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Have you ever gotten to the end of a day and wondered where the hours went? How could so many hours have passed by without really getting much of anything done?
The truth is that many of us suffer from distraction and procrastination. This, productivity experts agree, is one of the biggest challenges many of us face in achieving our goals.
If you’ve found yourself struggling with staying focused, you may benefit from some supplements that have been shown to help improve focus and concentration.
What Supplements Help with Focus and Concentration?
We know that our nutritional intake has a big impact on our physical and cognitive health. However, even with a—nearly impossible to achieve—”perfect diet,” some conditions, medications, or lifestyle habits may disrupt your body’s ability to absorb the nutrients you need for optimal focus and concentration.
The following are some supplements you may benefit from if you are suffering from poor focus and concentration.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient for maintaining the myelin sheath, or the external coating on nerve cells that help signals travel efficiently between cells. Without these coatings, brain cells cannot function properly. Because of this, long-term vitamin B-12 insufficiency has been linked with poor memory and cognitive function.
Product: B-Complex contains 1000 mcg B12 as Methylcobalamin per capsule
Choline
Choline is an essential nutrient whose primary functions include producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mental focus and learning. Deficiency in this essential nutrient can result in poor concentration, poor memory, and other cognitive impairments.
While choline can be found in foods such as egg yolks, liver, beef, salmon, cauliflower, and peanut butter, research has suggested that women, children, vegetarians, and older men do not consume adequate levels of choline.
Product: Brain Cell Support™ contains 200 mg Cognizin® Citicoline in a 2 capsule dose
Vitamin D-3
Vitamin D-3 is important for healthy nerve functions, which are critical for keeping your brain “firing on all cylinders.” Low levels of vitamin D in the body have been correlated to impaired cognitive function. Since 42% of Americans have low levels of vitamin D(1), it may be a good place to start when looking to improve your focus and concentration.
Product: Metabolic Maintenance offers Vitamin D-3 in several potencies including 2000 IU and 5000 IU
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
B3 is considered a “focus enhancer” that can stimulate concentration and support memory. Also called niacin, vitamin b-3 helps to maintain a constant supply of glucose to the brain to help it meet its energy needs.
Product: Metabolic Maintenance B Complex contains 150 mg NE of niacin (as niacinamide) per capsule
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba is one of the most popular herbal supplements to assist functions such as memory and cognitive speed. It supports normal blood flow to the brain which nourishes neuronal health and supports focus and concentration.(2)
Product: Brain Cell Support™ includes 120 mg of Ginkgo biloba in a 2 capsule dose
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, are beneficial in improving attention span and the ability to complete tasks. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are vital for maintaining normal brain function, preserving brain cell membranes, and facilitating communication between brain cells.
Product: Mega Omega™ contains 450 mg EPA and 340 mg DHA per softgel
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a powerful supplement with a reputation of being one of the quickest-acting focus and concentration supplements available.(-) While there are several forms of carnitine, Acetyl-L-carnitine is considered the most effective form for your brain.
Acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown as a beneficial support to concentration and overall brain health, with studies suggesting that this amino acid may improve synaptic neurotransmission in the brain.(3)
Product: Acetyl L-Carnitine in 250 mg capsules