Regular readers will know that I’ve been a little wonky and weird all of my life where my concentration, memory and my recall (among other things) are concerned. As a side effect of looking into why this is, I was diagnosed with incredibly low levels of vitamin B12 or D. So I’ve been having B12 shots and taking vit D capsules for around a year which has improved my energy levels massively and means that I wake up feeling refreshed rather than confused and totally exhausted. Just shows you what an effect vitamins can have!
I still wanted to tackle my concentration and memory problems though (without invasive tests) so when Scholar’s Nutrition asked if I’d like to review their Brain Food supplements – after consulting with my Dr – I jumped at the chance.
A months supply of 30 veggie capsules contain DHA, Phosphatidylserine and B vitamins 5 & 6. DHA is given to premature babies to promote their neurological development and promotes neurological health and normal brain (and eye) function in adults.The DHA is sourced from algae rather than oily fish so it’s perfect for vegetarians. Brain Food retails at £21.99
Ingredients: DHA rich oil from the micro algae Schizochytrium sp, Phosphatidylserine, d-alpha tocapherol (vitamin E), Calcium Pantothenate (vitamin B5), Pyrodoxine Hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Potassium Iodine. Contains soya.
The effects Brain Food has had on my…
Concentration
Normally it feels like my thoughts are floating around and I can’t pin them down or a thought zooms by so fast when I open my mouth to express it it’s gone already. Since I’ve started taking these supplements it’s like my thought fog has cleared a little and I’m able to think with more clarity. I’m know for starting sentences in the middle and then putting my point into context at the end, which requires a lot of patience from the listener but I’m getting a little better at this. I seem to be absorbing more details of what people are telling me as well, rather than just the overall gist of the conversation.
Recall
I have to mention my improved ability to recall words, names and places. A lot of the time I reach into my mental dictionary for the optimum word which describes what I mean, only to be like “it’s er, you know, when you kinda…” and I have to settle for an easier word or even explain the meaning of the word which sort of defeats the purpose!
I’ve noticed many times over the last month that I’m talking fluently and quickly without as many er’s and ah’s and that I’m more articulate. The Bloke and my friends have even noticed this change – probably because I look so pleased with myself when I recall the specific word I want to use with more ease.
Sequencing
This means keeping track of the order of something, be it the process of making a cup of tea, adding up figures, the order of letters that make up a word or the structure of a sentence. My sequencing was pretty poor. Over the passed month my typing seems to be making more sense, I’m able to keep a running tally of the price of three items as I find them in the super market (if no one distracts me) and I haven’t added milk to my tea before the hot water once. I still come out with babble and have to start my sentence again but everyone does that if they’re rushing.
Memory
As far as my memory is concerned it’s not got better but as I’m able to concentrate better I recognise there is something I’m meant to do i.e.. Phone the bank for some reason or buy a certain thing while out food shopping. Even if I’m not sure what or why specifically, at least it’s on my radar so it will pop into my head later.
Sleep
I’m finding it easier to calm my racing thoughts when I’m trying to get to sleep. Like I’m more in control of what or even when my mind is thinking.
My verdict
This isn’t the type of thing I can really rate but overall I think it’s really helped! I’d recommend this supplement to someone I know who’s struggling with all of the above things due to old age. Some people could argue that I’ve just been practising mindfulness over the last month but I promise you, I’ve tried doing that since my late teens and it’s never worked with any real efficiency, so there you go.
Brain Food is a dietary supplement and one capsule should be taken per day in the morning, along with a healthy balanced diet. If you are on any medication or other prescribed vitamin/mineral supplements you should consult your Dr. before taking Brain Food. People with conditions such as Parkinson’s, alzheimer’s or ADD, should never rely solely on dietary supplements.
Chrissie xx
Vamp It Up 