Choosing the most beneficial vitamins or nutrients for brain health is not always easy.

We’ve found that the most beneficial vitamins for brain health are those that boost brain function while also supporting your overall health. Here are 4 nutrients that fit those criteria.

Vitamins for brain health: 4 brain nutrients for a boost

Article Contents

It can take some time and research to find nutrients that address your needs as not all of the answers to cognitive and brain health lie in simply taking brain supplements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of essential fat the body cannot make on its own. This means you must get omega-3s through diet or supplementation.

Research has shown that EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3s, are abundant in brain cells. Studies show that EPA may relieve depression and other mood disorders.

And DHA may alleviate neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. ¹

In animal studies, researchers discovered a link between levels of DHA in the brain and the capacity for learning and memory. ²

Omega-3 fatty acids are also among the top brain nutrients for overall health because they have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, reduce blood pressure, and fight inflammation and autoimmune diseases.³

Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

Chia Seeds
Kale
Mackerel
Salmon
Spinach
Walnuts

Folate

Folate (vitamin B-9) is not only essential for proper brain function, but it also supports overall health.

You’ve probably heard that folate is good for fetal brain development. But it’s also necessary for brain health throughout life. A deficiency of folate has also been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and epilepsy. And folic acid supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function. ⁴

Beyond brain health, folate has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, slow the aging process by reducing oxidative stress on the body, and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Food sources of folate include:

Dark leafy greens
Avocado
Celery
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a chemical found in the mitochondria of every cell in your body. It is created by the body and obtained from food sources.

CoQ10 has been shown to support brain health. It is especially effective at mediating neurodegenerative diseases. A study published in the Archives of Neurology, for instance, found that CoQ10 supplementation slowed brain deterioration in Parkinson’s disease. ⁵

And its effects don’t stop with the brain. Research shows CoQ10 may decrease the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and relieve migraine headaches.

Food sources of CoQ10 include:

Broccoli
Chicken
Liver
Salmon
Seafood
Spinach

Citicoline

Citicoline is a naturally occurring brain chemical shown to improve cognitive function in clinical research studies. It has been found to improve communication between brain cells, which is why it may be beneficial for dementia. In fact, a study published in Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology found that 1,000 mg of citicoline per day may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. ⁶

Food sources of citicoline are animal organ meats, such as brains and liver.

DID YOU KNOW…

Most people are deficient in these nutrients. So, what should you do? How are you supposed to get the recommended amounts of these nutrients? Well, you can do what thousands of people are doing!!! Try the patented BRAIN-BOOSTING solution clinically proven to be top among brain nutrients for overall health!!!

<< Learn how these 4 “brain transforming” nutrients were used by an 80-year-old “Women’s World” cover model to escape a nursing home death sentence, and how you can save your brain from a dementia death sentence.

Vitamins for Brain Health Citations

1 – Avallone R, Vitale G, Bertolotti M. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Evidence in Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(17):4256. Published 2019 Aug 30. doi:10.3390/ijms201742562 – Kuratko CN, Barrett EC, Nelson EB, Salem N Jr. The relationship of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with learning and behavior in healthy children: a review. Nutrients. 2013;5(7):2777-2810. Published 2013 Jul 19. doi:10.3390/nu5072777

3 – The Cleveland Clinic. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/02/2019

4 – Ma F, Wu T, Zhao J, et al. Folic acid supplementation improves cognitive function by reducing the levels of peripheral inflammatory cytokines in elderly Chinese subjects with MCI. Sci Rep. 2016;6:37486. Published 2016 Nov 23. doi:10.1038/srep37486

5 – Shults CW, Oakes D, Kieburtz K, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Arch Neurol. 2002;59(10):1541-1550. doi:10.1001/archneur.59.10.1541

6 – Alvarez XA, Mouzo R, Pichel V, et al. Double-blind placebo-controlled study with citicoline in APOE genotyped Alzheimer’s disease patients. Effects on cognitive performance, brain bioelectrical activity and cerebral perfusion. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1999;21(9):633-644.

Dr. Matt Olesiak

Chief Medical Director at SANESolution | Website

Dr. Matthew Olesiak continues to make a significant impact in the medical field through his work at SANESolution and his dedication to evidence-based practices.

Vitamins for Brain Health