Vitamins, Minerals for Brain Health

Certain vitamins and minerals play critical roles in brain functioning, and consumers are often deficient in them, opening an opportunity for supplementation. In an online article, Jimmy Brownen explained the importance of focusing on key major vitamins and minerals to support brain function and deal with deficiency symptoms, which can manifest in conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Vitamin E, for example, plays a significant role in preventing the onset of dementia and Alzheimers disease by reducing oxidative stress in the brain. While several foods such as almonds and vegetable oils contain vitamin E, selecting a supplement with mixed tocopherols can supply a range of the healthy fat-soluble nutrient. Similarly, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, fighting free radical damage and possibly delaying conditions like Alzheimers disease.

The B vitamin complex supports the health of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. B12 assists in the formation of myelin, which protects the nerve sheaths; folic acid can reduce the bodys level of homocysteine, which can damage the brain in large amounts; and B6 plays a critical role in the formation of dopamine and serotonin.

On the mineral end, one of the most important macro nutrients is magnesium, which works to protect nerve cells from potentially toxic substances (neurotoxins).