Brain health and focus supplements, often called nootropics, are supplements used to support focus, memory and mental performance. The best-supported option for short-term focus is caffeine, ideally paired with L-theanine, while lion's mane, alpha GPC, rhodiola and omega-3 have smaller or mixed evidence.
Here is what each popular ingredient is, what the research actually shows, and who might consider it. If you have ongoing memory, concentration or mood concerns, talk to your GP first, because supplements are not the answer to every brain fog.
Brain health and focus supplements compared
| Ingredient | Studied for | Strength of evidence | Example and price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | Alertness, reaction time, attention | Strong for short-term alertness | Coffee, tea, pre-workouts |
| L-theanine (with caffeine) | Calmer focus, fewer distractions when paired with caffeine | Moderate, small studies | Best Naturals L-Theanine 200 mg, $49.95 |
| Alpha GPC | Supplies choline, used to make acetylcholine | Limited in healthy adults | Nutricost Alpha GPC 600 mg, $59.95 |
| Lion's mane | Memory and focus | Early, small studies | Life Cykel Lion's Mane+, $39.95 |
| Omega-3 (DHA) | Structural fat in the brain | No clear benefit for memory in healthy adults | NOW Omega-3 1000 mg, $39.95 |
| Rhodiola | Mental fatigue under stress | Inconclusive | Not currently stocked |
Prices are at the time of writing. "Strength of evidence" is our plain-English summary of the studies cited below, not a promise of results.
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are supplements or compounds used to support cognitive function, focus, memory and mental performance. Often called "smart supplements", they are popular with students, professionals, athletes and anyone looking for better mental clarity and productivity. They also turn up in pre-workout formulas, focus supplements and productivity stacks, making them a growing category in the supplement industry.
Why people use nootropics
People use nootropics hoping to support focus and concentration, mental energy, memory and long-term brain health, or to feel less mentally tired on long days. Some ingredients, like caffeine, have good evidence for some of these. Others are much less proven, so it pays to know which is which.
Common nootropic ingredients
Below are some of the best-known nootropic ingredients used in modern supplement formulas, with what the research says about each.
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most widely used nootropics in the world. It stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness. The International Society of Sports Nutrition's 2021 position stand found caffeine reliably improves alertness, attention and reaction time, as well as exercise performance. It is found in coffee, tea, pre-workouts, energy drinks and focus formulas.
More is not better. High doses can cause jitters, a racing heart, anxiety and poor sleep, so start low, read the label and avoid caffeine in the hours before bed. If you are pregnant, have a heart condition or take regular medication, check with your GP before using caffeine supplements.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea. It is often paired with caffeine because it may help promote calm focus without jitters. In a 2008 study of 27 adults, 50 mg of caffeine with 100 mg of L-theanine improved accuracy when switching between tasks and reduced distraction compared with a placebo. Studies are small, but the combination is one of the better-researched nootropic pairings.
Best Naturals L-Theanine 200 mg gives 200 mg per tablet, with 120 tablets a bottle (about $0.42 a tablet). Many people simply take it with their morning coffee.
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is a popular nootropic ingredient that provides choline, which the body uses to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a role in memory, learning and muscle control, which is why Alpha GPC is often included in nootropic pre-workouts and focus supplements. However, most alpha GPC research has been in older adults, and studies in healthy young people are small and limited, so any focus or mind-muscle benefit is unproven.
Nutricost Alpha GPC 600 mg gives 600 mg per two-capsule serve. The 60-capsule bottle (30 serves) is $59.95, or the 120-capsule bottle is $89.95.
Lion's mane mushroom
Lion's mane is a mushroom that has become popular in modern nootropic supplements for its potential to support brain health. The evidence is early. A small 2009 trial in 30 older Japanese adults with mild memory problems found 3 g a day of lion's mane powder improved cognitive test scores over 16 weeks, but the scores dropped again after they stopped. A 2023 pilot study in 41 healthy young adults found a single 1.8 g dose sped up one attention task, but 28 days of use did not clearly improve memory or focus.
Good to know: Life Cykel Lion's Mane+ combines lion's mane mycelium and fruiting body with Kakadu plum, which is a different preparation from the powders used in the studies above, so check the species and amounts on the bottle. It is a liquid extract sold as a flavouring for coffee or smoothies, contains alcohol, and gives about 30 serves in the 60 ml bottle ($39.95) or 60 serves in the 120 ml bottle ($59.95). Browse more options in our mushroom supplements range.
Omega-3 (DHA)
DHA is an omega-3 fat that forms part of the structure of the brain, and you get it mainly from oily fish. That makes it important for the brain, but taking more does not seem to sharpen memory in healthy people. A Cochrane review of trials in more than 3,500 healthy older adults found omega-3 supplements taken for six months to over three years did not improve cognitive function compared with placebo.
Fish oil still makes sense if you rarely eat oily fish, for general health. NOW Omega-3 1000 mg gives 360 mg EPA and 240 mg DHA per two-softgel serve. Compare more options in our best fish oil guide.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to support energy, endurance and mental performance. Some small studies suggest it may help with mental fatigue during stressful periods, but a 2011 systematic review of 11 trials called the evidence inconclusive. We do not currently stock a standalone rhodiola product.
Who should consider nootropics?
Nootropics may suit people looking to support mental performance, such as students preparing for exams, professionals working long hours, athletes who want sharper focus in training, and gamers or esports competitors. Start with the basics first: enough sleep, regular meals, hydration and exercise all have a bigger effect on focus than any capsule.
Talk to your GP or pharmacist before trying nootropics if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, take medication (especially for mood, blood pressure or blood thinning), or are worried about your memory. Memory changes can have medical causes that need checking.
When should you take nootropics?
Timing depends on the ingredient. Many people take nootropics in the morning, before studying or work, or before training. Anything with caffeine is best taken earlier in the day so it does not interfere with sleep. Lion's mane and omega-3 are usually taken daily with food, and the studies ran for weeks to months rather than giving instant results.
Final thoughts: which brain health supplement should you choose?
Our pick for focus is simple: caffeine from coffee or tea, paired with L-theanine if caffeine alone makes you jittery. If you are curious about lion's mane or alpha GPC, try them with realistic expectations, as the research is still early. Omega-3 is worth taking for general health if you eat little oily fish, rather than as a memory booster.
As with any supplement, choose clearly labelled products from trusted brands and use them as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, sleep and regular exercise. Browse our full brain health range and focus and energy supplements.
Shop the products in this guide
Best Naturals L-Theanine 200 mg 120 tablets$49.95
Life Cykel Lion's Mane+ 60 ml$39.95
Nutricost Alpha GPC 600 mg 60 capsules$59.95
NOW Omega-3 1000 mg 100 softgels$39.95
Browse all brain health supplements and focus and energy supplements.
FAQs
What is the best supplement for focus?
Caffeine has the strongest evidence for short-term alertness, attention and reaction time. Pairing it with L-theanine may give calmer focus with fewer jitters, based on small studies. Other popular nootropics such as lion's mane and alpha GPC have early or limited evidence. Sleep, regular meals and exercise still make the biggest difference to day-to-day focus.
Does lion's mane really work?
The research is early. A small trial in older adults with mild memory problems found lion's mane improved test scores over 16 weeks, and a 2023 pilot in healthy young adults found one faster attention result but no clear benefit after 28 days. Larger studies are needed. Many products also use different species and amounts from those studied, so check the label.
Is it safe to take L-theanine with coffee?
For most healthy adults, yes. L-theanine is found naturally in tea, and studies have tested it alongside caffeine without serious side effects. Follow the label dose and keep your total caffeine moderate. If you are pregnant, take medication for blood pressure or mood, or have a medical condition, check with your GP or pharmacist first.
Does omega-3 improve memory?
DHA is an important structural fat in the brain, but a Cochrane review found omega-3 supplements did not improve memory or thinking in healthy older adults over six months to three years. Fish oil is still a sensible choice for general health if you rarely eat oily fish. It is just not a proven memory booster.
Can teenagers take nootropics?
We do not recommend nootropic or caffeine supplements for anyone under 18 without advice from a GP. Teenagers are more sensitive to caffeine, and most nootropic research has been done in adults. Good sleep, regular meals, exercise and limiting energy drinks are the safest ways for young people to support focus while studying.
Where can I buy brain health supplements in Australia?
You can buy brain health and focus supplements online at Supps247 with Australia-wide delivery, free shipping on orders of $99.99 or more and Afterpay at checkout. You can also use click and collect or visit a Supps247 store in Victoria or Queensland (stock varies by store).
Sources: Guest et al. (2021), ISSN position stand on caffeine and exercise performance; Owen et al. (2008), L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance; Mori et al. (2009), lion's mane and mild cognitive impairment; Docherty et al. (2023), lion's mane in healthy young adults; Sydenham et al. (2012), Cochrane review of omega-3 and cognitive function; Hung et al. (2011), rhodiola systematic review; product labels and brand nutrition panels, checked October 2026.
Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $99.99 or more, with Afterpay available at checkout. You can also use click and collect at a store that offers it, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person. Members can use our member price match on full-priced items.
Prices and stock were checked on 29 October 2026 and can change at any time. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.
