When it comes to developing a healthy lifestyle, it’s no secret that eating a balanced meal can help your body and brain get the nutrients they need. However, you may wonder whether taking vitamins and supplements can actually improve your brain health over time.
Our neurologists in New York at Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. understand the concerns you may have about reducing your risk of cognitive decline. Our post below explains what you should know about the effects of multivitamins and dietary supplements on your brain.
How Vitamins and Nutrients Affect Your Brain Health
According to AARP’s 2021 survey, approximately 78% of adults over 50 take at least one vitamin or dietary supplement, with 21% of this group doing so to improve their brain health. So, why would they need brain supplements and vitamins to boost their cognitive function?
Your brain burns through about 20% of your caloric intake daily. The neurotransmitters that handle communication between your brain and your body’s cells need enough nutrients to sharpen focus, promote good memory, and maintain a stable and positive mood.
Unfortunately, brain health and memory tend to decline with age. Staying active, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining social connections can help reduce the risk of age-related memory loss. Supplements, including multivitamins, may help slow the cognitive decline of older adults whose bodies can’t fully absorb nutrients through their food.
Optimal Vitamins for Improved Brain Function
Some vitamins and supplements are more beneficial for brain function than others. These include:
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin comes from eggs, dairy, and lean meats. It’s essential for repairing DNA and producing neurotransmitters.
- Omega-3s: Omega-3s from fatty fish help reduce inflammation and build cell membranes.
- Protein: Protein is essential for thinking, cognition, memory, and other bodily functions.
- Vitamin D: The ability to absorb vitamin D from sunlight through the skin decreases with age. Vitamin D is essential for mood enhancement and cognitive function.
- Vitamin E: You can get vitamin E from spinach, almonds, and sunflower seeds. The nutrient is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and may help slow the functional decline associated with early Alzheimer’s.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is essential for circulation and neurotransmission regulation.
A recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison links about 40% of geriatric memory patients to a deficiency in at least one vitamin that contributes to brain health.
How Safe Are Vitamins and Supplements for Brain Health?
Most vitamins and supplements are safe to consume in the recommended doses to address deficiencies. However, JAMA Internal Medicine reports that about 23,000 visits to the emergency department each year stem from taking nutritional supplements, typically with toxic ingredients like stimulants, heavy metals, or steroids.
The FDA doesn’t regulate or approve most supplements because the department doesn’t treat them like pharmaceuticals. The lack of FDA regulations means that ingredients and dosage information on packaging may be inaccurate.
If you’re interested in vitamins and supplements to improve or maintain brain function, always choose high-quality products from reputable brands. Low-quality supplements may contain heavy metals or have other issues due to inadequate testing and quality assurance.
Who Needs Brain Supplements?
Determining who would benefit from dietary supplements and vitamins can be challenging without a doctor’s examination. The nutrients you need depend on various factors, including your genetics and health status. Your physician can order blood tests to check your nutrient or deficiency levels.
You should consider scheduling blood tests if you’re over 50 or if you have an autoimmune disease, diabetes, cancer, or anemia. Vegans and vegetarians may also consider getting tested because plant-based diets may make it challenging to get enough vital nutrients through food. It’s also a good idea for women who enter menopause before 50 to undergo testing due to changes in hormone levels.
Which Supplements for Memory Support Should You Avoid?
Some vitamins and supplements that claim to promote brain health are not as beneficial as they appear. For instance, ginseng from Asia has a reputation for being a potent brain booster. However, more studies are needed to confirm results, so it shouldn’t be relied on.
Caffeine pills and powders can provide a boost in energy. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases energy levels by blocking the brain’s adenosine receptors. The problem with caffeine as a supplement is that it’s easy to overdose on it, which can carry significant risks.
Need an NYC Neurologist’s Expertise To Improve Your Cognitive Function? Contact Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C.
Taking vitamins and supplements ensures that your body absorbs enough essential nutrients. Eating foods rich in vitamins and fatty acids, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, can help improve cognitive functioning. Taking brain supplements may help enhance your mental clarity and prevent memory loss over time.
If you’re looking for a board-certified NYC neurologist to help you keep your brain healthy, turn to Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. We understand the difficulty of finding the best doctor for neurology support, so we offer a wide range of services and treatments at our state-of-the-art facility.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To confirm your specific plan is accepted, please call our office or email us to verify your coverage before scheduling your appointment.
Contact Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. at (347) 602-9530 today to schedule a consultation.
Często zadawane pytania
Uncover additional details about vitamins and supplements for brain health by reading these frequently asked questions.
Is It Better To Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods or Take Vitamins and Supplements?
It’s best to ingest vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients by eating healthy food because you can balance the nutrients with healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
What’s the Most Important Nutrient for Brain Health?
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most essential nutrients for brain health. It promotes a stronger immune system and reduces inflammation and blood pressure.
What Drug Improves Memory?
There are no drugs, vitamins, or supplements that can improve a person’s memory. However, some medications may address the underlying causes of specific memory issues.
What Vitamins and Supplements Have Links to Dementia?
Low vitamin D may contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia. Vitamin B6, B12, and B9 deficiencies may also play a role.
