How Eye Vitamins Can Help Your Child Focus

It's no secret that vitamins are essential for a child's health. But did you know that certain vitamins can also help children focus? For example, vitamin D is vital to brain development, while vitamin B6 helps the body to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps with attention and concentration.

By ensuring that your child is getting enough of these important vitamins, you can help them to focus and perform their best at school. Interestingly, many of the same vitamins formulated for eye health also benefit the brain and promote better focus.

In this article, we discuss which vitamins are best for concentration, plus detail the link between a child’s vision and cognitive function.

Why Is It Important For Kids To Stay Focused?

Kids these days are constantly bombarded with distractions. From the constant ping of notifications to the never-ending stream of social media, it's no wonder that so many kids have trouble staying focused. While it's important to unplug and relax from time to time, there are also many benefits to staying focused.

Perhaps most notably, those who can focus tend to be more successful in school. They're able to absorb information more effectively and retain it for longer periods of time, contributing to high-quality school work.

And of course, kids who can focus are more likely to be successful in their future careers. Many jobs require the ability to pay attention for long periods of time, and those who have mastered this skill will have a clear advantage.

Staying focused can also help reduce stress levels. Those who can focus on one task at a time tend to be less frazzled and better able to handle adversity.

What Vitamins & Nutrients Help Kids Focus?

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is essential for focus and concentration. The vitamin helps to convert glucose into energy, which the body uses to fuel brain activity. Vitamin B also helps to protect neurons from damage and supports the development of new neural pathways.

As a result, getting enough vitamin B can help improve cognitive function and increase focus and concentration. Good sources of vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas. Vitamin B12 can be found in meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.

Vitamin C

In the brain, vitamin C helps protect neurons and synthesize neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending messages between cells, and they play a role in mood, focus, and concentration.

Research has shown that vitamin C deficiency can lead to cognitive decline--including in children--so getting enough vitamin C is essential for maintaining mental agility. Including foods like oranges, grapefruit, bell peppers, and broccoli in your child's diet can help to ensure they're getting enough vitamin C to support their brain health.  

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has been linked to better school performance in children (while vitamin D deficiency has been linked to poor results on tests of memory). The vitamin protects the brain from damage and promotes neurogenesis, which is the growth of new nerve cells in the brain.

In order to get enough vitamin D, children need to spend time outdoors in the sun or take a supplement. Foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk are also good sources of vitamin D.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There is a lot of interest in omega-3 fatty acids these days, and for good reason. In terms of cognitive function, omega-3--known also as fish oil--has been shown to be particularly beneficial for children's focus and concentration.

One study showed that omega-3 improved reading performance in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another study found that omega-3 helped neurotypical children perform better on tests of working memory.

The exact mechanisms by which omega-3 fats improve focus are not fully understood, but one theory is that they improve neural communication and synaptic function.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a particularly vital role in brain function. Low levels of magnesium have been linked with poor cognitive performance, including difficulties with focus and concentration. Studies suggest that magnesium supplementation can improve reading comprehension and working memory in both neurotypical kids and children with ADHD.

Getting enough magnesium is important for all children, but it may be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to focus. Good sources of magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Choline

Choline is a nutrient found in foods like eggs, meat, and fish (though it is also commonly taken as a supplement). Studies have shown that choline plays an important role in supporting cognitive function, including memory, focus, and concentration in children and adolescents. One study found that pregnant women who took a daily choline supplement had children who scored higher on tests of verbal and visual memory than those who did not take the supplement.

Panax Ginseng

When it comes to Panax ginseng (sometimes called Asian ginseng), kids aren't the only ones who can benefit from its concentration-boosting powers. This herbal supplement has been used for centuries to help people of all ages improve their focus and concentration.

Researchers believe that the active ingredient in Panax ginseng, ginsenoside, helps to stimulate the central nervous system and increase blood flow to the brain. This can result in improved cognitive function and increased alertness. As a result, it's no surprise that this herbal supplement is a popular choice for students preparing for exams or adults who need to stay sharp at work.

Other vitamins and nutrients thought to promote better focus in children include vitamin E (which improves blood flow and reduces inflammation), zinc (helps neuroplasticity and improves concentration), phosphatidylserine (a molecule that plays an important role in cell signaling and regulation), and iron (helps transport oxygen to the brain and eyes).     

Eye Health & Brain Focus

Most people know that maintaining good eye health is important for being able to see clearly. However, few people realize that eye health is also closely linked to brain function.

Countless studies have shown that children who have poor vision are more likely to struggle in school and have difficulty concentrating. Additionally, children with vision issues are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. As a result, it is essential for parents to make sure that their children have regular eye exams.

 

Are There Vitamins That Help Kids Focus?

If your focus is on improving your child's concentration, then consider adding an eye-health supplement to his or her daily diet. Not only are eye health and good vision intrinsically linked to cognitive function, but dietary supplements designed for vision health include many of the same vitamins and nutrients that improve memory, focus, and concentration. It's a win-win for your kids. 

Check out our great tasting eye health supplements for kids!

People Also Ask

1. What vitamin helps kids concentrate?

Vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, and choline are just a few of the vitamins and nutrients that improve focus and concentration in children. Though each of these can be found naturally in foods, a daily supplement is an easy way to ensure your child is getting all of the vitamins needed for brain health.

2. What is the best vitamin for focus?

When it comes to vitamins, there are a few that are particularly important for brain function. For instance, vitamin B6 helps the body to make neurotransmitters, which are essential for sending signals between nerve cells.

Vitamin B12 is also important for cognitive function, as it helps to protect the brain from damage. Finally, studies have shown that children who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to have difficulty with concentration and other cognitive tasks.

3. How can I help my child focus naturally?

One of the most important things a parent can do to help their child focus is to provide plenty of downtime each day to play or relax. It's also important to limit screen time, as too much exposure to electronics can further shorten attention spans.

Parents can encourage their kids to get regular exercise, as physical activity has been shown to improve focus and concentration. Finally, parents should ensure their children are receiving all of the vitamins and nutrients required by a healthy, growing brain by providing balanced meals and/or a daily supplement.

As any parent knows, getting a child to focus can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few things that can help, one of which is a daily supplement designed for eye health. Certain nutrients–vitamin B, omega-3, and choline, for example–are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and eyes.

Of course, vitamins are just one part of the equation. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and a good night's sleep are also important for maintaining a sharp mind. But if you're looking for an extra edge, vitamins may be worth considering.