Lack of attention, impulsive action, hyperactivity etc has emerged as serious blights affecting a student’s ability to stay focused. The proliferations of smart gadgets with their constant chimes and social media alerts have further worsened an already alarming situation. Not surprisingly, students and parents alike are looking for ways that will help in improving focus and mental acuity.
Brain supplements have been one of the more popular ways to improve concentration. These supplements typically promise a range of benefits including improved focus, reduced mental fatigue, enhanced memory and recall and a faster processing speed among others. However, it is also an unfortunate truth that the market for brain supplements is flooded with unscrupulous operators offering substandard products. How does, then, an unsuspecting buyer make sure that he is getting the right supplement for his or her needs?
The key lies in doing your homework, so that you buy a genuine product, one that has proven scientific research backing its efficacy in helping students focus better. In particular, look out for the following ingredients when you shop for brain supplements the next time, as they have been proven to be efficacious.
1) Piracetam: Arguably one of the most researched nootropics, Piracetam has been noted to improve blood circulation in the brain as well as augmenting neurotransmitters. Although, the results have been more striking for older demographics, there is a noticeable improvement in cognitive abilities of young subjects as well. Often used as a control substance or a benchmark against which newer brain supplements are tested, Piracetam are perhaps the most widely used ingredients in proprietary supplements.
2) Omega-3: Omega-3 containing fish oil supplements have been a rage among both researchers as well as the consuming public. In terms of scientific and medical research, the focus has been on the ability of omega-3 fatty acid to significantly stem the spread of Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no comprehensive study that compares omega-3 fatty acid against a placebo to determine its effect as a memory boosting supplement, the market is flooded with supplement formulas promising a variety of benefits including improved cell fluidity and reduced inflammation.
3) L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine is a constitutive ingredient of an amino acid, the building blocks of protein. Scientific evidence in its support exists in the form of studies suggesting boost in memory among patients of Alzheimer’s disease. There are further studies on this ingredient that suggest they are moderately effective among children suffering from ADHD. This is yet another popular ingredient in a lot of brain supplements.
4) Vitamins: Certain vitamins have a proven credential when it comes to improving memory. For example, Vitamin E has been proven in its role to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B-6 and B-12 has also been found effective in helping students suffering from ADHD. While Vitamin D does not have a direct correlation in helping subjects suffering from ADHD, several studies have noted its salutary effect on certain bodily processes that help ameliorate the condition.
5) L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine, an amino acid, helps through replenishing the low levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, in your brain. Typically, an individual feels sluggish and mentally exhausted when there is a dip in the level of this neurotransmitter. Intake of this ingredient keeps you mentally alert, and improves your overall cognitive level.