with Ginkgo biloba; however, research is still limited.

Olivia Rosenvinge of Holland & Barrett also suggests that Thai ginger extract, citicoline, and omega-3s may support overall brain health.

Supplements for brain focus

get dopa Smart Supplement (£40 for 90 tablets)

Get dopa recommends taking three capsules in the morning with food and building it into your daily routine. The capsules contain thiamine, magnesium, ginkgo, Bacopa monnieri and more, with one reviewer noting ‘It feels like the noise in my brain is finally quiet enough to actually get stuff done.’

Neuromind Original (£11.95 for 30 tablets)

Vitabiotics Neuromind Original claims to help promote normal memory, cognitive function, and mental performance with its mix of ginkgo biloba, thiamin, B-vitamins and more. As a bonus, you only need to take one tablet a day – making this the cheapest option on the list.

Mogu Lion’s Mane Capsules (£40 for 60 capsules)

Providing 1000mg of organic lion’s mane extract per serving, Mogu claims to sharpen focus and cognitive clarity, while also supporting your mood and gut-brain connection.

Lemme Focus Brain Health gummies (£44.95 for 50 gummies)

In the form of strawberry-flavoured gummies, Lemme Focus contains Cognizin citicoline, vitamin B12 and organic lion’s mane mushroom extract to power your focus & attention – and claims to help you get through tasks faster. However, it’s the most expensive supplement on this list, with a bottle lasting 25 days.

Bulk Complete nootropic (£29.99 for 180 capsules)

With 17 active ingredients, Bulk claims to be ‘the most powerful multi-ingredient nootropic formula on the market’ and may deliver improved cognitive function and mental performance. Notable ingredients include ginkgo biloba, caffeine, L-theanine, and B-vitamins.