Best Supplements for Cognitive Function in 2025

Mental clarity isn't a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Between screen fatigue, poor sleep, and the pressure to stay sharp at all times, it’s no surprise that cognitive health is now a top wellness priority. But while the market is crowded with brain-boosting claims, few supplements actually deliver.

At Novum, we’re focused on what works. Backed by research. Free of noise. This guide outlines the best supplements for cognitive function in 2025, helping you think clearly, move intentionally, and stay focused, without overloading your system.

🧠 Why Cognitive Health Is a Wellness Essential

Cognitive function includes memory, focus, mental energy, mood, and learning. These processes are shaped by everything from your sleep and stress levels to neurotransmitter balance and nutrient intake.

When any of those areas are off, symptoms can show up as:

  • Brain fog

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Mental fatigue

  • Low mood or motivation

  • Poor memory recall

Supplements won’t override poor habits, but they can reinforce your brain’s natural systems when used with intention.

🔬 The 5 Best Supplements for Brain Health and Focus

1. Creatine Monohydrate

Yes, creatine. The same compound you might associate with strength gains is also one of the most well-researched brain supplements available.

Creatine helps replenish ATP, your brain’s energy currency. It’s been shown to:

  • Enhance short-term memory and reaction time

  • Reduce mental fatigue

  • Support cognitive performance under stress [1]

Best for: Focus during deep work, reduced brain fog, mental stamina
Found in: [Novum Ascend Creatine Monohydrate]- pure, clean, and built for performance in all forms

2. Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium supports neurotransmitter regulation, nervous system health, and stress resilience. Magnesium Glycinate, in particular, crosses the blood-brain barrier and has calming effects that can indirectly enhance cognition.

Studies show it may:

  • Improve sleep quality (which is directly tied to brain performance)

  • Lower anxiety levels

  • Promote mental clarity and mood stability [2]

Best for: Restorative sleep, calm focus, cognitive reset
Found in: [Novum Ascend Magnesium Glycinate]

🔗 Want to understand magnesium’s broader role in stress relief? Check out our Week 1 blog on stress support supplements

3. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is an adaptogen that helps balance cortisol and reduce fatigue, both mental and physical. It’s particularly effective in high-stress, mentally demanding environments.

Research indicates Rhodiola can:

  • Improve focus under stress

  • Reduce symptoms of burnout

  • Support mood and stamina in the face of fatigue [3]

Best for: Workdays with long hours, mental pressure, performance fatigue
Consider adding: To your morning or midday routine for balanced clarity

4. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane has gained attention for its potential to support neurogenesis, the growth and repair of brain cells. It's being studied for both cognitive enhancement and long-term brain health.

It may:

  • Support memory recall

  • Enhance learning ability

  • Promote long-term cognitive resilience [4]

Best for: Brain longevity, neuroprotection, learning enhancement
Pro tip: Often taken alongside coffee or in capsules, Lion’s Mane stacks well with adaptogens like Rhodiola.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA + EPA)

While not part of Novum’s current catalog, we’d be remiss not to mention Omega-3s. DHA and EPA are crucial for brain structure, mood regulation, and cell communication.

They support:

  • Reduced cognitive decline

  • Improved mood and memory

  • Structural integrity of the brain and retina [5]

Best for: Long-term brain health, emotional balance, inflammation management
Look for: A clean, sustainably sourced fish oil with high DHA content

🧩 How to Use These Supplements Together

Cognitive function isn’t about a single magic pill, it’s a system.

Here’s a minimalist stack:

  • Morning: Rhodiola + Creatine

  • Afternoon: Lion’s Mane (if needed)

  • Evening: Magnesium Glycinate for nervous system reset

  • Daily: Omega-3s with a meal (if included in your regimen)

Keep it simple. Consistency matters more than complexity.

💡 Final Thoughts: Clarity Without the Clutter

The best supplements for cognitive function in 2025 are the ones that support your body’s natural ability to think clearly, recover deeply, and perform at its best.

At Novum, we believe performance and presence go hand-in-hand.
Every product we craft, whether for strength, focus, or recovery, is made with clarity in mind.

Explore Novum Ascend to build a focused, minimalist stack—without overloading your system. Just what your brain and body need. Nothing more.

 

References:

  1. Rae et al., 2003 – Creatine improves mental performance under stress

  2. Boyle et al., 2017 – Magnesium's effect on anxiety and cognition

  3. Darbinyan et al., 2000 – Rhodiola and mental performance

  4. Mori et al., 2009 – Lion’s Mane and neurogenesis

  5. Yurko-Mauro et al., 2010 – Omega-3s and cognitive decline prevention

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