With GCSEs, A-levels and end-of-year exams just around the corner, many parents are asking the same question: are there safe, evidence-based supplements that can help their child concentrate, remember more, and stay calm under pressure?
At London Mums Magazine, we set out to find answers. We asked supplement brands to send us their best brain-boost products – focusing on Lion’s Mane mushroom, nootropics, and natural focus formulas, and we tested them with three families of London students aged 14 to 19. Over four weeks, our testers used the products during revision sessions, mock exams, and high-stress study days.
Below is our complete, honest guide to what worked, what didn’t, and what parents should know before buying.
What is Lion’s Mane and why does it matter for students?
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, shaggy mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern research suggests it contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. In plain English: it could support brain cell repair, improve memory, and sharpen focus.
For a student facing weeks of intense revision, a natural supplement that aids concentration without the crash of energy drinks is very appealing. But not all Lion’s Mane products are created equal. We looked at three key factors: source (fruiting body vs mycelium), extraction method (dual-extracted is best), and dose (typically 500-3000mg per serving).
The products we tested
We received samples from eight brands. Each product was tested by at least one student volunteer, with parents logging observations on focus, energy, side effects, and ease of use.
1. Tenzing Natural Energy+ – Fiery Mango & Lion’s Mane
Format: 500ml energy drink
Key ingredients: Lion’s Mane extract, caffeine from green coffee, Himalayan pink salt, vitamin C
Price: around £2.50
This is a ready-to-drink can, which makes it very convenient for a student running between lessons. The Fiery Mango flavour is sharp and sweet, with no artificial aftertaste. Our testers reported a clean energy lift within 15 minutes – less jittery than standard energy drinks. The Lion’s Mane content isn’t huge, but combined with 80mg of caffeine (roughly one strong cup of coffee), it gave a solid two hours of focus.
Best for: Last-minute revision sessions or morning of an exam.
Watch out: Still contains caffeine, so not ideal for evening study.
2. HIFAS NEURO – Advanced cognitive support capsules
Format: Capsules (60 per bottle)
Key ingredients: Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, Rhodiola rosea, Phosphatidylserine
Dose: 2 capsules daily
Price: approx. £45
This is a serious, science-led supplement. The blend goes far beyond Lion’s Mane, combining multiple adaptogens and nootropics. Our older student testers (ages 16-18) took HIFAS NEURO for three weeks. They reported noticeably better recall during practice exams and less mental fatigue after long study blocks. The downside: it’s expensive and the capsules are large. One student disliked the mild earthy aftertaste (though you don’t chew them).
Best for: Sustained use across a full exam period.
Watch out: High price; not a quick fix.
3. Pro Plus Focus – Slow-release caffeine capsules
Format: Capsules, 10 per pack
Key ingredients: Slow-release caffeine (89mg), guarana, ginseng, zinc, vitamins B6 and B12
Price: £7.99
Available at Tesco and Amazon.
Pro Plus is a household name for tired adults, but this new Focus version is designed for steady concentration rather than a sudden jolt. Each capsule releases caffeine over several hours. Our testers liked that one capsule before a three-hour revision block kept them alert without the “buzz and crash” of coffee or energy drinks. The added B vitamins and zinc support normal cognitive function.
Best for: Long study days where you need consistent alertness.
Watch out: Still caffeine – not for evenings or caffeine-sensitive students.
4. DIRTEA Lion’s Mane Focus Gummies
Format: Gummies (60 gummies, 30 servings)
Key ingredients: 2,400mg Lion’s Mane per serving, vitamins B12 and B5, zero sugar
Price: approx. £35
These apple-flavoured gummies were a hit with all our testers. They taste like a sweet treat, not a supplement. Each serving (two gummies) delivers a high dose of organic, dual-extracted Lion’s Mane. Students reported feeling “clear-headed” and less distracted after about 45 minutes. The B vitamins help reduce tiredness. Because there’s no caffeine, they can be taken in the evening without disturbing sleep.
Best for: Daily use throughout revision weeks.
Watch out: Texture slightly chewier than sweets – but no real downside.
5. Nutravita Organic Lion’s Mane (125mg) with Black Pepper
Format: Vegan capsules, 120 per bottle
Key ingredients: Organic Lion’s Mane extract, organic black pepper for absorption
Price: approx. £18
A simpler, more affordable option. Each capsule contains 125mg of Lion’s Mane – lower than some competitors – but the black pepper (piperine) helps absorption. Our testers took three capsules per day (375mg total). Results were subtle: they felt “slightly sharper” rather than dramatically different. Good for parents on a budget.
Best for: Long-term, low-cost maintenance.
Watch out: Lower dose means you may need several capsules.
6. Grass&Co. Focus Lion’s Mane Gummies
Format: Gummies
Key ingredients: Lion’s Mane extract, B vitamins
Price: approx. £25
Similar to DIRTEA’s gummies but with a slightly lower mushroom dose. Our testers liked the taste (mixed berry) and found them convenient for taking before morning revision. Effects were noticeable but milder. Good as an entry?level product.
Best for: Younger students or those new to Lion’s Mane.
Watch out: Check the label for sugar content – some gummies contain added sweeteners.
7. Chirpy – The Mood One & The Zen One (for ages 6–18)
Format: Gummies (60 per bottle)
Ingredients: Mood One – Saffron, Zinc, Vitamin D, Acerola Cherry Extract; Zen One – English Lavender, Chamomile, Vitamin B6, B12
Price: £27.99–£29.99
Not strictly Lion’s Mane, but Chirpy targets the underlying issues of exam stress: low mood, anxiety, and poor sleep. These gummies are designed for children and teens from 6 to 18 years. Our testers (aged 14 and 15) took The Mood One for two weeks. They felt less prone to “panic spirals” before tests. The Zen One, taken an hour before bed, improved sleep quality noticeably. Parents appreciated the natural, caffeine?free formulas.
Best for: Anxious students who struggle with sleep and mood during exam season.
Watch out: Not a direct focus aid; effects build over days, not minutes.
What our student testers said (anonymised)
“The DIRTEA gummies were the easiest. I took them every morning with breakfast and felt less foggy during maths revision.” – A, age 16
“Pro Plus Focus saved me during my three-hour history study sessions. No jitters, just steady work.” – J, age 17
“HIFAS NEURO made a real difference after two weeks, but I wish it wasn’t so expensive.” – M, age 18
“The Chirpy Mood gummies helped me stop crying before my mock exams. That’s huge for me.” – L, age 15
Our top picks for the 2026 exam season
Best all-round daily focus: DIRTEA Lion’s Mane Focus Gummies
Best for long study days: Pro Plus Focus capsules
Best science-backed premium choice: HIFAS NEURO
Best for anxious students: Chirpy The Mood One + The Zen One
Best budget option: Nutravita Organic Lion’s Mane
Best instant energy drink: Tenzing Fiery Mango & Lion’s Mane
A note on safety and practical tips
Before giving any supplement to a child or teenager, please:
- Check the dosage guidance for age and weight (products vary between 6+ and 19+).
- Consult your GP, especially if your child has existing health conditions or takes medication.
- Start with a low dose to test for any allergic reactions.
- Remember that supplements are not a replacement for good sleep, hydration, and healthy food. Encourage your student to eat oily fish (omega-3), leafy greens, and whole grains alongside any supplement.
- Never exceed the recommended dose. More is not better.
After four weeks of testing with real London families, we found that Lion’s Mane and carefully formulated nootropic supplements can genuinely help students feel more focused, less tired, and better prepared for exams. Gummies and capsules were the most popular formats; energy drinks work in a pinch but should not be a daily habit.
The best product for your child depends on their specific needs – concentration, anxiety, sleep, or budget. Use our guide above to choose, and always prioritise professional medical advice.
Good luck to all students sitting exams this summer. You’ve got this.
London Mums Magazine tested these products independently. We received free samples for review purposes, but all opinions are our own. No payment was accepted for inclusion in this guide.
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Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
