Memory and IQ go hand-in-hand. Memory vitamins can be a key to making sure the two live happily ever after.
What better way to train your brain –- and improve your memory –- than with nutrients designed specifically to enhance your intellectual performance?
One recent study from France showed that people who took vitamin and mineral supplements for a decade outperformed those who didn’t on subsequent memory tests.
Other studies have linked Vitamin B vitamins to improved memory and performance.
But do these results translate to improved IQ test results? Let’s find out.
How Are Memory and IQ Related?
Without good memory, it’s difficult to do well on IQ tests — and reach your full potential.
Does a good memory guarantee a high score on an IQ test? Definitely not. But a good memory -– which can be enhanced through vitamins –- can boost your performance.
Many IQ tests require you to recognize and remember patterns and routines. A sharp memory is an important ally if you want to score well on an IQ test.
Most IQ tests give you questions designed to test your short-term memory. In many cases, people are asked to remember a string of random numbers. Most people tend to stumble around the seventh number. And it is this often-predictable result that helps measure short-term memory.
Aging and The Use Of Memory Vitamins
As we age, it’s natural that some cognitive abilities diminish –- though it’s not true in every case. Memory vitamins become even more important as the body must manage the effects of aging -– and potentially devastating conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.
B Vitamins and Memory Boosting
They don’t call the B Vitamins the Brain Vitamins for no reason! A recent Australian study showed that people who took Vitamin B6 and B12 supplements experienced significant improvements in their memory and cognitive abilities. So, it seems that the Brain vitamins –- especially B6 and B12 -– are also vitamins that boost the memory.
An even more recent study is singing the virtues of B12 as a memory vitamin. A study of seniors (65 plus) showed that B12 deficiencies were linked to smaller brain mass and weaker memory. The seniors who had lower levels of B12 also performed more poorly on tests that measured their cognitive abilities.
The moral to the story? Give B a chance.
You can read more about B12 as a memory vitamin here.
Memory Vitamins: What’s Worth Trying
Vitamins E and C have also been credited with helping improve memory and reducing the effects of aging on the brain. Studies have shown that people who take Vitamin C supplements do better on IQ tests. Because it helps promote growth and tissue maintenance within the brain, Vitamin C truly is an effective support for memory.
In addition to the more common memory boosters, brain herbs like Ginkgo Biloba are said to suport memory and brain function by increasing the flow of blood to the brain.
Many others swear by Phosphatidylserine. A phosphorus-rich fatty acid, it has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and the ability to focus. It is believed that phosphyatidylserine works by stimulating the brain’s production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is used in memory.
Foods Rich In Memory Vitamins
Antioxidants are known to help improve memory function. Though they are found in several vitamin supplements, there are also many oxidant-rich foods -– like raisins, cherries, spinach and apples –- that you might want to consider adding to your diet. Other foods rich in antioxidants include:
- Squash
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Green Tea
- Beets
- Bok choy
- Brussel sprouts
- Blueberries
- Alfalfa sprouts
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are also gaining popularity for their brain-boosting potential.
There’s a great resource at WebMD about vitamins that boost memory and performance.
There are also IQ test score diet choices that can boost intelligence.
Memory Vitamins: Prescribing Caution
When taking any vitamin or mineral supplement, it’s important to check with your doctor about any potential risks and side effects. Before you make any drastic changes, do your homework, and find the vitamins to boost memory that will work best for you. Your brain –- and your memory! –- will thank you.