Focus is defined as the ability to concentrate or place attention on a particular object, activity or task for a prolonged amount of time. Mental focus plays an important role in daily functioning. When you are focused your work performance improves, you retain more information and you are more productive in completing tasks. Your ability to focus may decline as your age. Several vitamins support healthy brain development and cognitive function, which can boost your ability to focus, concentrate and complete daily tasks.
Vitamin C
Increasing your vitamin C intake can help you focus. According to Alice Feinstein, author of the book "Prevention's Healing With Vitamins," vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, strengthens your immune system, protects your body from damage caused by toxins, infections, viruses and diseases, helps repair damaged tissues, improves cognitive function and lowers your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is 75 mg for adult females and 90 mg for adult males. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet red peppers, potatoes and cranberries.
B Vitamins
If you want to increase your focus, try taking B vitamins. B vitamins help your body produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your brain. According to Phyllis A. Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," vitamin B-6 protects you from developing depression, mental fatigue and loss of concentration. Folic acid or vitamin B-9 supports mental alertness and healthy nerve function. Balch further states that vitamin B-12 reduces the amount of homocysteines in your body, harmful amino acids that can cause brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and dementia. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 1.3 mg for B-6, 400 mcg for folic acid and 2.4 mcg for B-12. Foods rich in B vitamins include lean red meat, fish, spinach, poultry, fortified orange juice, mushrooms, bananas, walnuts and soybeans.
Vitamin D
Supplementing with vitamin D can boost memory, focus and concentration. According to the author Phyllis A. Balch, vitamin D helps your body produce extra amounts of acetylcholine, neurotransmitters positively linked to memory and cognitive function. This vitamin also plays an important role in brain development and healthy nerve function. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 600 international units or IU for adults. Foods rich in vitamin D include salmon, tuna, mackerel, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms.
Vitamin E
Increase your focus by taking vitamin E. Judith E. Brown, author of the book "Everywoman's Guide to Nutrition," says vitamin E can reduce inflammation in your brain and help delay memory loss and cognitive impairments commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin E is 15 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, spinach, broccoli, kiwi, tomatoes and mangoes.
References
- "Attention and Memory: An Integrated Framework"; Nelson Cowan; 2009
- "Can I Have Your Attention?: How to Think Fast, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Concentration" Joseph Cardillo'; 2009
- "Attention and Implicit Learning"; Luis Jimenez; 2008
- "Prevention's Healing With Vitamins"; Alice Feinstein; 1996
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 1996
- "Everywoman's Guide to Nutrition"; Judith E. Brown; 2008
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