The Best Supplements for Focus and Concentration

Bradley Keys · Apr 21 2023

Do you find it challenging to concentrate at school or work?

Do you feel like you're in a brain fog most of the day?

Perhaps you're living a healthy lifestyle, getting the recommended eight hours of rest each night, and eating balanced meals, but you still lack concentration.

If this is the case, you may need a little extra help to improve your ability to focus. Instead of taking prescription drugs that may come with harmful side effects, consider taking focus supplements!

Many memory supplements on the market could enhance your mental performance.

Let's break down some of the most potent ingredients for mental acuity and focus!

Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract

These large white mushrooms get their name from resembling a lion's mane. They have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in Asian countries such as China, Korea, India, and Japan.

They are believed to provide advantages for the heart, brain, and gut.

Improves Brain Functionality

As we age, our bodies grow more fragile and don't perform as well as in our youth.

For example, the brain suffers, resulting in focus and memory loss. This makes it difficult to perform daily tasks.

If you add high stress to the mix, your brain could suffer more damage and lose valuable cells.

Some studies suggest that Lion's mane mushrooms can assist with slowing the damage your brain undergoes as you age by protecting your brain cells and creating more neurons.

For this reason, some think that these mushrooms may protect against dementia, making them a key ingredient in some of the best supplements for focus and concentration.

More research is underway for these amazing fungi in focus supplements!

Antidepressant Properties

Depression has terrible effects on cognitive health, making concentration on life activities challenging.

Although different things can cause depression, sometimes it results from inflammation.

A study done on lab mice proposes that Lion's mane mushrooms could relieve depression and stress symptoms by reducing inflammation.

Additionally, studies conducted on rodents reported that it could improve the functioning of cells in the hippocampus (a part of the brain that helps process emotional responses and memories).

The hippocampus is also responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term ones.

These reports suggest that Lion's mane mushrooms could be beneficial daily in memory supplements.

Faster Recovery From Injuries to the Nervous System

Your nervous system sends and transmits information to different body parts, allowing it to regulate various bodily functions.

The nervous system comprises your brain, spinal cord, and nerves spread throughout the body. When an injury to the nervous system occurs, it could result in the loss of mental function or paralysis.

Animal studies on rats with nerve damage indicated that these mushrooms taken as memory supplements assist with promoting peripheral nerve regeneration after injury.

The rodents were given the fungi daily via oral administration, which resulted in faster recovery. 

The results of such tests make some believe that lion's mane mushrooms could be used to help stroke victims recover faster.

However, more research is underway on its effects on people if used as daily focus supplements.

Strengthens the Immune System

Your immune system is vital for fighting off harmful invaders like viruses and dangerous bacteria. When your immune system is weak, it makes it much easier for these harmful invaders to attack your body.

If you've ever been ill, you know that being sick can make it nearly impossible to think clearly.

Some research indicates that lion's mane mushrooms strengthen your immune system, helping your body fight against these invaders.

For this reason, some of the best supplements for focus and concentration include lion's mane mushroom extract.

American Ginseng

American ginseng is a root that grows in the Americas. It's very similar to the ginseng that comes from Asia.

Native Americans used this herb as a stimulant and to treat various ailments, including:

  • Fevers
  • Headaches
  • Indigestion
  • Infertility

Today, this root remains a staple in the world of health and can be found as an ingredient within many trusted memory supplements on the market.

Let's break down the advantages of this herb and why it's among the best supplements for focus and concentration.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Remember that inflammation can contribute to depression symptoms, including brain fog and lack of concentration.

Individuals who suffer from chronic inflammation may also be unable to focus on and perform daily tasks.

Research suggests that ginseng hinders inflammation and reduces oxidative damage to cells. 

May Improve Mood, Memory, and Behavior

Many studies support the claim that regular consumption of ginseng may improve cognitive functions associated with memory, mood, and behavior.

In lab studies, compound K (found in this herb) protects the brain from damage caused by free radicals.

Regular consumption of ginseng for five years resulted in better cognitive functioning later on in life, according to one study conducted on older adults.

Some research even indicated positive results for individuals experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Because of these promising outcomes, some of the best supplements for focus and concentration contain American ginseng.

Strengthens the Immune System

As mentioned above, it's vital to maintain your immune system's health for better cognitive functioning. Focusing on daily activities is challenging when your immune system faces attacks from dangerous bacteria and viruses.

Because ginseng has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, it's believed to help boost your defenses against harmful invaders.

Animal research indicated that this herb helped increase the number of immune cells while enhancing liver antioxidant levels.

Some studies on ginseng's effects on human immune systems have been done, but more is needed to help support these claims in people.

However, it's still included in many effective memory supplements today.

Reduces Symptoms of Fatigue

Fatigue can make it nearly impossible to focus on your work. It creates the perfect conditions for brain fog, reduced concentration, and inability to retain new information.

If you feel fatigued most of the day, you may forget important things and fail to complete activities necessary for living.

Many things may contribute to a feeling of fatigue, including:

  • Lack of exercise
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Heart disease
  • Anemia
  • Viruses
  • Sleep disorders
  • Thyroid issues
  • Obesity

You've probably heard the claim that ginseng can boost energy and help keep symptoms of fatigue away. Some studies support this claim.

For example, one study showed that individuals given ginseng showed less fatigue and improvements in physical performance compared to individuals given placebos.

Ginseng is easy to incorporate into daily meals or beverages and comes in most focus supplements. Many memory supplements also contain American ginseng because of its apparent health benefits.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Ginkgo biloba (also known as the maidenhair tree) is celebrated as one of the oldest living tree species on the planet, outliving the dinosaurs.

Because this tree is native to China, it has been used in Ancient Chinese medicine for many years.

Today, ginkgo biloba extract is mainly taken from the fan-shaped leaves of the tree and used for various medicinal purposes.

Might Reduce Symptoms of Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, and Some Mental Disorders

Aging takes a toll on our bodies and minds. Many adults worldwide suffer from mental disorders and diseases that affect their ability to think clearly, retain new information, or remember significant people, places, and things.

Some research suggests that when combined with conventional medicine, ginkgo biloba can effectively assist with symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

More studies are needed to back up this claim.

May Improve Memory, Focus, and Attention Span

Some people believe that ginkgo biloba extract can help improve memory, focus, and attention span in healthy individuals.

In one study, healthy older adults (aged 50-65) were given supplements containing this herb and showed improved memory and concentration.

Another study suggested similar results for older adults compared to individuals given a placebo.

Helps with Headaches and Migraines

Individuals who suffer from headaches and migraines know how challenging it can be to focus or concentrate on work and other activities.

In Chinese medicine, ginkgo biloba was used for treating headaches and migraines.

One study showed that the herb's anti-inflammatory properties are helpful when treating migraines caused by excessive tension and stress.

Furthermore, ginkgo biloba's ability to increase blood circulation has proved to be effective for headaches and migraines caused by reduced blood flow, based on a study using leaves from the tree.

However, more tests are needed to provide concrete proof to support these claims.

Reduces Unpleasant Symptoms of PMS

PMS can make it very difficult to concentrate and focus on tasks.

Many individuals experience:

  • Painful cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Bloating
  • Mood swings
  • Cravings
  • Tender breasts
  • Sleep disorders
  • Headaches
  • Acne
  • Constipation
  • Muscle pain
  • Anxiety/ Stress

A study conducted in 2008, where groups of college students were given ginkgo biloba supplements, reported fewer PMS symptoms than those who were given a placebo.

Perhaps including ginkgo biloba extract in memory supplements could assist with some PMS symptoms that make it difficult to concentrate and retain information. Still, more research is needed to prove this claim.

Because ginkgo has several apparent benefits and few harmful side effects, it's utilized in some of the best supplements for focus and concentration.

Rhodiola Extract

Native to Asia and Europe, Rhodiola is a herb that grows in colder climates. This beautiful plant usually has yellow (sometimes red) flowers, green leaves, and stems.

Rhodiola, one of the best supplements for focus and concentration, has been used in various countries to treat different ailments.

Today, it's used in many focus supplements.

Improve Memory and Learning Functions in the Brain

Some animal studies indicated that Rhodiola supplements improve brain functions related to learning new information and memory.

These studies showed that lab animals could navigate a maze faster and with less difficulty when administered Rhodiola supplements. 

More research needs to be done to prove that these results will be evident in human subjects, but many memory supplements on the market include Rhodiola extract since it has few harmful side effects.

Antidepressant Properties

When neurotransmitters become unbalanced in the brain, it can result in depression. Depression has negative effects on mood, concentration, and memory.

Rhodiola is believed to have antidepressant properties that could improve depression symptoms.

Research is still being conducted to back up these claims, but there have been some reports of the herb helping with depression symptoms.

The best part is that this herb has few side effects, so it's better received by individuals who did use it in focus supplements.

Reduce Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

Generally, people who suffer from chronic fatigue have difficulty concentrating and focusing.

Many things can cause chronic fatigue.

In a study, Rhodiola extract was given to individuals suffering from chronic fatigue. By the end of the study, these individuals reported improvements in the following areas:

  • Fatigue
  • Mood
  • The overall quality of life
  • Anxiety
  • Concentration

Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants help fight off free radicals in your body. Without antioxidants, an increase in free radicals could cause many harmful effects, including the development of cancers, diabetes, heart diseases, and other ailments.

Your body needs a proper balance of antioxidants and free radicals to function properly.

Antioxidants are found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. For example, blueberries and pomegranates are rich in antioxidants.

Some animal studies suggest that Rhodiola increases antioxidant activity, leading to healthier bodies and improved strength performance in rodents that were given the herb.

More studies are needed to prove this claim in humans, though.

Blue Spirulina Extract

Blue spirulina is a blue-green alga with a long history of providing human nutrition.

The Aztecs used blue spirulina to boost their physical performance and endurance, and NASA used it to sustain astronauts who needed sufficient nutrition during space travel.

Its significant nutritional advantages have helped it become accepted as a superfood.

Rich in Nutrients

According to food data collected by the USDA, blue spirulina is rich in iron, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, and other nutrients. It also provides carbs, calories, and healthy fats the human body needs, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

It even has essential amino acids that are necessary for your health!

It's no wonder many of the best supplements for focus and concentration contain blue spirulina as one of their top ingredients.

Rich in Antioxidants

In addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, this algae is rich in antioxidants. As mentioned above, antioxidants are vital for fighting free radicals in the body.

Some studies indicate that blue spirulina could help prevent oxidative damage and illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes because it's rich in antioxidants.

Improves Brain Health

When we age, our normal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses decrease, weakening our brains and making them more susceptible to the negative effects of oxidative stress.

Many neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease result from age-related oxidative stress increase.

Research suggests that blue spirulina's rich antioxidant properties can protect our brains from oxidative stress and inflammation, preventing the progression of some neurodegenerative diseases.

Therefore, it could work well as an ingredient within memory supplements.

Luo Han Guo Extract

Luo Han Guo, widely known as monk fruit, was famously cultivated by monks in China many years ago.

Monk fruit (a small green melon native to southern parts of China) has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years because of its healthful benefits.

May Help With Symptoms of a Sore Throat

When you're sick, it affects your mental health and ability to concentrate.

Monk fruit may help alleviate symptoms of sore throat colds.

In a study using 203 patients, 102 patients in the experimental group experienced fewer symptoms. They had reduced levels of coughing and expectoration compared to the 101 in the control group.

Reduction of these symptoms could help improve concentration while ill, making it a beneficial ingredient to include in focus supplements.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation can wreak havoc on your health and may be linked to several diseases and illnesses, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
  • Cancer
  • Asthma
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Heart disease

Some animal studies indicate that monk fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, preventing some of the above diseases.

Citicoline

Citicoline is a chemical that naturally occurs in the brain. Nowadays, it's used in focus supplements to aid with memory and other brain functions.

Improved Memory

Memory loss becomes more of a threat as we age, but citicoline memory supplements may prevent this.

A study done with 100 older adult patients indicated that when citicoline supplements were administered to certain individuals, they experienced greater improvements in secondary outcomes of episodic memory than those given placebos.

May Help Treat Patients Suffering from Cognitive Impairment

Some animal studies suggest that citicoline may help treat individuals with cognitive impairment.

Because of this, citicoline may be beneficial for traumatic brain injuries, stroke, vascular dementia, and other ailments.

However, more research is necessary to back up these claims.

How To Integrate Concentration & Focus Supplements

The ingredients mentioned above are included in some of the best supplements for focus and concentration.

The great news is you can get all these ingredients in the brain superfood tonic!

This delicious blue raspberry drink mix helps boost your brain power by improving your memory and focus throughout the day. 

It's one of the best supplements for focus and concentration on the market today!

If you're looking for the top-notch vitamins to support your heart health and circulation, check out our comprehensive guide on the "10 Best Vitamins for Heart Health & Circulation."