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Nootropics, often referred to as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, are supplements and substances designed to support brain function.
While prescription stimulants are commonly used for ADHD, there is growing interest in natural alternatives that may help improve stress, focus, memory and mental clarity. These range from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts and amino acids, each with varying effects on the brain’s neurotransmitters and cognitive pathways.
This can include herbal supplements like Lion’s Mane, Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola Rosea, as well as compounds like L-Theanine and prescription medications such as Modafinil. Many nootropics work by increasing blood flow to the brain, supporting neurotransmitters, or reducing brain fog, making them popular among those with ADHD looking for non-stimulant ways to improve focus and productivity.
How can nootropics help with ADHD?
ADHD affects concentration, impulse control, and energy regulation. While medications are widely prescribed, not everyone benefits from them. Studies indicate that up to 40 per cent of patients don’t experience significant improvements, leading many to explore alternative solutions. Which is why interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing rapidly.
According to the IMARC Group, the UK’s CAM market is projected to grow by 15.6 per cent between 2024 and 2032 as more people look towards natural, holistic options for managing ADHD. Nootropics therefore may offer a potential complementary approach by targeting brain function through natural means.
Lynsey Vaughan, a nutritionist with the all-natural supplement brand Higher Nature, says: “While traditional treatments remain vital for many, the growing body of research into natural supplements offers hope for those seeking alternative solutions. ADHD is a complex, multifactorial condition so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Supplements can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive ADHD management plan, but it’s always important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen. The rise in ADHD diagnoses has opened the door to fresh perspectives and innovative approaches, making this an exciting time to explore how nature’s remedies can support mental health and well-being.”
What should you look for when buying nootropics?
Dave Wright, director of the nootropic brand Mind Lab Pro, explains: "To have the best experience with nootropics – don’t skimp on research. Pay close attention to ingredients and quality. Look for proven formulas rooted in science. Be confident you’re getting what you pay for. Avoid products containing caffeine or stimulants to amplify impact and mask otherwise cheap, ineffective formulas.”
He continues, "Go in with realistic expectations and a long-term approach. The best nootropics supply ‘raw material’ brain nutrients and deliver results that accumulate subtly over time. Think of it as healthy eating – you feel the benefit immediately after consuming healthy food. But the most benefit comes with consistency over weeks, months, and years. Before starting any supplement program, it’s always recommended to consult your doctor first. Especially if you’re taking any regular medications, you should show your doctor a list of the vitamins and ingredients contained within a nootropic.”
How we tested
As someone with ADHD, I know how challenging it can be to maintain mental clarity and focus. So, along with the ES Best Shopping team, I tested these nootropics, looking at key factors to see how well they supported my concentration.
First, we looked at how each product helped sustain focus without causing jitteriness or crashes. We also assessed their impact on mental clarity and whether they reduced brain fog. Since caffeine often disrupts my sleep, we paid close attention to how each nootropic affected rest, ensuring they didn’t interfere. Finally, we prioritised natural ingredients, going for products that felt safe and didn’t rely on synthetic additives or excessive stimulants.
Read on for the best nootropics for ADHD.
Heights Vitals+
We’re a sucker for good branding, which Heights certainly has in doses – just look at the packaging – but these all-in-one multivitamins have the science to back it up (330+ scientific studies, no less).
As the ultimate supplement for those who strive for peak performance in every aspect of their lives, they serve up essential vitamins, minerals and nootropics to enhance mental clarity, boost energy levels and support overall well-being. A secret weapon in your vitamin arsenal.
Buy now £40.00, Heights
London Nootropics Flow Coffee
Packaged in a letter box-friendly box, the London Nootropics Flow Coffee wins points on the style front. The ingredients are a mix of barista-style coffee, dual-extracted lion’s mane and Rhodiola rosea (a medicinal plant traditionally used to reduce anxiety and fatigue).
Flavour-wise, each brew is smooth and well-rounded.
Buy now £12.00, London Nootropics
Protein Works Endless Nootropic
The Protein Works Endless Nootropic is designed to boost mental performance and focus. If you need a mental edge during workouts or just want to stay sharp throughout the day, this is the supplement for you.
It’s clean, smooth and works within half an hour. It tastes just like juice, but I did feel a boost from it and it can even help you stay in the zone for the 3pm office slump.
Buy now £22.49, Protein Works
Brite Starter Pack Nootropic Drinks
Using neuroscience, Brite has formulated its nootropic drinks collection in which there are four flavours to choose from. In the starter pack, you have the opportunity to sample the three sparkling beverages that include pineapple mango, lemon-lime and raspberry mint.
The nootropics are derived from natural ingredients so you will find slow-releasing caffeine from functional plants and seeds that acts as a stimulant and energy boost. There is also the amino acid L-theanine that has been selected for its ability to calm anxiety, encourage balance and as a counterpart to prevent the jitters often associated with caffeine.
Buy now £48.00, Amazon
Puresport Mind & Body Mushroom Blend Nootropic Capsules
If your year has been a whirlwind of late nights and early mornings and your immune system needs a boost, these nootropic capsules from Puresport, with six medicinal mushrooms, will give you the energy you’re craving. The premium quality adaptogens and nootropics are created to optimise focus and memory.
A different kind of magic mushrooms, the natural nootropics of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Maitake, help with brain function and some medical experts suggest there are benefits for memory conditions like ADHD, Alzheimers and Parkinson's.
Buy now £35.00, Amazon
Battle Ready Fuel Fast Focus Nootropic Blend
Prefer to drink your Nootropics? Take the Battle Ready Fuel Fast Focus Nootropic Blend, just like a protein shake, in the mornings after your workout for a razor-sharp focus start to your day.
The Orange and Mango powder is mixed with water to create a ready-to-drink shake - complete with ingredients like niacin which will help power up your mind and the ashwagandha herb to help you face stressful situations head-on. The powder also contains pantothenic acid, which helps your brain build new neurotransmitters.
Buy now £34.99, Battle Ready Fuel
Motion Nutrition Day Time Nootropic Power Up 60 Vegan Capsules
Motion Nutrition has two different types of nootropics: daytime and nighttime. If you’re really in need of a mental fix, it’s worth investing in both. The daytime Power Up capsules are our favourite of the two, designed to improve mental performance and up your energy levels in a way that’s strangely peaceful, in contrast to their 18 powerful ingredients.
Some of those active ingredients include vitamin B5, which contributes to normal mental performance, biotin, which aids in normal psychological function, iron for cognitive function, and vitamins B6 and B12 for the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Take one capsule in the morning and wave goodbye to that post-lunch tiredness.
Buy now £23.79, Cosmetify
Qualia Mind Nootropics
Qualia Mind is produced by a brand called “Neurohacker Collective” which should give you some indication as to just how powerful these nootropics are. Sure, they’re not the cheapest on the market. But the clarity, mental energy and internal drive that seems to spring to life after taking these for a while is almost unparalleled.
Feeling a little drained recently? These are a brilliant solution to getting back into gear. Qualia Mind is the result of thousands of hours of research and development by a long list of researchers and doctors, pulling together an impressive list of results without any jittery bursts or crashes.
Buy now £139.00, Amazon
Dirtea Lion’s Mane Gummies
Lion’s Mane, known as the focus mushroom, can support with concentration, helping you tackle tasks with ease. Paired with vitamin B12 and B5, it can reduce fatigue and provide sustained, calm energy throughout the day.
Plus, the gummies are a convenient, delicious option for busy lifestyles, making them easy to incorporate into your routine.
Buy now £25.94, Dirtea
