It’s mid-week. You open your laptop and think, ‘What was I doing again?’ Then, you realise you’ve left something in the other room. But as soon as you enter, you don’t know why you’re there. Everyone forgets things now and then. But you might need support if you find it impossible to concentrate or remember simple tasks.
Brain focus supplements are becoming increasingly popular, and they aim to supercharge your cognitive function. But do they actually work? In this article, we’re giving you the lowdown on the best vitamins for memory and focus and how to get them.
What affects memory and focus?
A multitude of things alter memory and focus. You may find you have razor-sharp attention at some points in your life. And others, you click your fingers repeatedly saying, ‘What’s that word again, what’s that word again?’ But, there are reasons for the change in cognitive function.
- Hormonal changes - Menopause, periods and pregnancy disrupt your hormones, causing them to fluctuate rapidly. This impacts decision-making and your ability to focus.
- Stress - The bane of every adult's life - stress. When stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which overstimulates your nervous system. It doesn’t have the capacity to focus on tasks apart from ones that contribute to your survival.
Read more: How To Reduce Hormonal Stress.
- Not enough sleep - Not enough sleep can decrease learning abilities by 40%. The average adult needs between 7 and 9.5 hours of sleep each night. Only a small percentage need as little as 6. Many people who believe they’re fine on 6 hours actually need more - they’ve simply learned to cope with sleep deprivation.
Read more: Does Collagen Help You Sleep? Everything You Need to Know.
- Poor mental health - Depression and anxiety make it extremely difficult to manage simple tasks or concentrate. This is usually due to ruminating thoughts and a lack of motivation.
How to know if you need supplements for mental focus
Perhaps you’re here because you have trouble focusing on tasks throughout the day. Or you’re interested in giving yourself extra mental energy. Either way, here are some quick signs that you could benefit from a brain-boosting supplement.
- Not enough energy - If you’re constantly feeling sluggish and lethargic, a mental focus supplement could help you concentrate. But remember, you shouldn't always rely on a supplement to replace sleep, so getting enough shut-eye should be your number one priority.
Read more: 10 Evening Routine Tips for Better Sleep.
- Struggling with brain fog - Can’t remember the word for something? Constantly find your mind drifting away or struggling to finish a conversation? It’s a sign that your body could use extra vitamins for memory and focus.
- Decision fatigue - Humans make approximately 35,000 decisions a day, from what to wear to writing an email. If you find yourself constantly paralysed by indecision, certain supplements could help.
- Trouble remembering daily tasks - Sometimes, simple tasks, like taking out the bins, slip your mind. If this keeps happening, experiment with taking supplements for mental clarity.
Best brain supplements for adults
If any of the above rings a bell, then it might be time for brain-boosting pills. Read on for the best vitamins for women that support memory and focus attention.
Vitamin B complex
A 2018 review found that B vitamins, particularly vitamin B9 (known as folate or folic acid), can heighten cognitive function, specifically memory. This is likely because low folic acid impacts the area of the brain responsible for memory. But it’s not just folic acid that increases your main focus.
A 2021 study discovered improved memory in adults with mild cognitive impairments when taking a B-vitamin complex. It contains vitamin B1, which is needed for your cell’s basic functioning. And vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, reduces inflammation to help brain activity.
Read more: What is a Niacinamide Supplement Good for?
If you want to advance your memory and focus, search for a supplement with multiple B vitamins. Arella Beauty’s collagen supplement contains a vitamin B complex - vitamins B5, B6, B2, B1, B9 (folate) and B7 (biotin) to increase your cognitive abilities.
Vitamin C
You’ve probably heard about vitamin C for glowing skin. But did you know that a lack of vitamin C can decrease mental stamina? A 2022 paper unearthed a link between vitamin C supplementation and enhanced work motivation and attention. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 75mg for women. So, taking a supplement containing the vitamin may increase brain health.
L-Threonine
L-theanine is an amino acid needed for collagen production and may provide higher mental vitality. A 2021 research paper highlights that participants who regularly consumed L-theanine improved their working memory, attention and cognitive function. We know how good this amino acid is for you, which is why you’ll find it in our collagen supplement.
Read more: How To Boost Your Amino Acids For Collagen.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has long been hailed for its impressive health benefits. Your body synthesises the vitamin through sunlight, but you cannot absorb it from food. This means getting enough is tricky if you live in a cloudy country.
A recent study shows exciting links between vitamin D and Alzheimer’s. It found that people with strong amounts of vitamin D in their brain tissue had better memory and brain function than those with less. And a 2018 literature review concludes that vitamin D is essential to maintaining neurological and cognitive development in adults.
We know how essential the sunshine vitamin is, so including it in our collagen supplement was a no-brainer.
Read more: How to Get More Vitamin D in Winter.
Where to find the best brain supplements
The best brain vitamins should contain everything you need for better brain function. Arella Beauty’s Liquid Collagen Supplement is enriched with vitamins C, D and B-complex and the amino acid L-Threonine. Not only will you get improved memory and focus, but you’ll also benefit from enhanced collagen synthesis.
Read more: How Do Collagen Supplements Work?
Boost your brain with a mental focus supplement from Arella Beauty
Our liquid collagen supplement is vegan-friendly and ethically sourced. Take it daily to enhance your mental clarity with mindfully selected vitamins and minerals. There’s much more packed into the small sachet, but that’s a story for another time…
Read more about the benefits of a collagen supplement, and get Arella Beauty liquid collagen for better brain health today.
Read next:
- Always Tired? Why You're Exhausted and How to Fix It
- The Truth About Vitamin C: Do You Really Need It?
- 7 Incredible Benefits of Collagen Supplements
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Written by Emma Carey for Arella Beauty.
Emma is a holistic beauty and wellness writer. She has three years of experience in the well-being industry and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and Wellness. Check out her portfolio and follow her on Instagram.
