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Vitamins for Children to Improve Concentration
Many children may have trouble focusing and concentrating on a certain subject or task. Factors that contribute to this can be lack of proper rest and nutritional needs. Fortunately, there is a variety of vitamins, supplements and minerals that can potentially help improve concentration in children 4. There isn't enough evidence to support these vitamins and supplements effect on concentration 4.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin is one of the eight B vitamins 1. It helps to convert carbohydrates into glucose for the body, which is then burned to make energy. It helps to metabolize amino acids, fats and protein. It also ensures that the nervous system is functioning properly. Vitamin B12 is important for the body as it helps to maintain healthy nerve cells and aid in the production of DNA and RNA, the genetic material in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Vitamin B12 assists in creating red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body and to the brain 1. Without enough of this vitamin, the brain may not receive the proper amount of oxygen it requires, resulting in a child becoming tired or weak, having an effect on their concentration 1.
Ginkgo biloba
Vitamins for Mental Clarity
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Ginkgo biloba is a tree spice and has been used as a supplement in herbal medications and is one of the most popular memory nutrients available 3. It has been used to as medicine to treat disorders and enhance memory, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It improves the nervous and circulatory system, resulting in an increased blood supply and oxygen to the brain, which helps to improve clarity and memory. It also assists in increasing alertness, according to Herbal-Supplements-Guide 4. Like taking all supplements, you should ensure to be under the supervision of a health care professional as side effects can occur 4. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, reports of internal bleeding occur when taking gingko.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal development of the body 1. As it is water-soluble, it leaves your body through urination and you need have a continuous supply of it. It produces a protein called collagen, which is used to make scar tissue, ligaments and skin, according to MedlinePlus 2. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin, as it contains antioxidant properties 1. As a result, it can help in fighting off free substances called free radicals, that occur when our food is transformed into energy. Free radicals can cause a variety of health conditions and causing damage to organs that perform regular cognitive functions.
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References
- UMM: Vitamin B12
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin C
- UMM: Ginkgo biloba
- Herbal-Supplements-Guide
- Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12. Updated 2020.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. 2020.
- Coppen A, Bolander-Gouaille C. Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12. J Psychopharmacol. 2005;19(1):59-65. doi:10.1177/0269881105048899
- Kannan R, Ng MJ. Cutaneous lesions and vitamin B12 deficiency: an often-forgotten link. Can Fam Physician. 2008;54(4):529-532.
- Markišić M, Pavlović AM, Pavlović DM. The impact of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels on functional outcome after first-ever ischaemic stroke. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:5489057. doi:10.1155/2017/5489057
- Harvard Health. The A list of B12 foods.
- Harvard Health. Getting enough vitamin B12. 2020.