Since nutritional deficiencies negatively affect children's brain function, replenishing them improves memory and concentration. In children who have previously consumed sufficient amounts of nutrients, such noticeable changes are not observed.
Nutrient levels can be determined with a simple blood test. The best way to provide your child with nutrients is to provide him with a balanced diet, but in addition to this, the doctor may recommend vitamin supplements.
Minerals for brain function and memory
Iron is a mineral necessary for the development of cognitive functions. Minor iron deficiency, which does not lead to anaemia, causes deterioration in memory and mental functions. Iodine deficiency also leads to a decrease in the level of intelligence in a child (as studies show, the IQ level drops by 12-14 points). Nutritional supplements can help raise a child's intelligence to their previous levels, but for children who do not have iodine deficiency, they do not bring significant changes in mental development. Iron is found in high amounts in meat, seafood, leafy vegetables, nuts, and beans. It is also helpful to consume foods fortified with iron (bread, cereals, pasta, etc.).
Glycine is an amino acid found in every cell of the body. To a greater extent, it is rich in nerve cells located in the brain. Glycine has an anti-stress effect on the body, improves memory, and normalizes the nervous system during intoxication, overwork, and excitement.
The absence of any contraindications and side effects can also be attributed to the most essential properties of the amino acid. This is because glycine is familiar to our bodies. We assimilate it with food, and our cells constantly synthesize it from other amino acids. With an insufficient level of glycine in the child's body, as well as with low and unstable synthesis of glycine, susceptibility to psycho-emotional disorders may appear.
Providing the body with glycine in sufficient quantities will significantly weaken the psycho-emotional reactions, and the child's actions in response to a strong stimulus become calmer and more balanced. The level of aggressiveness decreases and the behaviour itself becomes more adequate and reasonable. Glycine helps to normalize the process of falling asleep in a person and makes sleep deeper. Also, the drug has a nootropic effect, which is manifested in an increase in the level of human attention, a positive effect on the process of learning and assimilation of new information, and an increase in the speed of mathematical operations and reactions in the field of physiology.
The composition of the complex includes vitamins, without which it is impossible to ensure normal metabolism. Glycine is necessary for the child's body to normalize the metabolic process.
Vitamin complex for children is recommended to be taken with food. After all, it is a source of vitamins and amino acids. The vitamin complex compensates for the lack of these components and normalizes the metabolism in the body, which often occurs with hyperexcitability and mental fatigue in children.
It has been repeatedly proven that “fidgets” calm down after taking it. The desire to run, jump and turn everything around is replaced by the desire to draw and read. Schoolchildren improve their memory, sleep becomes healthier, and the level of irritability and nervousness decreases. Therefore, this complex is recommended for children who are going through a period of adaptation to school. And also for those who are preparing for an important test or exam.
This vitamin complex is prescribed for children aged 4 to 12 years. It should be taken once a day during or immediately after a meal. Before taking the tablet, it must be dissolved in water with a volume of approximately 150 ml. If the solution does not seem sweet enough, you can add sugar.
Selenium supplement
Another way is to use complexes based on selenium. A team of researchers at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) found that selenium supplement has several health benefits. This is, first of all, the improvement of cognitive functions associated with ageing. In addition, they help restore brain function in particular, memory and learning ability.
Scientists are confident that these results open up a new therapeutic path for the correction of cognitive functions in people who, due to age or illness, are unable to participate in sports. But experts warn that selenium supplements should not be considered a complete alternative to exercise.
A person who eats right a lot of fruits, vegetables, meats and nuts usually has adequate levels of selenium. But for older people, especially those with neurology, selenium supplements may be beneficial, the researchers emphasise.
The bottom line
Vitamin supplements should only be given to a child under medical supervision. Certain medications interact with vitamins. Do not exceed the recommended dose of vitamin supplements so that the child does not develop side effects or symptoms of hypervitaminosis. Some foods may be fortified with vitamins (such as bread, cereals, or pasta), so make sure that you don't take more than the required amount of vitamins in total.
