9 Vitamins to Energise & Boost Your Brain Power

We could all do with an energy boost from time to time.

One in five of us feel low in energy at any one time.

That after-lunch lull at work can be a real drag – we often reach for a sugar fix (yes, the chocolate break!) which triggers a fluctuation in your blood sugar. But of course, what goes up must come down. This short-term fix can lead to a crash and a feeling of tiredness soon afterwards.

Can we really take vitamins to boost our brain power? Enter nootropics.

What are Nootropics?

Nootropics or “smart drugs” are well-known compounds or supplements that enhance cognitive performance. They work by increasing the mental function such as memory, creativity, motivation, and attention.

If this sounds like something you need, whether to kick-start your day, or for an afternoon boost, then look no further. We've compiled a list of 9 brain-boosting vitamins and minerals sure to energise, give mental clarity and keep you sharp.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, or Pyridoxine helps the nervous system, and also our mind to function properly. Work stresses are known to deplete B6 levels in our bodies – no doubt you’ll have felt the inevitable brain fog, irritability and had difficulty concentrating. A good mood is a focused and productive mood – just as well, because Vitamin B6 helps to create neurotransmitters which are the chemical messengers that carry information between your brain cells, including mood-regulating serotonin.

Zinc

Zinc is proven to improve memory and concentration. This mega mind-boosting mineral is vital to the health of our brains, contributing to normal cognitive function and regulating communication between nerve cells to help our memory, mood, learning and emotion.

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, or Pantothenic Acid is essential in maintaining healthy mental performance. It’s known to reduce tiredness and fatigue which can be the biggest nightmare when you’ve got important work to do. Together with other B-vitamins, it helps to produce the brain’s neurotransmitters which boost your mood; great news for you – and your workmates!

Vitamin C

You undoubtedly recognise Vitamin C as the vitamin in oranges that cuts the common cold short. However, deficiencies in Vitamin C, or Ascorbic Acid can actually cause fatigue with scientists finding a striking relationship between Vitamin C status and mental function. Brain concentrations of this powerful antioxidant are far greater than those in the rest of the body - long after the body is depleted of the vitamin, the brain maintains its levels.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 works with the other B-Vitamins to maintain healthy psychological function. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies can actually affect your memory, understanding and judgement, and cause tiredness and a lack of energy. It’s important to keep our B12 levels at their optimum in order to help our bodies absorb folic acid and to fight fatigue.

Choline

Choline is a vitamin-like water-soluble essential mineral, which is often referred to as Vitamin B4. Studies have shown a link between cognitive performance in adults and higher choline intakes. Choline helps to transmit chemical messages between brain cells and helps to keep cell membranes healthy, supporting muscle function, memory and mood.

Caffeine

We all know Caffeine - most notably from the coffees that get us through the day, giving us that much-needed boost. Caffeine promotes stimulation of the central nervous system meaning we feel more alert. Besides the energy boost, Caffeine can also increase brain function having positive effects on reaction time, vigilance, attention, learning and general mental function.

Glutamine

Found in superfoods like spinach, kale and wild salmon, L-Glutamine has long been a staple in many a gym buff’s armoury as it is known for it’s recovery properties. However, L-Glutamine also plays a vital role in our mental and emotional processes and is important for our cognition and concentration. Often referred to as “brain fuel,” this amino acid is known to focus a sleepy or foggy brain.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most widely used cognitive enhancers in the world, and not without good reason. For thousands of years, this wonder plant has been used as a traditional herbal treatment for a range of conditions, including depression, memory loss and confusion. However, it’s not just used in complementary therapies and holistic practice. Modern day scientific research shows that Gingko Biloba contains antioxidants which effectively improve attention, memory and maintain good cognitive function. It’s also proven to improve speed of information processing, working memory and executive processing.

Nootropics are by no means a new phenomenon. For years, the shelves have been awash with pills, capsules, tablets and even gummy sweets promising to turbo charge your brain power. But did you know that only 10%-20% of the nutrients in vitamin pills are absorbed into the body, whereas liquid, drinkable vitamins are absorbed up to 98%.

As an award-winning British brand, here at Pink Cloud Beauty Co, we've carefully taken all 9 cognitive enhancing nutrients and blended them into one delicious, easy-to-use formula, in our orange and pineapple flavoured Focus Drinkable Vitamins.

Just take a handy pre-portioned sachet, tip the contents into a glass and add water to taste. If you like an intense flavour add 200ml, for a lighter delicate taste, we recommend 600ml.

With natural colours and flavourings and only 23 calories per serving. Boost your hydration and see the difference in your productivity.