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Vitamins for MemoryChoosing the Best Memory VitaminsWhich vitamins for memory should you take on a daily basis? Everyone is aware of the powerful link between a healthy diet and a healthy life. Very few people are able to receive all the nutrients their brain needs from diet alone.
The addition of a few vitamins for memory every day can improve health, quality of life and mental function. As always, when you add new medications, even vitamins, check with your doctor first. There can be some interactions with prescription medications. If your doctor is not available, you can always call your pharmacist and they can advise you of any potential side effects. Not all vitamins are created equally. In some instances, you get what you pay for. You do not need to purchase the most expensive brand available, but I would also not recommended picking the least expensive either. I will only recommend products I either take personally, or are from a reputable company. If you are interested in supplements for memory, including omega-3 fatty acids, review that article as well. A good regimen will have both vitamins and supplements along with a healthy diet and adequate exercise. Multi-Vitamins for MemoryA good multi vitamin should be taken at least once per day. The American Medical Association recommends that all people take a multi vitamin daily. If you or your loved one are frail, suffer from any chronic disease or have a family history of chronic illnesses, this becomes specially important. Even if you chose not to take any other vitamin or supplement, at least take a multi vitamin daily. Diet alone, no matter how healthy you eat, is not likely to provide you with all the nutrients you need on a daily basis. Vitamin CThe FDA minimum requirement concerning Vitamin C is to prevent scurvy. This means that most multi vitamins have a lower amount of Vitamin C than most physicians would recommend. Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for memory. It works by reducing damage to the brain cells from free radicals. Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, preventing the oxidative damage created by free radicals. In addition to a multi vitamin, taking 1000 - 2000 mg per day is generally considered safe. Because Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and dissipates from the body relatively fast, it is recommended to split the total daily dosage and take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening. If your loved one has a problem swallowing tablets, you can either use a pill crusher, crush the pill and put it into a little applesauce or pudding, or chose a powdered Vitamin C that you can add to juice. Vitamin EAnother one of the best vitamins for memory is Vitamin E, also an antioxidant. It is fat soluble and works by protecting fatty acids from the damage of oxidation. Because the brain is primarily made of fatty acids, Vitamin E plays a crucial role in brain health. Vitamin E also helps to strengthen capillaries and red blood cells which can result in increased oxygenation to the brain. It comes in a small, easy to swallow capsule that most people don't have a problem with. If your family member does have a problem, you can puncture the outer shell and squeeze the liquid into a drink for them to swallow. Vitamin E can help reduce the likelihood of blood clots. If you are on any blood thinner type of medication (Coumadin) or have a bleeding disorder, Vitamin E should only be taken under the supervision of your physician. B Complex VitaminsOne of the best memory vitamins is Vitamin B12. The only known food sources come from animal proteins, such as lean meats, like beef or fish, and in dairy products. It is crucial for vegetarians to take a supplement daily. The B complex vitamins work by protecting the brain cells and stimulating the production of red blood cells, which carry nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Other B Complex Vitamins for memory include Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 , found in fresh berries and fresh fruit, and folic acid , found in leafy green vegetables. Although eating a diet rich in these vitamins for memory is best, it is unlikely that we can receive enough through diet alone. Taking a daily supplement can assure that you are receiving this critical group of memory vitamins. Vitamin DIn June of 2011, Science Daily reported on a study published by BioMed Central showing a critical link between the removal of amyloid beta from the brain and Vitamin D. Beta amyloid is the peptide found in the brain of Alzheimer's patients that blocks transmission of signals by creating amyloid plaques, thus impairing memory. The study showed that the body needs adequate levels of Vitamin D to help transport the beta amyloid out of the brain. Most of us do not produce enough Vitamin D on our own. We wear clothing, work inside and live inside. Without adequate exposure of our skin to the sun, production of Vitamin D decreases. Vitamin D supplements are tiny capsules and very easy to take. They are now made in a 5000 iu capsule. I personally take 15,000 units (just three pills) every day. Vitamin D has many other health benefits in addition to helping with memory and has very few known side effects at any studied dose. It is one of the safest vitamins to take. The addition of a few vitamins for memory should not cost very much and can have significant impacts on not only memory, but other conditions as well. Always notify and review with your physician prior to starting any of these memory vitamins. It is important for either a doctor or a pharmacist to review for potential side effects and drug interactions. These vitamins for memory are generally safe, inexpensive and easy to take. A healthy diet, full of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and adequate exercise, are also important to help maintain physical and mental health through the aging process.
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