adhd · concentration · performance · May 03, 2024

The Best Supplements for Enhanced Focus and Brain Health

Maintaining optimal focus and cognitive function is essential for success and overall well-being. Various factors, including lifestyle changes, environmental influences, and mental health conditions, can affect focus and cognitive function, highlighting the importance of addressing these aspects to maintain cognitive health. Fortunately, alongside a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, certain supplements have gained recognition for their potential to support brain health and enhance cognitive abilities.

From boosting memory to sharpening focus, these supplements offer a natural and effective way to optimize mental performance. Let’s explore some of the best supplements for enhanced focus, energy, and brain health.

The Importance of Focus and Brain Health

Focus and brain health are fundamental pillars of human performance and well-being, intricately linked to every aspect of our lives. The ability to concentrate, retain information, and make sound decisions relies heavily on the health and vitality of our brains. However, common challenges like difficulty concentrating can significantly hinder our cognitive functions, emphasizing the importance of mental resources in overcoming these obstacles.

Without adequate focus and cognitive clarity, daily tasks can become challenging, leading to decreased productivity and increased feelings of frustration and overwhelm.

In our pursuit of mental clarity and cognitive prowess, the role of brain health supplements cannot be overstated. These specially formulated products are designed to augment our brain’s natural abilities, providing the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally.

With many memory supplements on the market, we have compiled a list of the most effective to optimize cognitive functions and support overall brain health.

NAD+ Brain

NMN Bio’s NAD+ Brain is meticulously crafted to support focus and concentration, addressing common cognitive challenges that may arise from various factors such as stress or aging. This specialized formula includes key nutrients like phosphatidylserine, renowned for its ability to support cell membrane health, aiding memory retention and cognitive function. Additionally, the blend contains citicholine, a precursor to key neurotransmitters that enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive processing.

With apigenin, this supplement aids in maintaining optimal NAD+ levels crucial for cellular energy production, ensuring efficient brain cell function and sustained mental clarity. The inclusion of L-Tyrosine further supports cognitive resilience by helping to regulate dopamine levels, mitigating the impact of stress on focus and mood.

The addition of L-Theanine and caffeine in NMN Bio’s NAD+ Brain blend synergistically enhances focus and concentration by promoting a state of relaxed alertness and mitigating the potential side effects of caffeine. This dynamic duo optimizes cognitive performance, enabling individuals to maintain sustained attention and tackle tasks with precision and efficiency.

The role of these formulated ingredients in improving cognitive function and overall brain health is well-established in the literature. Incorporating cognitive training into one's routine, alongside supplementation, can further enhance cognitive function, memory, and processing skills in older adults.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, omega-3 fatty acids are renowned for their brain-boosting properties. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3, is particularly crucial for brain health, playing a vital role in cognitive function and memory.

Recent research corroborates the cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. For example, Dighriri et al. (2022) observed that the ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids increases learning, memory, cognitive well-being, and blood flow in the brain.

Therefore, supplementing with fish oil capsules rich in omega-3s can support healthy brain function and improve memory. Additionally, ensuring you get enough sleep is vital for optimal cognitive function and brain health, complementing the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba, derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support cognitive function. Believed to work by increasing blood flow to the brain, ginkgo biloba has been linked to improvements in memory, focus, and overall mental performance.

Recent research, including a systematic review on individuals with conditions like dementia, underscores its potential to support brain health and improve cognitive performance, making it a valuable addition to your regimen for improved focus and mental clarity.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea leaves, revered for its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it an excellent supplement for reducing stress and anxiety while simultaneously enhancing focus.

Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food has demonstrated that L-Theanine can contribute to improving attention, thus enhancing working memory and executive functions. L-Theanine also works synergistically with caffeine to provide a balanced state of alertness and concentration, making it a valuable addition to your daily routine for enhanced mental performance and stress relief.

Both L-Theanine and caffeine are formulated in NMN Bio’s NAD+ Brain supplement. This dynamic combination of L-Theanine and caffeine, along with other brain-boosting ingredients, offers a holistic solution for optimizing cognitive function and supporting overall brain health. Practicing mindfulness can complement the effects of L-Theanine in enhancing focus and reducing stress by incorporating techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises to improve mental well-being and concentration.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea has gained popularity for its ability to combat fatigue, enhance mental clarity, and reduce stress. By regulating stress hormone levels and supporting neurotransmitter function, rhodiola rosea promotes sustained focus and cognitive resilience, particularly during periods of high mental demand or stress.

The plant’s dual actions of cognitive stimulation and emotional calming create benefits for both immediate cognitive and memory performance, according to The European Medicines Agency. Emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present moment can further enhance mental clarity, as being fully engaged and present without judgment supports improved concentration and cognitive function. Rhodiola Rosea can be a valuable ally in this practice, helping to reduce distractions and stress, thereby facilitating a state of mindfulness and presence.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine plays a crucial role in cell membrane structure and function. Research suggests that supplementing with phosphatidylserine may support cognitive function, including focus and attention. For example, clinical studies have shown that phosphatidylserine supplementation significantly improves cognitive function and memory loss in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Research also suggests that supplementing with phosphatidylserine can improve cognitive function in aging subjects with mild cognitive impairment.

Phosphatidylserine is in NMN Bio’s NAD+ Brain supplement, providing a comprehensive approach to supporting cognitive function, enhancing focus and attention, and helping to improve concentration and focus.

Additional Ways to Practice Mindfulness and Improve Mental Focus and Cognitive Health

A healthy diet, low in carbohydrates and processed foods.
Regular exercise. Logging in some physical movement at least twice a week can help improve circulation and overall health, which in turn results in better focus.
Adequate sleep at the right time. It's important to be respectful of your own chronotype. A chronotype is the natural genetic predisposition everyone has with regards to their tendency of falling asleep at a certain time. You might have heard of some people being night owls or morning birds. Approximately 70% of people are one of the morning bird subtypes (with the early lark naturally waking up between 5am and 6am, and the "normal" morning type between 6am and 8am).
Hydration. With over 65% of our body consisting of water, it's important to be mindful of the fact that our cells crave hydration. Factors such as coffee consumption or smoking, might dehydrate you even further. So make sure you always get plenty of water during the day!
Mindfulness. Just 5-10 minutes of guided or quiet meditation per day between your meetings, can reset your nervous system and make your brain feel more rested and relaxed.
Creating a distraction-free environment and utilizing practices such as focused playlists, mindfulness, taking breaks, spending time in nature, and seeking medical advice if necessary to maintain focus and stay focused.

Final Thoughts on the Best Supplements to Improve Cognitive Function and Focus

Incorporating brain supplements into your daily routine can significantly impact your everyday life, offering a natural and effective way to boost brain power and combat cognitive decline.

From the synergistic blend of L-Theanine and caffeine in NMN Bio's NAD+ Brain supplement to the neuroprotective properties of omega-3 fatty acids, these supplements are scientifically validated to enhance focus, memory, and overall mental performance. The NAD+ Brain is also available within the Morning Supplement Bundle, alongside 2 additional vital supplements for your brain and cellular health. TMG (or Betaine), has the ability to enhance neurotransmission, as it donates its methyl groups to support the production of new neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine; this may contribute to increased focus and elevated mood during the day. NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide is a proven way to increase your levels of NAD+. NAD+ is the master regulator of human health, and a molecule that helps your cells produce energy. If your levels of NAD+ would drop to 0, you would be dead in 30 seconds, this is how important it is. Unfortunately, NAD+ levels decline as we age. Hence the supplementation with NMN, that replenishes your NAD+ levels. By introducing these supplements to your morning routine, you give your brain the best chance to perform at its best.

Remember, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs and goals. Of course, there is no magic pill that will solve all of your brain fog problems. Therefore, healthy lifestyle is essential to get maximum results.

Researched and reviewed by Dr Elena Seranova, Ph.D.

Dr Seranova holds a master's degree in Translational Neuroscience from the University of Sheffield, UK, and a Ph.D in Stem Cell Biology and Autophagy from the University of Birmingham, UK. She is a published author in multiple peer-reviewed journals, including Cell Reports and Developmental Cell.