The best supplements for concentration: an honest UK guide for studying and long work days
What are the best supplements for concentration when studying or working?
No supplement is authorised in the UK to improve concentration directly. What is approved: Iron, Iodine and Zinc contribute to normal cognitive function; Vitamin B5 contributes to normal mental performance; Vitamin B12, B6 and Magnesium contribute to normal psychological function; and several B vitamins, Iron and Magnesium contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Caffeine increases alertness. For studying or long work days, sleep, regular meals, water and short breaks matter more than any supplement, and a caffeine-free option can help you avoid a late-evening crash that ruins the next day.
Approved claims most relevant to concentration and tiredness
| Approved claim (in part) | Where Grass & Co. uses it | |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Normal cognitive function; reduction of tiredness and fatigue | ENERGY |
| Vitamin B5 | Normal mental performance | FOCUS MAX gummies, DREAM |
| Vitamin B12 | Normal psychological function; reduction of tiredness and fatigue | FOCUS range, ENERGY |
| Magnesium | Normal psychological function; reduction of tiredness and fatigue | RELAX, DREAM |
| Caffeine | Increases alertness | POWER drink only |
A simple study or work-day routine
| What to do | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast, daylight, and your daily supplement if you take one | Steady start, sets your body clock |
| Work blocks | 25 to 50 minutes on one task, then a short break | Constant switching drains attention |
| Afternoon | Water and a caffeine-free drink instead of a late coffee | Protects tonight's sleep |
| Evening | Screens down, wind-down routine | Sleep is the biggest factor in tomorrow's focus |
The trade-offs
Caffeine
- Approved claim for alertness
- Works within the same day
- Late caffeine disturbs sleep
- Not suitable for everyone
Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Approved claims for cognitive function, mental performance and tiredness
- Easy daily habit
- Not a quick fix
- Help most when your diet is short of them
Get the basics right first, then choose a supplement built on vitamins and minerals with approved claims and clearly stated amounts. Use caffeine early in the day if you use it at all, and switch to caffeine-free options in the afternoon.
If you are short of a specific nutrient such as iron, a single-nutrient product recommended by your GP or pharmacist is a better fit than a blend. And if all you want is alertness for an exam morning, a cup of coffee is cheaper than any of our products.
Mentioned in this piece
Questions people ask
- Do supplements help with studying?
- No supplement is authorised to improve study performance. Iron, Iodine and Zinc contribute to normal cognitive function and Vitamin B5 to normal mental performance, which matters most if your diet is short of them.
- Is it safe to combine supplements during exams?
- Check the labels for overlapping vitamins and minerals, keep within each label's directions, and speak to a pharmacist if you take medication. Avoid 'smart drugs' sold online.
- What should I drink instead of energy drinks while studying?
- Water first. If you want something with flavour in the afternoon, a caffeine-free drink avoids disturbing your sleep.
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Grass & Co. products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not exceed the stated dose. Most products are for adults; CBD is for adults only.