So…. it seems that the evidence in favour of a multi-nutrient beneficially affecting brain function and cognition is increasing. The British Journals of Nutrition[1], Psychopharmacology,[2] Biological Psychology[3] and Human Psychopharmacology[4] have published a series of studies examining the effect of a multivitamin/mineral on mood and cognitive function.
Now as we know, to be politically correct we have to state that a ‘balanced diet’ – the unicorn of daily food choice can supply all that our bodies and brains need to feel tip top. We also know that according to the UK’s very own National Diet and Nutrition survey, that our balanced diet focused population suffers from vitamin deficiencies or inefficiencies across pretty much all vitamin groups.
Whilst in no way a suggestion that supplementation should replace the mythical source of all we need to thrive, there is a clear indication that isolated nutrients can have their benefits lost in the noise of analysis, and that multi-nutrients which operate in a synergistic manner may offer a level of functionality unable to be achieved through current UK eating habits in the general population.
Comment
The role of fatty acids and micro nutrients in terms of the health gains offered are well documented and poorly communicated. These latest papers help to add to the slow persuasion of our nutritionally minded ‘flat earthers’ that the investment in supplements may well be one of the best out of pocket spends they undertake.
References
[1] Haskell CF, Scholey AB, Jackson PA, Elliott JM, Defeyter MA, Greer J, Robertson BC, Buchanan T, Tiplady B, Kennedy DO. Cognitive and mood effects in healthy children during 12 weeks’ supplementation with multi-vitamin/minerals. Br J Nutr. 2008 Nov;100(5):1086-96. Epub 2008 May 29. View Abstract
[2] Kennedy DO, Veasey R, Watson A, Dodd F, Jones E, Maggini S, Haskell CF. Effects of high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010 Jul;211(1):55-68. Epub 2010 May 8. View Abstract
[3] Jackson PA, Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO. Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil modulates the cerebral hemodynamic response to cognitive tasks in healthy young adults. Biol Psychol. 2012 Jan;89(1):183-90. Epub 2011 Oct 19. View Abstract
[4] Haskell CF, Robertson B, Jones E, Forster J, Jones R, Wilde A, Maggini S, Kennedy DO. Effects of a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement on cognitive function and fatigue during extended multi-tasking. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010 Aug;25(6):448-61. View Abstract
