The Best Vitamins to Develop your Mental Abilities:
One of the most significant modern problems is purely mental. There are many people today who suffer from depression, anxiety, lack of concentration or focus, and even memory loss issues.
These conditions cause numerous individuals to live unfulfilling lives that can be markedly improved with the right vitamins. If you’d like to sharpen your mental faculties it may be time to try a multi-vitamin, fish oil, or vitamin B supplement. Here you will find the best vitamins for improving your mental abilities and quality of life.
1. Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is also known as cyanocobalamin, which is one of the key nutrients required by the human brain. It’s an enzyme cofactor which means it doesn’t directly participate in chemical reactions, but aids enzymes to speed up the rate of change. Vitamin B12 is critical for red blood cell formation, energy production by your cells, and fatty acid synthesis.
The best vitamin B supplement on the market is GNC’s Ultra Mega Active Adult 50 Plus Multi. It provides you with 2000 mcg of vitamin B12, 150 mg of folic acid, and 12.5 mcg of vitamin B6.
2. Vitamin D3:
Vitamin D3 is produced by your body when you are exposed to sunlight, which is why it’s also known as the “sunshine vitamin”. Researchers now know that many people are deficient in vitamin D3 due to spending most of their time indoors and using sunscreen.
Getting sufficient quantities of this key nutrient is also important for keeping your brain working efficiently. Vitamin D3 helps maintain good cell function, immune system health, cardiovascular function, and neurological development.
The best vitamin D supplement on the market is Nature Made Adult Gummies. For $11.69 you’ll get 2000 IU’s of Vitamin D3 as well as 70 mg of CoQ10 and two servings of omega 3 fatty acids.
3. Fish Oil:
Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which means your body cannot synthesize them on its own and must obtain them from an outside source. This supplement has been heavily researched for its ability to improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation throughout your body and protect cells from damage.
The best fish oil supplement on the market is Nature’s Bounty CoQ10 Omega-3. For $18 you’ll get 200 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 100 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which is a good dose for an effective brain supplement.
4. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is critical for your brain’s ability to produce energy from carbohydrates. Studies have shown that people susceptible to stress and mood swings often have low levels of vitamin B1.
For those struggling with anxiety, stress and mood swing the best thiamine supplement on the market is Jarrow Formulas Thiamin. You’ll get 100 mg for $5.50 which makes it a very inexpensive way to boost your energy and reduce irritability.
5. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):
Vitamin B6 is responsible for more than 100 enzyme reactions, many of which are involved with producing neurotransmitters. These are the brain chemicals that influence mood and mental function. Vitamin B6 supplementation has shown promise for improving memory, processing speed, and executive functions in healthy adults.
The best vitamin B6 supplement on the market is Thorne Research B6. You’ll get 50 mg for $9.49 which makes it an inexpensive way to improve your overall mood and mental health.
6. Vitamin C:
Vitamin C has numerous benefits for your brain, including protecting neurons from damage and reducing the effects of stress on the hippocampus (the part of your brain that regulates learning and memory). Vitamin C supplementation has also been shown to improve symptoms of depression in people with low levels of vitamin C.
The best vitamin C supplement on the market is Nutricost Ascorbic Acid. You’ll get 200 grams for $7.99 which makes it a very inexpensive way to boost your mental energy, reduce stress and enhance your mood.
7. Ginkgo Biloba Extract:
Gingko Biloba has been the subject of more than 5,000 published studies, which is why it’s one of the most popular herbal remedies for improving memory and brain function. There are several mechanisms through which ginkgo Biloba extract enhances cognitive performance.
Gingko Biloba extract is also a powerful antioxidant that protects your brain from free radical damage. One of the best ginkgo supplements out there is Jarrow Formulas Gingold. You’ll get 60 vegetarian capsules for $13.99 which makes it a very effective and affordable way to improve your memory, thinking speed and reduce mental fatigue.
8. Creatine:
Creatine is a natural substance formed in your liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Creatine supplementation has been shown to enhance brain energy production, improve memory and protect your neurons from damage.
A study conducted in Sweden showed that Creatine supplementation improved “working memory” in healthy adults. The best Creatine supplement on the market is Jarrow Formulas Creatine. You’ll get 200 grams for $13.99 which is an amazing deal since it’s one of the cheapest and most effective brain boosters on this list.
9. Bacopa Monnieri Extract:
Bacopa monnieri (also known as Brahmi) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and has been shown to promote learning and memory in animals. A meta-analysis of 11 human trials found that Bacopa monnieri can enhance working memory and speed of processing.
The best Bacopa Monnieri supplement on the market is Jarrow Formulas Brahmi. You’ll get 60 vegetarian capsules for $9.99 which makes it a very effective and affordable way to improve your memory, thinking speed and reduce mental fatigue.
10. Theanine:
Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that helps the brain generate alpha waves, which are associated with calmness, deep relaxation, and focus. One study showed that L-theanine supplementation reduced mental fatigue, memory errors, and reaction time during extended periods of mental stress.
The best theanine supplement on the market is Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Taheebo. You’ll get 60 capsules for $8.97 which makes it a very inexpensive way to improve your focus, reduce anxiety and enhance cognition.
11. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR):
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is formed from the combination of the amino acid L-carnitine and acetate. ALCAR supplementation has been shown to promote alertness, sharpen memory, reduce mental fatigue and improve mood in people suffering from depression and bipolar disorder.
The best ALCCAR supplement on the market is Jarrow Formulas Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR). You’ll get 100 caps for $10.99 which makes it an inexpensive way to improve memory, reduce fatigue and enhance your mood.
12. L-Theanine:
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that helps the brain generate alpha waves, which are associated with calmness, deep relaxation, and focus. One study showed that L-theanine supplementation reduced mental fatigue, memory errors, and reaction time during extended periods of mental stress.
The best theanine supplement on the market is Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Taheebo. You’ll get 60 capsules for $8.97 which makes it a very inexpensive way to improve your focus, reduce anxiety and enhance cognition.
13. Adrafinil:
Adrafinil is an alternative to Modafinil that’s used as a “smart drug” to promote wakefulness and focus. Adrafinil is metabolized in the liver which has several beneficial effects including increased endurance, reduced fatigue, and improved mood.
The best Adrafinil supplement on the market is Swanson Full Spectrum Adrafinil. You’ll get 60 capsules for $13.99 which makes it an effective and affordable way to improve your focus, enhance your cognition and reduce fatigue.
14. Noopept:
Noopept is an over-the-counter brain booster that’s structurally very similar to the prescription drug Piracetam. The best Noopept supplement on the market is Absorb Your Health Noopept. You’ll get 30 capsules for $14.99 which is a very cheap and affordable way to improve your memory, enhance cognition and stay mentally sharp.
15. Huperzine A:
Huperzine A is a natural compound extracted from the Chinese moss Huperzia Serrata. The best huperzine A supplement on the market is NOW Foods Huperzine A. You’ll get 100 caps for $6.99 which is a very affordable and effective way to improve your memory and enhance cognitive function.
16. Ginseng:
Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that reduces mental fatigue, enhances focus, increases energy levels, and boosts memory. It works by reducing stress hormone levels, improving blood flow to the brain, boosting neurotransmitter activity, and reducing inflammation in your brain.
The best ginseng supplement on the market is Vita Sciences Siberian Ginseng. You’ll get 100 capsules for $13.99 which is a very cheap and affordable way to improve your mental focus, reduce fatigue and increase energy levels.
17. Piracetam:
Piracetam is a supplement that’s been around for over 40 years and has been shown to improve memory, focus, and concentration. The best piracetam supplement on the market is Powder City Piracetam. You’ll get 100 grams for $10.99 which is a very cheap and effective way to improve your cognition, reduce fatigue and enhance mental clarity.
18. Beta-Alanine:
Beta-Alanine is a naturally occurring nonessential amino acid that boosts energy levels, increases endurance, and improves exercise performance. The best beta-alanine supplement on the market is Jarrow Formulas Beta-Alanine. You’ll get 120 capsules for $12.99 which makes it a very affordable and effective way to improve your focus, increase your energy levels and enhance your athletic performance.
19. Citicoline:
Citicoline is a powerful compound that enhances neural communication, reduces brain fog, and improves memory. The best citicoline supplement on the market is Life Extension Cognium. You’ll get 60 vegetarian capsules for $19.99 which makes it a very affordable and effective way to improve your focus and mental clarity.
20. Phosphatidylserine:
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid compound found in your brain that enhances cognitive function, improves memory, and sharpens focus. The best PS supplement on the market is Jarrow Formulas Phosphatidylserine. You’ll get 100 capsules for $12.99 which makes it a very affordable and effective way to improve your cognition, memory, and focus.