10 Best Supplements for Gamers

Across generations and genres, the popularity of gaming is undeniable. And for good reason. Video games are a fun way to relax, build community, spend time with friends and even make some extra cash. Whether you're catching Pokémon, racing in Mario Kart, or venturing on a Skyrim quest, gaming challenges your mind and body in distinct ways that other hobbies don't.

"Gaming, like sports, depends on quick reactions, concentration and clear thinking, but it involves little physical effort," said Michael A. Smith, MD, Director of Education at Life Extension.

Like seasoned athletes, gamers not only need upgrades in physical equipment (ergonomic chairs, responsive controllers and keyboards, and high-quality headsets), but also support their "biological gear" otherwise known as mental focus, quick thinking, energy and even eye health.

That's where gaming supplements come in. While their effects on gaming per se hasn't been extensively studied, brain supplements for gamers may be that ace up the sleeve you need to play at a competitive level.

Even if you're not competitive, gamer supplements can help support attention and focus, mental energy, endurance, and healthy vision. Here, Dr. Smith breaks down the science behind 10 supplements that can help you level up.

Brain health supplements for gamers

Supporting quick thinking can give your gaming skills an edge. Here are three nutrients to add to your routine:

1. Nootropics:

   Well-known as focus supplements, nootropics are compounds that support enhanced learning, promote sharper mental alertness and accuracy, and help encourage faster neural processing speeds. Tied to short-term use, nootropic supplements are popular with gamers who want an extra "oomph" for those split-second decisions, Dr. Smith explained.

   If you're prepping for a particularly long session, want the upper hand in mental endurance, or just want a focus boost, a nootropic might be the supplement you need in your corner.

2. Dopamine support:

   Dopamine is crucial to regulating motivation, memory, and motor control—all good things which come from high-enjoyment activities. However, as Dr. Smith explained, in the digital space, the fast pace, constant rewards, novelty and visual stimulation of video games likely create dopamine activity in the brain. The good news is that you can support dopamine balance with wild green oat extract (Avena sativa). Taken from the stalks and leaves of the oat plant while it's still green, this nutritional supplement helps maintain healthy cognitive performance and promote healthy dopamine levels.

   "Research has shown that wild green oat extract supports mental processing time and speed," Dr. Smith explains, "as well as encouraging blood flow that's necessary for brain health." When adding gaming performance supplements to your routine, you should go green (oat).

3. B vitamins:

   Bring your "A game" to your next session with a B vitamin complex. From riboflavin (B2) to folic acid (B9), B12 and all the Bs in-between (there are 8 total), B vitamin supplements promote energy metabolism and cognitive health. Adding them to your daily routine can mean greater mental focus, quicker reaction times and more resilience against the effects of general fatigue during long gaming sessions.

   Can you get a standalone B vitamin? Sure, but as Dr. Smith explained, a B complex is a surefire way to keep your mind and body sharp because they offer the full spectrum of benefits. He also recommends choosing a formulation that delivers the biologically active forms of each B vitamin to optimize absorption and give your body what it needs to thrive.

Vision supplements for gamers

Having a sharp mind is important for gamers, but so is having sharp vision. Fortunately, with help from these ocular health superstars, you can keep your eyes on the prize (and maybe even win it).

4. Astaxanthin:

   One way gamers can support eye health is with an eye support supplement that has astaxanthin. When combined with other nutrients, this antioxidant helps protect photoreceptor cells and promote macular and retinal health, along with visual sharpness. Think of astaxanthin as the perfect combination of a blue light protector and an eye muscle shield to help keep your eyes alert, focused, and fresh.

5. Lutein and zeaxanthin:

   Lutein and zeaxanthin supplements help support your eyesight in both the real and digital worlds. "These essential carotenoids are the main components of the macular pigment of your retina, which help filter the blue light emitted from gaming monitors, televisions and mobile devices," Dr. Smith noted. Some formulations combine carotenoids with saffron extract, supporting visual acuity.

   Multiple clinical studies have shown that supplementing with saffron extract can help support vision health.

Focus supplements for long gaming sessions

Planning on defeating the final boss in one sitting, no matter how long it takes? Choosing the right gaming supplement can help support sustained energy and concentration during marathon sessions.

6. Spearmint:

   It's common to chew mint gum or pop a mint hard candy before a major test or project to help lock in—a spearmint supplement can help in the same way, but sans the sugar. Spearmint extracts are great for supporting focus and reaction time because, as Dr. Smith explained, "the special compounds in spearmint extract have been shown to support both working and short-term memory as well as reaction time and concentration."

   Pro tip: Choose a supplement that combines spearmint with ashwagandha to promote focus, concentration and a calm state of mind.

7. Acetyl-L-carnitine:

   Getting through hours of gameplay requires sustained mental and physical energy. To encourage healthy cognitive function and promote mental energy and capacity, an acetyl-L-carnitine supplement (ALCAR for short) can help you power through. A powerhouse amino acid derivative, ALCAR occurs naturally in the body to help fight general physical and mental fatigue by generating energy.

   Dr. Smith explains how this happens: "ALCAR speeds up the movement of fatty acids into mitochondria, where they can be burned as fuel to produce energy, helping support whole-body energy production." Energizing your body and mind means you can play on with greater intensity.

8. Taurine:

   One of the body's most abundant free amino acids, you'll find taurine in cells and tissues. "Taurine encourages healthy nervous system function, which is particularly useful for gamers as they navigate intense rounds of play," Dr. Smith added. While foods like canned tuna, eggs, pork, calamari, and seaweed are all excellent natural sources of this amino acid, taurine supplements are readily available in capsule and powder form and are a better way to get this nutrient than a sugary energy drink. Be sure to check with your physician before adding taurine or any other gaming supplements to your routine.

9. L-theanine:

   Gamers aren't athletes in the traditional sense, but they still need to keep their composure in high-stress situations. Enter L-theanine supplements. An amino acid in green and other teas, L-theanine has a longstanding reputation for its calming qualities. In fact, the benefits of L-theanine have been recognized globally for centuries, especially in Asian traditions. Yet, it's also well-researched and modern science shows that it supports a healthy stress response and promotes a calm, relaxed state of mind. This ancient find translates perfectly to the gaming world!

10. Rhodiola:

    Victory in any video game requires serious concentration, pattern recognition and excellent short-term memory, which can tax the mind, especially during a tournament or long Diablo nights. If your brain needs a boost in any of these areas, a rhodiola supplement might be just the supplement for you. The stress-modulating adaptogen promotes cellular energy metabolism and physical and mental performance, helping your brain adapt to the demands of (virtual) adventures.

Here's a quick overview of the best supplements for gamers:

FAQs

Can supplements help gamers stay focused longer during gameplay?

Yes, they can. However, certain key factors play a role. "Supplement effectiveness depends on the quality and type of ingredients, the gamer's individual health and nutrition, and the game's level of difficulty," Dr. Smith noted. Nootropics and supplements like spearmint extract, acetyl-L-carnitine, and rhodiola extract can help support mental performance.

Are gaming supplements more beneficial than energy drinks for focus?

Yes, they are. Dr. Smith explained that choosing supplements over energy drinks is more beneficial to in-game performance (and overall health!) in three ways:

• Healthy ingredients:

  Gaming supplements should contain minimal to no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavoring, or colors.

• Sustained focus without the crash:

  Unlike energy drinks, gaming supplements help you achieve sustained focus without the jittery, up-and-down rollercoaster of energy drinks.

• Clinical support:

  Dietary supplement ingredients from reputable sources have been researched for cognition, mental energy and acuity benefits.

References

• Huang D, et al. "Nutritional supplements to improve esports player performance: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials." J Int Soc Sports Nutr. December 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12724221/
• Stringham NT, et al. "Effects of macular xanthophyll supplementation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cognitive performance." Physiol Behav. November 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31425700/