Vitamins and brain function
Vitamins and minerals play an essential role in overall health.
You can take vitamins as supplements. Supplements are a way to ensure proper cell function when food alone doesn't provide enough nutrients.
Knowing the formulation is essential when taking vitamins for micronutrient supplementation. Every vitamin will contain different amounts and ratios.
A recent study
Most recently, researchers released a recent study proving the importance of multi-vitamins. Specifically, the importance of the brain boosting effects vitamins have in older individuals.
There were over 20, 000 participants. Over the age of 60. The study tested the use of multi-vitamins and cacao extract (contains flavonoids which are a powerful antioxidant).
Before dementia sets in, mild cognitive impairment acts as an early stage in the battle against aging deficits.
To safeguard our brain power, we need to gather tools and building blocks for a firm foundation. The proper micronutrients are crucial.
Researchers administered a baseline cognitive test to individuals. Although blood markers and testing would have been a more accurate assessment, questionnaire testing was used to assess the data points.
After being given a daily multivitamin, individuals showed substantial improvements in memory and brain processing based on pre- and post-testing.
If you are not eating foods which are dense in vitamins and minerals, you may lose out on the benefits. Maintaining a healthy balance requires specific minerals and vitamins for brain cells and structures.
After reading this study, one of the fundamental questions in my mind is whether these individuals had pre-existing deficiencies.
The general population is often lacking in some of the most crucial minerals needed for optimal brain function. Researchers estimate that more than half of the population has a magnesium deficiency because they consume less than the recommended daily amount of this vital nutrient, which plays a role in neurotransmitter regulation.
Not to leave out vitamins because they are of great importance as well. Vitamin D is deficient in over 70% of individuals who are over the age of 60. Vitamin D is crucial for growth of brain cells. Some studies have linked a lack of vitamin D to depression, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, according to researchers.
If you are going to purchase a multivitamin, make sure the minerals included are zinc, iron and calcium. Essential vitamins for brain health b12, b9, vitamin E and C.
I recommend eating these vitamins and minerals in foods so you can absorb them naturally. If you cannot consume the recommended daily amount from your food, use vitamin supplements.
I have covered in the past the 10 foods which boost brain power in a previous newsletter.
Here is a list of foods which contain a significant amount of the micronutrients with the vitamins and minerals needed improving your brain processing.
- Salmon
- Green leafy vegetables
- Dark chocolate
- Walnuts
- Avocados
- Blue berries
- Tumeric
- Brocoli
- Olive oil
- Eggs
Lab test
What are the signs that you're getting enough? Blood tests are available for checking the levels.
Unless suspected or advanced in age, standard precaution screening does not include screening for mineral and vitamin deficiencies. In my opinion, screening for vitamin and mineral deficiencies should be essential. Especially when considering the overwhelming figures of insufficient daily intake.
Summary
In pursuing a longer and healthier life, preserving brain function is essential during that uphill climb. Our focus should be on transitioning from a lack of understanding about the brain's need for essential nutrients. If you can not include the food with the required nutrients necessary for your brain cells to work well, then vitamin supplements are the name of the game. The brain is the central processing unit of our body. Maintaining the health of the organic brain is essential for preserving cognitive abilities. The body cannot function without the brain, and the same goes for overall health.