Best Supplements For Focus & Concentration in Australia
Reviewed by Yurie Sato, BHSc (Naturopathy), Naturopath · Last reviewed 26 October 2026 · How we review
The best supplement for focus depends on why your focus is slipping. We compare 9 we stock, from our creatine top pick to L-theanine, bacopa and omega-3, showing who each ingredient helped in research, how product doses compare with the studies, cost per day and what customers say.
- Health advice
- 10 min read
- Oct 27, 2026
Reviewed on 26 October 2026· Next review: October 2027.
The best supplement for focus and concentration depends on why your focus is slipping. Short sleep, stress, a diet low in oily fish or vitamin B12 and age all affect focus in different ways which each one points to a different factor.
Some focus ingredients have strong research behind them. Caffeine improves attention and vigilance (staying alert over time) in most people [1].
With more than 80 products in our Cognition & Focus Support range, it's not always easy to know where to start. We've compared nine focus supplements available through Mr Vitamins on the research behind each ingredient, who that research applies to, how the dose compares with the studies, regulatory status and what our customers say in their reviews, so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.
What Affects Focus and Concentration?
Focus is your ability to keep your attention on one task and switch it when you need to. It draws on sleep, energy, mood and nutrition at the same time, so a dip in any one of them can leave you foggy or easily distracted. That's why the best results come from fixing the foundations first, then adding targeted support.
Some people are more likely to have a gap. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people with some gut conditions or past stomach surgery [3]. Creatine comes mostly from meat, fish and other animal products, and vegetarians have lower levels of muscle creatine [4].
If poor sleep is behind your foggy days, start with our guide to sleep for memory, mood and clarity.
Can Supplements Help With Focus and Concentration?
Supplements can't replace sleep, and they're not a substitute for medical care for a diagnosed condition such as ADHD. Where they can earn a place is in targeted support: a well-studied combination for a demanding task, a daily non-stimulant base, or a nutrient you're low in. The key is matching the ingredient to your situation, at a dose that reflects the research.
For a wider overview of nutrients and herbs for the brain, visit our Cognition, Focus & ADHD Support hub.
Who Each Focus Supplement Helps Most
Most "best focus supplement" lists rank ingredients as if they work the same for everyone. The trials say otherwise: each ingredient showed results in some people and little or none in others.
| Ingredient | Clearest Results In | Little or No Effect Seen In | How Soon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | Most people, for attention and vigilance; it may also help some people during sleep loss [1] | It doesn't replace sleep, and the effect wears off within hours | 5 to 30 minutes [5] |
| Caffeine with L-theanine | Healthy adults, for attention switching and alertness [6] [7] | No clear effect on visual search, choice reaction time or mental rotation [7] | Within the first 2 hours |
| L-theanine alone | Healthy adults, for some sleep scores, at 200 mg a day [8] | Stress and mood scores fell, but not significantly more than with a placebo | 4 weeks |
| Creatine | Memory in adults aged 66 to 76 [9]; vegetarians [10]; during sleep loss [11] | Memory in people aged 11 to 31 [9] | 5 days to 24 weeks in memory trials; hours for a single large dose during sleep loss |
| Bacopa | Adults without dementia, for memory recall [12] and speed of attention [13] | Other thinking skills, which were less studied [12] | 12 weeks |
| DHA (omega-3) | Adults aged 18 to 45 with a low DHA intake [14] | Cognitively healthy people aged 60 and over [15] | 6 months |
| Lion's mane | Adults aged 50 to 80 with diagnosed mild memory and thinking problems [16] | No clear change after 28 days in young adults [17] | 8 to 16 weeks in the older-adult trial |
| Acetyl L-carnitine | Older adults with diagnosed memory and thinking problems, at 1.5 to 3 g a day [18] | Healthy adults weren't the focus of the research, and newer studies were less positive | Weeks to months |
| Vitamin B12 | Correcting a deficiency in people who are low, such as some older adults, vegetarians and vegans [3] | Trials in older adults, with or without memory problems, haven't shown better thinking [3] | Depends on how low you are |
| Ginkgo | No benefit found in healthy adults | Healthy adults, for memory, executive function and attention [2] | Not applicable |
| NMN | No published trial has tested NMN on focus in healthy adults | Trials of a close relative, nicotinamide riboside, found no improvement in thinking [19] [20] | Not established |
Study Dose vs What's in the Product
A product can contain the right ingredient at the wrong dose. Compare the daily amount used in the research with what each product we stock gives you at its label dose.
| Ingredient | Daily Dose in the Studies | Our Product | Label Daily Dose | How It Compares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creatine | 5 g for 6 weeks [10]; 20 g for 5 days [4] | Live More You Creatine Monohydrate | 5 g | Matches the 6-week vegetarian study, though a European review found the effect wasn't repeated at 5 g a day in another trial [21] |
| L-theanine | 97 to 100 mg with 40 to 50 mg of caffeine [6] [7]; 200 mg for 4 weeks [8] | Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg | 200 mg (1 capsule) | Matches the 4-week study; double the amount used with caffeine |
| Bacopa | 300 to 450 mg of extract for 12 weeks [12] | Flordis KeenMind | 320 mg (2 capsules) | Within the studied range, using the extract tested in Australian trials [22] |
| DHA | 1.16 g for 6 months [14] | Herbs of Gold Triple Strength Omega 3 | 360 mg (1 capsule) | About a third of the study amount |
| Vitamin B12 | Adults need 2.4 mcg a day [3] | Carusos Vitamin B12 Activated | 1,200 mcg (1 melt) | Far above daily needs, which suits someone who is low |
| Lion's mane | About 3 g of dried mushroom powder for 16 weeks [16]; 1.8 g for 28 days [17] | Live More You Lion's Mane | 1.5 g of dual extract | Not directly comparable, because it's an extract |
| Ginkgo | No dose showed a benefit in healthy adults [2] | Herbs of Gold Ginkgo Biloba 6000 | 120 to 240 mg of extract (1 to 2 capsules) | Dose isn't the issue for healthy adults |
| Acetyl L-carnitine | 1.5 to 3 g in older adults with diagnosed memory and thinking problems [18] | Herbs of Gold Acetyl L-Carnitine | 1 to 2 g (2 capsules once or twice daily) | At or below the studied range |
| NMN | 250 to 2,000 mg in trials of safety and metabolism, not focus [23] | Switch Nutrition 100% Pure NMN Capsule | 500 to 1,000 mg (1 to 2 capsules) | Within the range studied for tolerability |
Study doses are the daily amounts given in the trials cited, not recommendations. Label doses are the adult directions listed on mrvitamins.com.au on 26 October 2026. Don't take more than the label dose unless your health professional advises it.
What Makes a Good Focus Supplement?
Focus supplements vary more than most people realise, and the differences affect whether a product suits you at all. Six things separate a well-made focus supplement from an average one.
- Clear Australian regulatory status. Listed medicines carry an AUST L number you can check on the TGA's ARTG register. Creatine powders and the NMN capsules on our list are sold as sports foods, which carry a statement that they're not suitable for children under 15 or pregnant women. Mushroom powders are usually sold as foods, which can't make therapeutic claims.
- An ingredient matched to your situation. Caffeine helps with alertness, creatine shows its clearest results in vegetarians and older adults, and B12 matters most if you're low.
- Named ingredients and full doses. Look for a named extract (such as CDRI 08 bacopa) or a stated amount of each active, and compare it with the research. Proprietary blends that hide the amount of each ingredient make that impossible.
- Honest timeframes. Caffeine works within minutes, while creatine memory trials ran for 5 days to 24 weeks and bacopa trials for 12 weeks. A product that promises instant results from a non-stimulant is a red flag.
- A clear caffeine amount. If a product contains caffeine, the amount per serve should be on the label so you can count it towards your daily total.
- Compatibility with your medicines. If you take prescription medicines, including blood thinners or medicines for ADHD, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding a supplement.
We assessed every product below against these criteria, looking at how it's dosed, regulated and backed by research as well as what's on the label.
Comparing the Best Supplements for Focus Available in Australia
1. Live More You Creatine Monohydrate Micronised (Top Pick)
Live More You is a micronised creatine monohydrate is our top pick for an everyday, non-stimulant focus base. Each 5 g serve is 100% creatine monohydrate, milled to 200 mesh so it mixes easily into water or your usual drink.
Your brain uses creatine to help recycle ATP, the molecule your cells use for energy. Brain creatine does respond to supplements, though it may need higher or longer dosing than muscle, and creatine is most likely to help when your thinking is under strain, such as during sleep loss or complex tasks [24].
Creatine has been tested in more than a dozen controlled trials of memory and thinking. A 2024 review of 16 trials involving 492 people, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, found improvements in memory, attention time and processing speed, but not in overall thinking or executive function (planning and switching between tasks) [25]. Results vary between groups: that review found bigger effects in adults aged 18 to 60, women and people with health conditions [25], while another review, with no outside funding, found the clearest memory effect in adults aged 66 to 76 and no effect in people aged 11 to 31 [9]. In 45 young vegetarians, 5 g a day for 6 weeks improved working memory and reasoning test scores [10].
It's not settled yet. In 2024, the European Food Safety Authority reviewed the research and concluded that a cause-and-effect relationship between creatine and improved thinking has not been established [21]. The UK Nutrition and Health Claims Committee reached the same conclusion for the intakes it assessed [26]. So creatine is a low-cost option with promising research for the groups above, and the results aren't certain yet.
Take 5 g a day. An optional loading phase is 5 g four times a day for the first 5 days. Timing doesn't matter much, because creatine builds up in your body over days to weeks. Creatine powders are sold in Australia as sports foods, which aren't suitable for children under 15 or pregnant women. To compare creatine types, read Creapure® vs Creatine: What's the Difference and Which Is Better?.
"...Live More You creatine has been awesome! Plus it dissolves well, unlike some."
Key details: 500 g powder | 5 g a day (100 serves) | 100% micronised creatine monohydrate (200 mesh) | Unflavoured | Sports food | Mr Vitamins house brand
2. Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea. On its own it doesn't wake you up, but paired with caffeine it has been tested in several controlled trials. Each Herbs of Gold capsule contains 200 mg of AlphaWave L-theanine, taken once a day with food.
In a trial of 27 adults, 100 mg of L-theanine with 50 mg of caffeine improved the speed and accuracy of switching attention between tasks, and reduced distraction, compared with a placebo (a dummy treatment) [6]. In 44 young adults, 97 mg of L-theanine with 40 mg of caffeine improved accuracy when switching tasks and self-rated alertness [7]. Both trials were run by researchers at Unilever, which owned Lipton tea at the time. A review of 11 trials of tea compounds found the caffeine and L-theanine pairing had moderate effects on alertness and attention switching in the first 2 hours [27].
Those caffeine amounts are small. A 250 mL cup of instant coffee has about 80 to 120 mg [5]. One capsule is about double the L-theanine used with caffeine in those trials, and matches the 200 mg a day used in a 4-week trial of 30 healthy adults. Some sleep scores improved more than with a placebo, while stress and mood scores fell but not by significantly more [8]. That trial was funded by Taiyo Kagaku, a Japanese maker of L-theanine.
It suits coffee and tea drinkers who want to pair them the way the research did. For more ways to manage a busy, stressful stretch, read Best Stress Support Supplements in Australia.
"Helps to clear the brain"
"Goes perfectly with Magnesium"
Key details: 30 capsules | 200 mg L-theanine (AlphaWave) per capsule | 1 capsule daily with food | AUST L 451630
3. Flordis KeenMind (Practitioner Pick)
KeenMind contains CDRI 08, a standardised extract of bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), a herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Each capsule provides 160 mg of extract, standardised to at least 55% bacosides (the herb's active compounds), and adults take 2 capsules daily with breakfast, or 320 mg a day.
Bacopa has been studied for memory in several controlled trials, but it's slow. A review of 9 trials lasting 12 weeks or more, involving 518 people, found faster performance on a standard timed attention test [13]. A separate review of 6 trials, all lasting 12 weeks at 300 to 450 mg of extract a day, found the clearest effect on recalling information, with little evidence for other areas [12]. In the first Australian trial of the KeenMind extract, healthy adults took 300 mg a day and were tested at 5 and 12 weeks, with improvements in the speed of processing visual information, learning rate and memory consolidation (locking in new information) compared with placebo [22].
Take it daily for at least 1 to 3 months for best results, so it suits planning ahead, such as starting well before exams or a big project. Reported side effects include nausea, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Don't take it if you're planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding [28]. Because it's practitioner-only at Mr Vitamins, a practitioner will check it suits you before you buy.
Key details: 60 capsules | 160 mg CDRI 08 bacopa extract per capsule | 2 capsules daily with breakfast (adults) | Practitioner-only | AUST L 156159
4. Herbs of Gold Triple Strength Omega 3
DHA is an omega-3 fat found in oily fish, and how much you have depends on how much you eat [14]. Each capsule of Herbs of Gold Triple Strength Omega 3 provides 360 mg of DHA and 540 mg of EPA (another omega-3 fat) from molecularly distilled fish oil. Adults take 1 capsule a day with food.
The research points clearly to who benefits. In a 6-month trial of 176 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 who ate little DHA, 1.16 g of DHA a day improved reaction times on memory tasks compared with placebo [14]. In cognitively healthy people aged 60 and over, trials of omega-3 lasting 6 months or more haven't shown a benefit for thinking [15].
One capsule gives about a third of the DHA used in that trial, at about 33 cents a capsule, which makes it one of the lowest-cost options on our list. It contains fish and sulfites. Learn more in our omega-3 guide or browse our Fish Oil Supplements range.
"One of the few brands I have tried that doesn't leave a fishy aftertaste or repeat on you later in the day."
"I love this brand of Omega 3."
"Obviously good company[.] A quality product..."
One reviewer found the capsules "quite big" and suggested a powder if you have trouble swallowing capsules.
Key details: 150 capsules | 360 mg DHA and 540 mg EPA per capsule | 1 capsule daily with food | Contains fish and sulfites | AUST L 374067
5. Carusos Vitamin B12 Activated
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerves and red blood cells. A deficiency can cause nerve changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and it's more common in older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people with some gut conditions [3].
Trials of B12 supplements in older adults, with or without memory problems, haven't shown better thinking [3]. B12 makes sense when you're low, and a blood test from your GP tells you where you stand.
Each Carusos melt provides 1,200 mcg of mecobalamin, an active form of B12, and dissolves in the mouth without water. Only a small share of a high dose is absorbed, about 1.3% at 1,000 mcg, but that's still several times the 2.4 mcg adults need each day [3]. Adults take 1 melt daily with food, at least 2 hours away from medicines. It's not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless prescribed.
Key details: 60 melts | 1,200 mcg mecobalamin per melt | 1 melt daily with food | Contains sulfites | AUST L 313060
6. Live More You Lion's Mane
Our own Live More You Lion's Mane is a dual-extract powder made from the fruiting body of the lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), with at least 10% beta-glucans (a type of fibre found in mushrooms) per serve. Mix 1.5 g, about half a teaspoon, into coffee, tea, water or a smoothie once a day.
The research on lion's mane is early and small. In a 16-week trial of 30 Japanese adults aged 50 to 80 with diagnosed mild memory and thinking problems, about 3 g a day of dried lion's mane powder improved scores on a thinking scale, and the scores fell again 4 weeks after stopping [16]. That trial was run by researchers at Hokuto Corporation, a Japanese mushroom company. In 41 healthy adults aged 18 to 45, a single 1.8 g dose sped up the Stroop task (a colour-word test of attention) an hour later, but 28 days of daily use showed no clear change in thinking [17]. Sempera Organics supplied the lion's mane for that study.
Our serve is an extract, so it can't be compared gram for gram with the dried whole mushroom used in the older-adult trial. It's an option if you're curious about mushrooms and comfortable that the evidence is still building.
Key details: 100 g powder | 1.5 g daily (about 66 serves) | Dual extract, at least 10% beta-glucans | Food | Mr Vitamins house brand
7. Herbs of Gold Ginkgo Biloba 6000
Ginkgo is one of the best-known memory herbs. Each capsule contains 120 mg of ginkgo leaf extract, made from 6 g of dry leaf and standardised to 28.8 mg of flavonglycosides (the leaf's active compounds). Adults take 1 capsule once or twice daily with food.
If you already use ginkgo, this is a clearly specified one. But for healthy adults, the research hasn't found a benefit. A review of randomised trials found no effect on memory (13 trials), executive function or attention, whatever the dose, trial length or age of the people taking part [2]. Ginkgo may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially with blood thinners such as warfarin, so check with your doctor first if you take them. Ginkgo may not be suitable during pregnancy [29].
"...Hopefully they do help the cerebral process but I seem to be doing okay!"
"My hubby uses it and [it] gives him a [benefit]"
"good product at fair price"
Key details: 60 or 120 capsules | 120 mg ginkgo leaf extract (from 6 g dry leaf) per capsule | 1 capsule once or twice daily with food | Contains sulfites | AUST L 171104
8. Herbs of Gold Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-carnitine is a form of carnitine, a compound your body uses to turn fat into energy [18]. Each Herbs of Gold vegetable capsule contains 500 mg, and adults take 2 capsules once or twice daily with food, which gives 1 to 2 g a day.
Most of the research is in older adults with diagnosed memory and thinking problems, using 1.5 to 3 g a day. Newer studies were less positive than earlier ones, and a Cochrane review concluded that routine clinical use in these patients wasn't justified [18]. The label dose sits at or just below the range studied. Carnitine at around 3 g a day can cause nausea, stomach upset and a fishy body odour [18].
"I feel the difference when not taking this product"
Key details: 60 or 120 vegetable capsules | 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine per capsule | 2 capsules once or twice daily with food | AUST L 166175
9. Switch Nutrition 100% Pure NMN Capsule
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a building block for NAD+, a molecule your cells use to make energy. It's the largest group in our Cognition range, so it's worth being clear about what it can and can't do for focus. Each Switch Nutrition capsule provides 500 mg of NMN. Take 1 to 2 capsules each morning.
A review of short-term trials using 250 to 2,000 mg a day, with no outside funding, found NMN well tolerated [23]. A 2026 review of 27 studies, funded by Chinese public research grants, found no NAD+ precursor, NMN included, improved how tired people felt [30]. No published trial has tested NMN on focus or attention in healthy adults. Trials of a close relative, nicotinamide riboside, found no improvement in thinking in older adults with diagnosed mild memory problems (funded by the US National Institutes of Health) or in people with long COVID (supported in part by Niagen Bioscience, which sells nicotinamide riboside) [19] [20].
It's sold as a sports food, so it's not suitable for children under 15 or pregnant women. If you're choosing NMN for healthy ageing, read 6 NMN Supplements Compared.
"Good quality product"
Key details: 60 capsules | 500 mg NMN per capsule | 1 to 2 capsules each morning | Sports food
Best Supplements for Focus in Australia (2026 Comparison)
| Product | Format | Key Ingredients | Daily Serve | TGA Status | Approx. Cost per Day | Customer Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live More You Creatine Monohydrate | Powder | Micronised creatine monohydrate, 5 g | 5 g | Sports food | ~$0.50 | 5.0 (1 review) | An everyday, non-stimulant base, especially for vegetarians and people over 65 |
| Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg | Capsule | L-theanine (AlphaWave), 200 mg | 1 capsule | AUST L 451630 | ~$0.75 | 5.0 (2 reviews) | Pairing with your usual coffee or tea |
| Flordis KeenMind | Capsule | CDRI 08 bacopa extract, 160 mg per capsule | 2 capsules | AUST L 156159 | ~$1.46 | Not shown | Memory support, planned 12 weeks ahead |
| Herbs of Gold Triple Strength Omega 3 | Capsule | DHA 360 mg and EPA 540 mg per capsule | 1 capsule | AUST L 374067 | ~$0.33 | 4.9 (9 reviews) | People who rarely eat oily fish |
| Carusos Vitamin B12 Activated | Melt | Mecobalamin, 1,200 mcg | 1 melt | AUST L 313060 | ~$0.36 | No reviews yet | Low B12, including vegans and vegetarians |
| Live More You Lion's Mane | Powder | Lion's mane dual extract, 1.5 g | About half a teaspoon | Food | ~$0.90 | No reviews yet | Trying a mushroom option, with early research |
| Herbs of Gold Ginkgo Biloba 6000 | Capsule | Ginkgo leaf extract, 120 mg per capsule | 1 to 2 capsules | AUST L 171104 | ~$0.29 to $0.57 | 5.0 (3 reviews) | People who already use ginkgo |
| Herbs of Gold Acetyl L-Carnitine | Capsule | Acetyl-L-carnitine, 500 mg per capsule | 2 to 4 capsules | AUST L 166175 | ~$1.02 to $2.03 | 5.0 (2 reviews) | Choosing the acetyl form of carnitine |
| Switch Nutrition 100% Pure NMN Capsule | Capsule | NMN, 500 mg per capsule | 1 to 2 capsules | Sports food | ~$1.42 to $2.83 | 5.0 (1 review) | Healthy ageing (no focus research yet) |
Prices are Mr Vitamins prices on 26 October 2026 and may change. Cost per day is calculated at the label dose from the largest pack sold. Ratings count only reviews of each product on mrvitamins.com.au on the same date. Live More You is Mr Vitamins' own brand.
Some focus ingredients interact with medicines, and caffeine adds up quickly. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding with blood thinners such as warfarin [29]. Take Carusos Vitamin B12 Activated at least 2 hours away from medicines. Caffeine from coffee, tea, energy drinks, pre-workouts and supplements all counts, and most adults should stay under 400 mg a day, or 200 mg a day if pregnant [5]. If you take any prescription medicine, including medicines for ADHD, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding a supplement.
Focus Supplements by Situation
Focus rarely slips for just one reason. Match the ingredient to your situation, then explore our in-depth guides.
Short on Sleep
Caffeine is the usual first step. The International Society of Sports Nutrition notes that it improves attention and vigilance (staying alert over time) in most people, and may help some people perform better during sleep deprivation [1]. In a lab study, a single large dose of creatine eased the drop in thinking performance during a night without sleep, but the dose was 0.35 g per kg of body weight, about 25 g for a 70 kg adult and five times a normal serve [11]. Forschungszentrum Jülich, a German public research centre, funded that study, and the dose was for research only. More sleep is the real fix, so start with our guide to sleep for memory, mood and clarity.
Vegetarian or Vegan
Creatine is worth a look. In a 5-day trial of 128 young women, creatine improved memory in vegetarians but not in meat eaters [4], and a review of creatine trials, supported by the US National Institute on Aging, also found vegetarians tended to respond better [31]. Check your B12 with your GP too. Our picks: Live More You Creatine Monohydrate and Carusos Vitamin B12 Activated.
Over 60
Creatine showed its biggest memory effect in adults aged 66 to 76 [9]. Omega-3 hasn't shown a benefit for thinking in cognitively healthy people over 60 [15], and acetyl L-carnitine research is mostly in people with diagnosed memory and thinking problems [18]. B12 deficiency becomes more common with age [3]. Our picks: Live More You Creatine Monohydrate, and Carusos Vitamin B12 Activated if a blood test shows you're low.
Stress and Focus
L-theanine is the closest fit, though the evidence on stress is limited. In a 4-week trial of 30 healthy adults, 200 mg a day improved some sleep scores more than a placebo, while stress and mood scores didn't improve by significantly more [8]. Its clearer focus results come when it's paired with caffeine [27]. Our pick: Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg. For broader support, browse our Stress & Mood Supplements range.
Studying and Exams
For the study session itself, caffeine with L-theanine improved attention switching in the first 2 hours in trials [27]. Bacopa only makes sense if you start about 12 weeks before exams [12]. If you rarely eat oily fish, DHA improved memory reaction times in adults aged 18 to 45 over 6 months [14]. Sleep still matters more than any supplement. Browse our Memory & Focus Supplements range.
Brain Fog and Mental Clarity
Brain fog isn't a diagnosis, and it has many possible causes, including poor sleep, stress and nutrient shortfalls. If it lasts more than a few weeks, see your GP for a check-up and blood test before reaching for supplements.
ADHD, Kids and Teens: What the Evidence Says
ADHD is a medical condition that is diagnosed and managed with your doctor. None of the products on our list are intended to treat ADHD, and we don't recommend any of them for it.
- Omega-3 for ADHD: a 2023 Cochrane review of 37 trials in children and adolescents found little evidence that fatty acid supplements improve ADHD symptoms [32].
- Ginkgo and other approaches: the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes there isn't enough evidence that ginkgo helps ADHD, and it was less effective than standard medicine in one study. Omega-3 appears less effective than stimulant medicines, and families should talk to their health provider before trying any complementary approach [33].
- Kids and teens: most focus supplements are made for adults. Sports foods, including the creatine and NMN products on our list, are not suitable for children under 15. Talk to your GP before giving a child or teenager any focus supplement.
For practical support, read ADHD, Focus & Attention Regulation and ADHD and Nutrition: What to Eat for Better Focus, Mood and Brain Function.
Fast-Acting Focus vs Slow-Build Support: What's the Difference?
- Targets: Alertness and switching attention for the task in front of you
- Examples: Caffeine, L-theanine with caffeine
- Timeframe: Caffeine works within 5 to 30 minutes and can last up to 12 hours
- Best for: Study sessions, long drives and demanding afternoons
- Consider: Late caffeine can cost you sleep, and sleep matters more
- Targets: Memory, processing speed and nutrient gaps
- Examples: Creatine, bacopa, DHA, vitamin B12
- Timeframe: Days to months for creatine, 12 weeks for bacopa, 6 months for DHA in trials
- Best for: Vegetarians, people over 65 and anyone who rarely eats oily fish
- Consider: You won't feel it on day one, so give it time before judging it
Which Focus Supplement Should You Choose?
How to Choose the Right Focus Supplement for You
-
Start with why your focus is slipping
- Short sleep, stress, diet gaps and age respond to different ingredients
- If you're not sure, a practitioner or your GP can help you find the cause
-
Check the label category
- Look for the AUST L number on listed medicines and verify it on the TGA's ARTG register
- Sports foods carry the statement "Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women: Should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision"
-
Look for named ingredients and full doses
- Named extracts such as CDRI 08, and a stated amount of each active, make products easy to compare with the research
- Be wary of proprietary blends that hide how much of each ingredient you get
-
Be wary of big promises
- Claims of clinical proof without a named study or extract
- Instant effects from a non-stimulant
- Claims to treat ADHD, dementia or any other medical condition
-
Give it time
- Caffeine works within minutes, creatine over days to months and bacopa over about 12 weeks
-
Check for interactions
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners, medicines for ADHD or any other prescription medicine
-
Compare cost per day, not headline price
- Powders and large capsule packs often work out cheaper per day
-
Buy from trusted Australian retailers
- Stick with established Australian stores like Mr Vitamins
- Avoid unknown or unverified international sources
Not Sure Which Supplement Suits You?
Focus problems can have many causes, and a practitioner can help you work out where to start. Find any of our practitioners in store, or book a free 10-minute call with the Mr Vitamins online team. If attention problems are affecting your work, study or school, see your GP.
Choosing a Focus Supplement
The best supplement for focus depends on why your focus is slipping. Live More You Creatine Monohydrate is our top pick for an everyday, non-stimulant base. Creatine's clearest research results are in vegetarians, people over 65 and during sleep loss, though regulators haven't yet accepted a claim that it improves thinking. Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg suits coffee and tea drinkers who want to pair them the way the research did, and Flordis KeenMind suits planning 12 weeks ahead. Herbs of Gold Triple Strength Omega 3 and Carusos Vitamin B12 Activated fill gaps if you have them, while lion's mane, ginkgo, acetyl L-carnitine and NMN have weaker or narrower evidence for focus in healthy adults. Match the ingredient to your situation, check the label, give it time, and talk to your health professional if focus problems persist.
Focus Supplement FAQs
What is the best supplement for focus and concentration?
Caffeine with L-theanine for a quick effect, and creatine for a daily base. For the quick effect, the pairing has good evidence: about 100 mg of L-theanine with 50 mg of caffeine improved attention switching within an hour [6]. For a daily, non-stimulant base, creatine monohydrate showed its clearest results in older adults and vegetarians [9] [10]. Live More You Creatine Monohydrate is our top pick for that daily base.
What are the best brain supplements for memory and focus in Australia?
Bacopa improved memory recall in trials, but only after about 12 weeks of daily use [12]. Flordis KeenMind contains the CDRI 08 extract tested in Australian trials [22]. Creatine is a lower-cost daily option, with its clearest memory effect in adults aged 66 to 76 [9].
Do focus and memory supplements really work?
Some do, for some people. Caffeine improves attention and vigilance in most people [1]. Creatine, bacopa and DHA show modest benefits in specific groups. Ginkgo showed no benefit for memory, executive function or attention in healthy adults [2], and B12 supplements haven't improved thinking in trials of older adults [3].
Is creatine good for focus and brain fog?
It may help. Reviews link creatine to better memory, attention time and processing speed [25], with clear results in vegetarians [10], adults aged 66 to 76 [9] and during sleep loss [11]. In 2024, European and UK regulators reviewed the evidence and didn't accept a cause-and-effect link with improved thinking at the intakes they assessed [21] [26]. At about 50 cents a day, our creatine is a low-cost way to try it.
What is the best natural supplement for focus without caffeine?
Creatine and bacopa are well-researched options without a stimulant. Creatine builds up over days to weeks, and bacopa over about 12 weeks [12]. L-theanine has limited research on its own, and its focus results are mostly alongside caffeine [27].
What is the best supplement for stress and focus?
L-theanine is the closest fit, though the evidence is modest. In a 4-week trial of 30 healthy adults, 200 mg a day improved some sleep scores more than a placebo, while stress and mood scores didn't improve by significantly more [8]. Paired with caffeine, it improved alertness and attention switching during demanding tasks [27].
Which mushroom supplement is best for focus?
Lion's mane is the mushroom studied for thinking, but the trials are small. Older adults with diagnosed mild memory and thinking problems improved on about 3 g a day for 16 weeks [16], and young adults were faster on one task an hour after a dose, with no clear change after 28 days [17].
What are the best supplements for studying and exams?
For the study session itself, caffeine with L-theanine [27]. Bacopa only makes sense if you start about 12 weeks before exams [12]. If you rarely eat oily fish, DHA improved memory reaction times in adults aged 18 to 45 over 6 months [14]. Sleep matters more than any of them.
Is a pre-workout good for focus?
Many pre-workouts contain caffeine, which improves attention and vigilance in most people [1]. Check the caffeine per serve on the label, count it towards the 400 mg a day most adults should stay under [5], and skip it late in the day if it affects your sleep.
Do supplements help with ADHD focus?
The evidence is weak. A Cochrane review of 37 trials found little evidence that omega-3 and other fatty acid supplements improve ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents [32]. ADHD is diagnosed and managed with your doctor, and no product on our list is intended to treat it.
Are focus supplements suitable for kids and teens?
Not usually. Most focus supplements are made for adults. Sports foods, including creatine and NMN products, are not suitable for children under 15. Talk to your GP before giving a child or teenager any focus supplement, especially if attention problems are affecting school.
What vitamin is best for brain fog and mental clarity?
Vitamin B12, but only if you're low. Deficiency is more common in older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people with some gut conditions, and trials of B12 supplements in older adults haven't shown better thinking [3]. A blood test from your GP will tell you.
What is the most effective cognitive enhancer?
For attention, caffeine is the place to start. It improves attention and vigilance in most people [1]. Prescription medicines for attention are for diagnosed conditions and are prescribed by a doctor.
How long do focus supplements take to work?
Caffeine works within 5 to 30 minutes [5], and caffeine with L-theanine was tested within the first 2 hours [27]. Creatine memory trials ran for 5 days to 24 weeks [9], bacopa needs about 12 weeks [12], and DHA was tested over 6 months [14].
Do focus supplements have side effects?
Some can, and side effects vary by ingredient. The International Society of Sports Nutrition describes creatine at up to 30 g a day for up to 5 years as well tolerated in healthy people [34]. Bacopa can cause nausea, stomach pain and diarrhoea [28], ginkgo may increase bleeding risk with blood thinners [29], carnitine at about 3 g a day can cause stomach upset and a fishy body odour [18], and too much caffeine can affect your sleep. Always read the label, and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a health condition.
Are focus supplements third-party tested?
Not always, and testing claims vary between products. An AUST L number, which six of the nine products on our list carry, shows a product is listed with the TGA, not that each batch is independently tested. If you're a tested athlete, choose products with independent banned-substance certification, such as HASTA or Informed Sport, and check them on the certifier's website.
References
- Guest NS, VanDusseldorp TA, Nelson MT, Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Jenkins NDM, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021;18(1):1. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4
- Laws KR, Sweetnam H, Kondel TK. Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 2012;27(6):527-533. doi:10.1002/hup.2259
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12: fact sheet for health professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional
- Benton D, Donohoe R. The influence of creatine supplementation on the cognitive functioning of vegetarians and omnivores. British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;105(7):1100-1105. doi:10.1017/S0007114510004733
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Department of Health). Caffeine. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caffeine
- Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2008;11(4):193-198. doi:10.1179/147683008X301513
- Giesbrecht T, Rycroft JA, Rowson MJ, De Bruin EA. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2010;13(6):283-290. doi:10.1179/147683010X12611460764840
- Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, Ishida I, Yasukawa Z, Ozeki M, et al. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2362. doi:10.3390/nu11102362
- Prokopidis K, Giannos P, Triantafyllidis KK, Kechagias KS, Forbes SC, Candow DG. Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition Reviews. 2023;81(4):416-427. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac064
- Rae C, Digney AL, McEwan SR, Bates TC. Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences. 2003;270(1529):2147-2150. doi:10.1098/rspb.2003.2492
- Gordji-Nejad A, Matusch A, Kleedörfer S, Jayeshkumar Patel H, Drzezga A, Elmenhorst D, et al. Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation. Scientific Reports. 2024;14(1):4937. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-54249-9
- Pase MP, Kean J, Sarris J, Neale C, Scholey AB, Stough C. The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2012;18(7):647-652. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0367
- Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2014;151(1):528-535. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008
- Stonehouse W, Conlon CA, Podd J, Hill SR, Minihane AM, Haskell C, et al. DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2013;97(5):1134-1143. doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.053371
- Sydenham E, Dangour AD, Lim WS. Omega 3 fatty acid for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012;(6):CD005379. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005379.pub3
- Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research. 2009;23(3):367-372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634
- Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. doi:10.3390/nu15224842
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Carnitine: fact sheet for health professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional
- Martens CR, Decker KP, DeConne TM, Sanjana F, Horvat F, Rizzi NA, et al. A phase-II randomized controlled pilot study of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2026;22(7):e71605. doi:10.1002/alz.71605
- Wu CY, Reynolds WC, Abril I, McManus AJ, Brenner C, González-Irizarry G, et al. Effects of nicotinamide riboside on NAD+ levels, cognition, and symptom recovery in long-COVID: a randomized controlled trial. eClinicalMedicine. 2025;89:103633. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103633
- EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA). Creatine and improvement in cognitive function: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2024;22(11):e9100. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2024.9100
- Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, Rodgers T, et al. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology. 2001;156(4):481-484. doi:10.1007/s002130100815
- Yang W, Huang J, Tang Z, Chen C, Sun Y. Safety and Metabolism-Related Outcomes of Oral Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2026;18(14):2251. doi:10.3390/nu18142251
- Dolan E, Gualano B, Rawson ES. Beyond muscle: the effects of creatine supplementation on brain creatine, cognitive processing, and traumatic brain injury. European Journal of Sport Science. 2019;19(1):1-14. doi:10.1080/17461391.2018.1500644
- Xu C, Bi S, Zhang W, Luo L. The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2024;11:1424972. doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1424972
- UK Nutrition and Health Claims Committee. UKNHCC scientific opinion: creatine supplementation and improved cognitive function. GOV.UK; 2024. gov.uk
- Camfield DA, Stough C, Farrimond J, Scholey AB. Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews. 2014;72(8):507-522. doi:10.1111/nure.12120
- NPS MedicineWise. KeenMind consumer medicine information. nps.org.au/medicine-finder/keen-mind
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ginkgo. nccih.nih.gov/health/ginkgo
- Gao Y, Li S, Guan J, Yin Y, Kong X, Yu L. Domain-specific effects of NAD+ precursors on fatigue and functional performance: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2026;13:1890335. doi:10.3389/fnut.2026.1890335
- Avgerinos KI, Spyrou N, Bougioukas KI, Kapogiannis D. Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Experimental Gerontology. 2018;108:166-173. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.013
- Gillies D, Leach MJ, Perez Algorta G. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023;(4):CD007986. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007986.pub3
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Things to know about complementary health approaches for ADHD for children and teens. nccih.nih.gov
- Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, Ziegenfuss TN, Wildman R, Collins R, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017;14(1):18. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
General Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.
The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. References to research reflect the current state of published evidence on individual ingredients and are not claims made about any specific product. Individual results may vary.
Products in this guide that show an AUST L number are listed on the TGA Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). TGA listing does not mean the TGA has assessed a product's efficacy or endorsed any health claim beyond those on the product's label. The creatine and NMN products are formulated supplementary sports foods, which are not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women and should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision. The lion's mane powder is sold as a food. Always verify current regulatory status for any product on the ARTG.
Certain products on this page are practitioner-only and require a prior consultation or a free member account before purchase.
Product selection and placement in this guide reflect the independent assessment of the Mr Vitamins practitioner and retail team based on ingredients, research, dose, regulatory status, format and value. No brand has paid for inclusion, placement or editorial content, including Mr Vitamins' own Live More You range. Customer reviews are shown as submitted on mrvitamins.com.au and reflect individual experiences. Prices are Mr Vitamins prices at the time of writing and are subject to change.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications or have an existing health condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any supplement. Keep all supplements out of reach of children. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.
© Mr Vitamins. All rights reserved. Content is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most current product formulations, regulatory status or research. Published: October 2026. Next review due: October 2027.
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