Do Gaming Supplements Work?

The remarkable rise of gaming and esports has transformed competitive and recreational video gaming from a niche hobby into a mainstream trend. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Americans engage in video gaming every week, according to Circana, establishing it as the top form of entertainment in the U.S. 

With the surge in dedicated gamers has come a growing demand for tools designed to give players a competitive edge over their online rivals, leading to a major boom in gaming supplements. However, do they actually work?

What do they claim to do?

For any serious gamer, sharp focus and sustained energy are essential for success, and most gaming supplements promise to enhance these qualities. Many supplements go even further by suggesting they will enhance cognitive performance, helping gamers devise smart strategies and execute complex moves.

By temporarily boosting these attributes, gaming supplements offer those who have reached their ceiling from consistent practice a way of achieving a new level of gameplay.

However, as with the consumption of any supplement, the potential benefits of gaming supplements will depend on what brand the gamer chooses and the specific ingredients said brand uses.

Will they actually work?

While popular gaming supplements may differ in certain ways, most tend to share a set of core ingredients:

Caffeine

Caffeine, one of the most extensively researched ergogenic aids, stimulates the central nervous system, helping gamers stay alert and focused during long gaming sessions by reducing fatigue. Studies have shown that by increasing adrenaline levels, caffeine enhances endurance, allowing for sustained mental and physical performance.

L-theanine 

One potential downside of caffeine is its tendency to cause jitteriness due to increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which could lead to gamers making crucial mistakes. However, when combined with caffeine, L-theanine, often included in supplements via green tea, balances out the jitteriness by limiting caffeine’s vasoconstriction efforts.

A randomised trial from 2019 found that L-theanine can also reduce stress while simultaneously improving focus, making it invaluable to gamers often faced with high-pressure scenarios. The trial also revealed that these benefits are heightened when L-theanine is consumed alongside caffeine. 

L-tyrosine 

L-tyrosine helps alleviate cognitive fatigue brought on by stress by keeping neurotransmitter levels stable. A 2013 study revealed that individuals engaged in mentally demanding tasks experienced improved working memory when taking L-tyrosine, highlighting its ability to help gamers better handle high-stress problem-solving situations.

Ginseng

Ginseng, a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, is widely recognized for its adaptogenic properties. Not only can it effectively boost energy levels and reduce fatigue, but several studies have also demonstrated that it can enhance cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain and reducing oxidative stress. In doing so, it improves mental clarity, allowing for quicker decision-making when gaming.

B vitamins

The eight B vitamins, which do not all appear in gaming supplements, support various bodily functions. For instance, these vitamins can enhance cognitive performance while also significantly boosting energy levels, helping players stay sharp and focused during intense gaming sessions.

Choline

Choline is an important nutrient that is critical for brain development and function as it helps produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning. Consequently, in gaming, where the memorization of complex strategies is required, choline can be game-changing. 

The Bottom Line

With the inclusion of these research-backed ingredients, gaming supplements should do exactly what they say on the tin. While this will not lead to the average gamer becoming the next esports superstar, it will help them to gain a slight advantage over their online competitors, hopefully bringing about improved results. 

However, it is important to note that ingredients found in supplements may have different effects according to the individual consuming them. 

If you are interested in creating a bespoke gaming supplement with our team of formulation scientists, please send us an enquiry.