Many people are taking memory vitamins these days, and you’re probably wondering why exactly everyone’s taking them and also, and most importantly, what it is about these vitamins that make them so-called memory vitamins. You probably heard a lot about using vitamins for general health as a child; Mom always said ‘You have to get your vitamins!’ Right? But Mom never said that vitamins were for memory, she always said they would make you grow and keep you from getting sick. What do the makers of memory vitamins know that Mom didn’t?
Using vitamins for memory has only recently come onto our radar as researchers and alternative health professionals discover more about the effects that vitamins, minerals and herbs can have on memory and other mental capacities. While a multi-vitamin is good for anybody, there are specific vitamins for memory, some of which also positively affect concentration and prolong the amount of time that one is able to focus. However, the most effective way to reap the positive benefits of such memory vitamins is to take them in a cocktail form that includes the vitamins, herbs, extracts and minerals that all work together to get you the best result possible.
Some vitamins for memory are vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 of the B-complex vitamins. However, the best way to reap the memory-enhancing benefits of these vitamins is not to take a B-complex vitamin, the best way is to take a supplement specifically designed to promote memory and cognitive functioning. While for some vitamins memory enhancement is virtually a given result, other vitamins need to be activated by other vitamins, herbs and compounds in order to release their beneficial substances.
Simply taking memory vitamins based on your knowledge of which vitamins have a beneficial effect on memory may marginally improve your ability to focus, but in order to reap the full benefits of vitamins for memory, you should look into the many supplements that combine the aforementioned B-complex vitamins with other vitamins and herbs.
Prime candidates to be included in such supplements are Gingko Biloba, Gotu Kola and Milk Thistle. Gingko, for example, may help increase blood flow to the brain, assisting with better cognitive function and countering cerebral vascular insufficiency, which is one cause of declining mental powers. In addition to these herbs, there are a whole host of naturally-occurring elements and amino acids that can be added to supplements to maximize their memory-enhancing power. One of these is Dimethyl Amino Ethanol (DMAE) and is known to improve mental acuity and sharpness.
This is because DMAE is what is known as a nutritional precursor to acetylcholine. In short, it is needed for the manufacture of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine itself is a key neurotransmitter, crucial for optimal brain functioning.
Of course, with some uses of vitamins memory will be enhanced to a greater degree than with other uses. The key is in taking a memory-enhancing supplement in the way it was designed to be taken. Most dietary supplements do not promise any effect whatsoever if they are taken in doses different from those prescribed for the appropriate age and sex of the person in question. If you’d like to see some positive changes in your recall and an increased ability to function and to focus, memory vitamins and nutrients might be just the thing you’re looking for.
