How to Choose a Concentration Supplement

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parts

1Looking for the Best Ingredients for You

2Figuring Out What to Buy

3Playing It Safe

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Expert Q&A

Tips and Warnings

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References

If you find your mind wandering when you should be working or studying, you might benefit from taking a concentration supplement. These cognitive enhancers have the potential to help you concentrate on the task at hand, increasing alertness and mental clarity. Start by deciding which ingredients are best for you, and then compare supplements. Also, take time to do your research and talk to your doctor so you stay safe.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Looking for the Best Ingredients for You

1. 
   1
   Try curcumin. Curcumin is the primary active ingredient in the spice turmeric. This ingredient can increase blood flow to the brain, making it easier for you to focus. Studies have shown that it increases concentration in as little as an hour after taking it.

   • In addition, curcumin may also help with stress and depression, conditions which can affect your focus.
2. 
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   Look for Acetyle-L-Carnitine (ALC or ALCAR). Some people have luck with this supplement improving concentration. It likely works by reducing fatigue, which in turn helps your concentration. Studies have shown that it can help older adults with focus.
3. 
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   Consider Alpha GPC. This supplement has been known to help some with focus and memory, and clinical trials have shown it is effective. In fact, some studies have shown that it can even help treat the effects of dementia.
4. 
   4
   Check out Bacopa monnieri. This herbal supplement is mainly used to increase focus and memory. One study showed it improved word recall better than a placebo in senior adults.
5. 
   5
   Pick citicoline for more serious problems. Like many other brain supplements, citicoline can help with focus and concentration. However, this supplement has also helped some people with severe conditions, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
6. 
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   Take ginkgo biloba only for dementia or Alzheimer's. While ginkgo biloba is commonly thought to improve concentration and memory, studies have been mixed on its effectiveness. However, studies have shown that it can help with recall in dementia and Alzheimer's patients, so using it for that purpose may be effective.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Figuring Out What to Buy

1. 
   1
   Read reviews. Once you've narrowed down what ingredients you'd like to see in your supplement, try reading reviews of similar supplements. While this method isn't scientific, you may find that people had better luck with one supplement over another.
2. 
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   Check the labels for combination supplements. If more than one ingredient sounds interesting, you may be able to find it combined with another supplement. The label will tell you how much of each active ingredient is in the supplement.
3. 
   3
   Look at the form. Some supplements are more effective in some forms than others. For instance, while curcumin is found in turmeric, taking just curcumin is often more effective. Similarly, some varieties of plants might be more effective than others, just as some parts of the plant (root verses the leaf) might be more effective.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Playing It Safe

1. 
   1
   Check for interactions. Supplements are still drugs that affect your body chemistry. They can also interact with medications you're on in harmful ways. Before you start a supplement, research the supplement to see if it interacts with anything you're on.

   • It's also important to research each ingredient to make sure it's something you want in your supplement.
2. 
   2
   Run the drug through the FDA's website. The FDA regulates supplements just like other drugs. Before starting on a supplement, look it up on the FDA's website to see if they note any negative effects for the supplement.
3. 
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   Talk to your doctor. Supplements can affect your health, just like any drug. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking a supplement. You may find it worsens one of your other health problems, for instance.
4. 
   4
   Read the label. The label will tell you how much you should take of the supplement to benefit your mental health. You can back that up with information from your doctor to ensure you're taking the right dose.

   • Also, pay attention to the expiration date, as supplements won't be as effective over time.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do you know if a supplement is good quality?

  

  David Nazarian, MD
  Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine

  Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.

  

  David Nazarian, MD

  Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine

  Expert Answer

  The main things you should look for on a supplement label are the directions for use, as well as a supplement facts panel that lists the serving size and amount, the active ingredients, and the daily recommended suggested use, or how many servings to take daily.

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• Question

  What vitamin helps with focus and memory?

  

  Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN
  Certified Nutritionist & Naturopathic Practitioner

  Anne Dunev is a certified Clinical Nutritionist, Naturopathic Practitioner, and Owner of Well Body Clinic, a wellness clinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 25 years of experience, Anne specializes in herbal medicine, functional medicine, women's health, hormonal balance, and digestion. Anne holds a BS in Health Sciences from Ohio State University and a PhD in Natural Medicine. Furthermore, Anne holds a post-doctorate certification in Applied Clinical Nutrition for the Southern California University of Health Sciences. She has taught clinical nutrition, kinesiology, and soft tissue manipulation at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London, UK. She has been a featured speaker at the International Wellness Festivals in Sun Valley, Idaho and St. Hill, UK. Anne has also been a guest on over 150 radio and television programs. She is the author of the weight-loss book called, “The Fat Fix Diet”.

  

  Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN

  Certified Nutritionist & Naturopathic Practitioner

  Expert Answer

  Try Bacopa monnieri for focus and memory. However, check with your doctor first to make sure it's safe for you.

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Tips

• Other supplements that may support brain health include rhodiola and omega 3 fatty acids.
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