Vitamins & Minerals For Concentration

The ability to concentrate is central to your productivity each day: concentration helps you carry out both simple and complex tasks, learn new information, and store that information in your memory. This cognitive functioning is carried out by millions of cells within your brain, which use several chemicals to communicate and support your brain's function. A number of vitamins and minerals obtained from your diet nourish your brain, and contribute to your ability to concentrate.

Iron

Consuming iron may have a positive effect on your concentration, and appears to play a role in memory development. Cognitive functioning, learning and concentration partially depend on the formation of new brain cells. The birth of new brain cells allows for the formation of new nerve networks within your brain, which in turn allows you to retain and recall information.A study published in "The Journal of Nutrition" in 2008 found that iron was able to control new brain cell development and cognitive function in mice, indicating the mineral might also play a role in human cognitive function. Though further research into the role of iron in the brain is needed to confirm its effect in humans, consuming adequate iron each day might benefit your memory.

Vitamin E

Consuming vitamin E may also help preserve your concentration and cognitive functioning. Many individuals begin to lose the ability to concentrate as they age, leading to decreased performance in some tasks, as well as forgetfulness. In extreme cases, cognitive loss due to brain damage can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's. Consuming high levels of vitamin E from your diet may slow the rate at which you lose cognitive functioning, potentially helping to maintain your concentration as you age, according to a study published in the "Archives of Neurology" in 2002. Consume soybean or corn oils -- both sources of vitamin E -- to potentially benefit your concentration as you age.

Selenium

Selenium, a type of essential mineral, may also help maintain your concentration. The Franklin Institute indicates that selenium works together with vitamin E to nourish your brain. Selenium helps to prevent free radical damage to cells within your brain, protecting against the oxidative stress that can lead to a decline in your cognitive functioning and concentration. In addition, selenium can help to remove toxic heavy metal atoms from your brain, improving the overall health of your nervous system. Together, maintaining the health of your brain cells allows for optimal cognitive functioning and concentration, and consuming selenium may help fight a loss of concentration skills as you age.

Vitamin B-6

Another vitamin that might help aid concentration is vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine. One essential component to concentration is memory, and the ability to quickly retain and recall information. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University indicates that high levels of vitamin B-6 in the body might slightly improve your memory, though it does not appear to affect other aspects of concentration. The institute also notes that additional research into the effect of vitamin B-6 on cognitive function must be conducted before confirming vitamin B-6 as beneficial to your concentration and memory.