What Vitamins Are Good for Memory?
Having a good memory is important to everyone. Keeping the brain stimulated helps keep memories strong along with a healthy lifestyle. Vitamins are key components in helping to bolster memory power. Aging requires more vitamins to assist with keeping the brain strong and cells repairing themselves. Supplementing your diet with key vitamins will help ensure your memory will stay active for years to come.
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Vitamin B3
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Vitamin B3, or niacin, is water soluble and part of the group of B vitamins that are beneficial to a healthy body. There have been a few tests conducted as to the abilities of vitamin B3 on memory. According to Michael Mooney, health consultant, studies show that niacin given in doses of 425 mg per day can improve memory up to 40 percent. Vitamin B3 helps to create healthy functioning of the enzymes that stop brain toxins that affect normal healthy brain metabolism and clear thinking.
Vitamin B9
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Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is also water soluble and part of the B vitamin family. It supports proper adrenal functions, and helps calm and maintain a healthy nervous system. Andrew Weil, M.D., feels vitamin B9 is essential for human growth and that it encourages proper brain functioning. Folic acid may also play a role in helping to slow memory loss associated with aging. Dr. Weil suggests taking 400 mcg of vitamin B9 a day.
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Vitamin E
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Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that is beneficial for overall health and brain functions. Tufts University finds vitamin E can assist with keeping the memory alert as we age. Brain cells use lots of oxygen, and vitamin E helps keep the body oxygenated and cells healthy and happy in the brain. Vitamin E has been linked to helping keep the blood vessels clear through its ability to slow cholesterol formation. It is thought, if it is able to assist with blood vessels in the heart, it may do the same for the brain's vessels, keeping Alzheimer's disease at bay and memory function strong.
Vitamin C
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Vitamin C is another strong antioxidant that helps heal the body and keep the skin, teeth and bones strong. Vitamin C is water soluble, so the body needs to replenish it often. Most fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C naturally. Mary N. Haan of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan stated that participants in studies who were taking vitamin C scored higher on short-term verbal memory tests, especially women.
Expert Insight
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Dr. Patsi Krakoff finds that taking vitamins daily is a beneficial way to encourage memory health. Many times, diets are lacking in vitamins. Taking supplements will assist with maintaining brain health. She also feels that B vitamins in general are helpful in keeping the brain strong and preventing memory loss.
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