Vitamins and supplements can help children to focus.
Children that have a hard time focusing may appear to be lazy and disinterested when in reality they are struggling on concentrating. This lack of attention may cause children to tire more easily and perform poorly at school, during tests and at home. Because a lack of focus may be attributed to poor nutrition, the aid of vitamins and supplements may help children with problems focusing. However, it is highly recommended to consult with a pediatrician before adding any supplements to a child's diet.
B Vitamins
A good balance of vitamin B is essential for the proper functioning of the body and the production of energy. Because the brain consumes about 20 percent of the body's total energy, it may be good idea to incorporate B vitamins into your child's diet. In particular, vitamin B6 plays an important role in promoting memory retention and ensuring optimal brain performance, while vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, supports mental clarity.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants work by removing free radicals which are known for interfering with good brain performance. Children with trouble focusing and affected by learning disabilities may be overwhelmed with free radicals and may suffer from oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, beta carotene and the phytonutrients found in grape seed can help protect the brain from the harmful effects of oxidation.
Minerals
Minerals known to improve brain function include iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium. Trace minerals, such as chromium, selenium, manganese, molybdenum and copper may also be helpful. Iron in particular is important for the brain and children suffering from iron deficiencies tend to develop impaired intellectual performance. Magnesium, on the other hand, helps children suffering from lack of attention and hyperactivity, typical symptoms of attention deficit disorders.
Proteins
Proteins contain important amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine, responsible for proper brain function. These amino acids aid the activity of important neurotransmitters in the brain which are ultimately accountable for increasing attentiveness and promoting the ability to finish tasks. In particular, L-Carnitine, a non-essential amino acid, has improved the condition of over half the patients suffering from attention deficit disorders, according to the Donsbach Foundation.
Fatty Acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega 3 fats are important brain supporting nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids in particular help children's brains to develop properly. Since omega 3 fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body, they can only obtained from the diet. Omega fatty acids therefore can be a useful additional treatment to help improve the mood, attention and alertness of children suffering from attention deficit disorders.
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