Facts About Mind Vitamins

For years, people have supplemented their diets by taking vitamins to enhance brain function in terms of memory, or to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. According to the Brain Project organized by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, there are vitamins that may have a positive effect on the brain or mind.

Higher levels of homocysteine levels have been linked to a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, says the health department. They also say that consuming B vitamins is effective in reducing homocysteine levels and might prevent "cognitive decline and dementia."

Identification

• According to the health department, vitamin B deficiency is widely linked with dementia and "cognitive impairment." They also say that higher levels of homocysteine can contribute to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

  Vitamin B seems to lower homocysteine levels.

  Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E have also been studied for their "protective" effects against "cognitive decline."

Types

• Brain and mind health is different at various stages of life. During adulthood and before the age of 45, it normal to have reliable memory.

  Dementia or Alzheimer's disease include symptoms of forgetfulness, lack of coherent thinking or mental confusion.

  The state health department has identified vitamin B as nutrition that can lower homocysteine levels and protect both the brain (mind) and the heart. Further, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E may add additional protection by preventing oxidation, in which cells or tissues age and die off or atrophy.

Significance

• According to the health department, there are 117 million people older than 40 and 45 million who are older than 60. This aging population is more interested in health and nutrition than previous generations.

  Supplementing a diet with vitamin B or consuming healthy oils--such as those found in flax seed or fish--may all contribute to healthy brain and mind function. Preserving cognitive health for a longer period can potentially save people hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year in other medical or elder-care services.

Considerations

• Other vitamins, including essential fatty acid, have also shown promise in helping to protect brain and mind health.

  Omega-3 oils are found in flax seed and other plant oils. Omega-6 oils are found in fish, and also in linoleic acid. An optimum ratio is 1:1 to 4:1 of omega-6 oils to omega-3 oils. According to the health department, most Americans have a ratio of 20 to 1.

  Both omega-3 and omega-6 oils are known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The health department states that, in large studies, the consumption of PUFAs seems to reduce likelihood of "dementia and cognitive dysfunction."

Warning

• Do not consume megadoses of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C or E. While vitamin C is excreted daily in the urine and is not harmful, if overconsumed, it will cause diarrhea---the bowel tolerance, or absolute maximum your body can accommodate. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, and overconsumption may mean that excess vitamin E is stored in body fat---which may later create health issues.
  Instead, see your doctor or a nutritionist for specific dosages and advice.