In our fast-paced, information-saturated world, maintaining mental clarity with the best foggy brain supplements is more important than ever. Whether you have a demanding job, academic challenges, or just the ups and downs of everyday life, a foggy brain can be a frustrating roadblock. Fortunately, there's a growing market of cognitive enhancers and brain-boosting supplements with B vitamins, that are designed to help you regain your mental sharpness.
This article will delve into the best foggy brain supplements available today, offering you an expert insight into the best choices for enhancing your cognitive function and banishing the mental haze.
The best foggy brain supplements at a glance:
• Best capsule foggy brain supplement: Holland and Barrett Tribiotics Mind Balance - View now on Hollandandbarett.com
• Best powder foggy brain supplement: Bioglan Superfoods Brain Boost - View now on Hollandandbarrett.com
• Best foggy brain supplement with Omega 3: Efamol Efalex Brain Formula - View now on Boots.com
What is brain fog?
Individuals who are experiencing brain fog may find it difficult to focus, remember things, or make decisions in the same way they usually would. London-based Dietary Counsellor Andrew Petrou, clears up the confusion on brain fog.
"Brain fog is not a formal medical diagnosis, but an umbrella term for cognitive (thinking and memory) difficulties. Brain fog can arise from specific environmental factors, like stress or sleep deprivation, or be a symptom of an underlying health condition (diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, viral infection). It can also be a side effect of a medication (steroids, sleeping tablets, etc).
"It's usually a constellation of factors such as forgetfulness or short-term memory loss, difficulty organising tasks, multi-tasking, difficulty finding right words or processing what others have said," says Andrew. This explains why the term brain fog can be misleading, as it's a non-specific symptom and its underlying cause can vary from person to person.
The best foggy brain supplements to buy
Best capsule foggy brain supplement
www.hollandandbarrett.com
The Holland and Barrett Tribiotics is a triple-action biotic complex with clinically studied live strains of gut bacteria within it. Its blend of six tailored bacteria strains, ashwagandha for mental relaxation, and Vitamin B12 for psychological function, makes it the perfect choice for anyone wanting to quieten their mind. What's most interesting about these supplements is they target your gut health to help with a foggy brain as the brain and gut are linked physically, via the vagus nerve. Not only thing but gut microbes transmit information to your brain via neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids, and amino acids too.
What all of this means is that microbiome balance is crucial for your overall health and brain health, and this supplement enriches your gut with live bacteria and essential nutrients, fostering microbiome harmony and mental wellbeing.
Pros
- Tribiotic with three different types of bacteria for maximum potency
- Each of the three types of bacteria is clinically studied, so you know that what you're getting is scientifically-approved
- Suitable for vegetarians
Cons
- Not your typical supplement for foggy brain symptoms as it tackles gut health too, which might not be for everyone
| Format: | Capsules |
| Size: | 60 Capsules |
| Serving size: | Two a day |
| Vitamin content: | B12 |
- Customer review: "I take one of these Tribiotics every morning. I feel so much better for taking them. I'm a big believer of looking after your gut. I feel full of energy. Definitely give these a go!"
Best powder foggy brain supplement
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Packed with a potent blend of natural ingredients known for their brain-boosting properties, the Bioglan Superfoods Brain Boost offers a convenient and effective way to nourish your mind. With ingredients like ginseng, which is a adaptogen and L-Tyrosine (amino acid), and the memory-enhancing properties of cordyceps, the Brain Boost formula is on a mission to sharpen focus, improve memory and promote mental clarity.
Bioglan's commitment to quality ensures that you receive a high-quality supplement to help you perform at your mental best. This makes it a great choice for those seeking to optimise their cognitive function and brain health, in the format of a powder.
Pros
- Easy-to-take powder format if you don't like swallowing capsules
- Enlivened with unique ingredients like Lion's Mane, Cordyceps and Ginseng for cognitive results
- Can be enjoyed in smoothies, porridge and other recipes
Cons
- Small packet size (70g) for the price
| Format: | Powder |
| Packet size: | 70g |
| Serving size: | 5g |
| Vitamin content: | B5, B6, B12, B9 |
- Our review: "My favourite way to get the Bioglan Brain Boost into my diet is by sprinkling 5g into my porridge once cooked, or adding it to smoothies. I've been using the powder for just under a couple of weeks now and I have noticed subtle differences in my tiredness levels. Since using Brain Boost I've felt less tired and mentally exhausted.
"I like the way its powder form means you don't even really know you're taking it, especially when adding the supplement to your food. I'm looking forward to trying this product for a couple more weeks." Tried & Tested by Heath & Fitness Writer, Gemma Lavers.
Best foggy brain supplement with Omega 3
www.boots.com
The Efamol Brain Formula contains a blend of fish oil and evening primrose oil, including Omega 3 fatty acids. Suitable for both adults and children over the age of five, its supplements are backed by decades of research and are made in the UK using a natural, bioavailable form preserved with vitamin E for freshness. It's also essential to mention that Efamol only use the triglyceride form of Omega 3, as this is what the body recognises and digests the easiest.
Pros
- Easy to swallow tablets, making them perfect for children, and adults who don't enjoy taking tablets
- Made in the UK and tested for quality so you know what you're putting into your body
- Backed by research - the Efalex Brain Formula was used originally to demonstrate the importance of Essential Fatty Acids
Cons
- Cannot be used by children under five
- Four capsules a day is difficult to fit into some lifestyles
| Format: | Capsules |
| Size: | 240 Capsules |
| Serving size: | Four a day |
| Vitamin content: | E |
- Customer review: "I recommend Efamol Efalex Brain Formula to my patients to aid memory, improve concentration and focus. Patients have always given positive feedback and I personally think my concentration improves whilst taking Efalex more than other similar products."
Best foggy brain supplement with subscription plan
uk.mindlabpro.com
Mind Lab Pro is a top-tier nootropic that caters to every aspect of cognitive function. Its comprehensive formula includes ingredients like Lion's Mane mushroom, bacopa monnieri and citicoline, all known for their extensive cognitive benefits. Mind Lab Pro supports memory, focus, mood and overall brain health, making it a stellar choice for those seeking an all-in-one solution. Not forgetting it's available on a subscription plan, so you can get a one-month, two-month or four-month supply.
Pros
- Claims to begin working in 30 minutes, meaning you can start seeing the benefits instantly
- Suitable for vegans
- Available on a subscription plan so you won't forget to re-order your monthly supply
Cons
- Slightly higher price point than other foggy brain supplements on our list
| Format: | Capsules |
| Size: | 60 Capsules |
| Serving size: | Two a day |
| Vitamin content: | B6, B9, B12 |
- Customer review: "I have tried other products but Mind Lab Pro has been the most effective. I feel sharper and my memory is better. I have recommended this product to friends and neighbours too."
Best foggy brain supplement for improving memory
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Formulated by experts, the Vitabiotics Neuromind Plus is an advanced supplement containing a comprehensive blend of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and Omega three fatty acids. These ingredients are known for their positive impact on cognitive health, memory and mental clarity. Neuromind Plus goes beyond your average foggy brain supplements by including coenzyne Q10 and phosphatidylserine, and other vital compounds that support overall vitality.
Pros
- Supports the regulation operation of the nervous and psychological systems
- The dual pack includes a micronutrient tablet and a high-purity Omega-3 capsule
- No need to take any additional multivitamins, as everything you need is in these capsules
Cons
- Can take over one month to feel any benefits
| Format: | Capsules |
| Size: | 56 Capsules |
| Serving size: | Two tablets, once a day |
| Vitamin content: | B6, B3, B12, B1, C |
- Customer review: "I’m always sceptical when trying any new supplements so there is a high bar to be met, but I can honestly say Neuromind Plus has helped with my menopausal foggy brain. I feel more tuned in, on the ball and able to think things through clearly which is much needed for in my job. Very pleased with the product."
FAQs: Foggy brain supplements
What are the best vitamins or minerals required for a strong brain?
A well-balanced diet rich in various vitamins and minerals is key to maintaining a strong and healthy brain. Andrew highlights some of the essential vitamins and minerals that play important roles in brain health:
Anti-oxidants
"The most effective supplement for your body is anti-oxidants, particularly alpha-lipoic acid. This is one of the master anti-oxidants of the body but is particularly effective for brain health as it has been shown to be able to cross the blood brain barrier. Another master anti-oxidant is glutathione.
Omega 3
"Omega 3's are crucially important. If your focus is brain health, look out for Omega 3's that are high in DHA. This component of omega 3 is the most abundant in the brain.
B Vitamins
"You may also consider all the B vitamins, but in particular vitamin B12, particularly if you are on steroid medication or vegetarian.
Gingko
"Although technically not a vitamin or a mineral, gingko is well-known and well-researched to aid in blood circulation."
Which vitamin is best for brain memory?
Andrew continues to share his thoughts on the best vitamin for memory.
"This might not be what you want to hear, but there is none. The best approach is a little of everything, with an emphasis on a combined approach, this includes diet, lifestyle and the best foggy brain supplements."
Other than supplements, how else can I improve my mental sharpness?
Improving mental clarity goes beyond supplements and involves a holistic approach to overall brain health and cognitive function. Andrew shares some easy ways to enhance your mental sharpness.
"No matter your age, the best way to combat memory decline is to eat well and exercise your body and brain. The Mediterranean diet has been cited as a way to improve memory, as it is a good source of all the vitamins your body needs. The hallmarks of the diet include lots of plant-based foods, limiting red meat, eating fish, and using liberal amounts of olive oil to prepare meals.
"Diets that are similar to the Mediterranean diet include the MIND DIET, as well as the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet. The MIND diet emphasises the consumption of green, leafy vegetables and plant-based food, in addition to the high protein and olive oil recommendations of the Mediterranean diet. There is promising research on this long term, dietary approached lifestyle in preventing Alzheimer's."
About the expert
Andrew Petrou, M. Ost, MA (Psych), DC, BTEC L4, is a practising Osteopath and a Registered Dietary Counsellor based in London. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology as well as several advanced qualifications in Anatomy and Physiology. Andrew has over ten years of experience working in the health and fitness industry.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.