It is a well-known fact that modern diets tend to have insufficient levels of many important nutrients, and that the shortage of these nutrients leads to a seemingly unending list of health problems. Studies of nutrient deficiencies often look at health problems in adults, particularly in the elderly who are especially at risk of not getting enough nutrition. However, many children do not receive adequate levels of vitamins and minerals in their diet either. Vitamin consumption has been associated with cognitive performance, and previous studies have found that micronutrient fortification improves verbal learning and memory in school-aged children.
A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study tested the effects of a multivitamin/mineral supplement on cognitive performance and mood in children. 75 children between the ages of 8 and 14 were given either a supplement or placebo for 12 weeks, and were tested on a variety of laboratory trials. The supplement contained nutrients including vitamins A, B, C, D3 and E as well as folic acid, biotin, copper, calcium, zinc, magnesium, lysine, and B-carotene.
Although the multivitamins had no apparent effect on mood, there was a consistent pattern of improvement in laboratory tests that observed accuracy of performance, as well as an improved reaction time. One of the tests that supplemented children performed better on was designed to assess attention in the presence of distracting information. The study concluded that the supplement had beneficial effects on selective attention.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for optimal cognitive performance, as well as for many other physiological processes. Such nutrients affect brain function both directly and indirectly. Their effects involve processes including the production of neurotransmitters, energy metabolism, and blood flow in the brain, among many others. Therefore, it is important for children to receive a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals for optimal cognitive performance, as well as for overall health.
Haskell CF, Scholey AB, Jackson PA, Elliott JM, Defeyter MA, Greer J, Robertson BC, Buchanan T, Tiplady B and Kennedy DO. Cognitive and mood effects in healthy children during 12 weeks’ supplementation with multi-vitamin/minerals. British Journal of Nutrition. 2008;published online ahead of print.
For more information see Multi Basics 3 or Essential Mix or Ortho Core
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