The term ‘brain fog’ is something that many of us are familiar with these days. But what does it actually mean? And why does it happen?
While not a technical term as such, ‘brain fog’ is how most people describe having difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, forgetfulness, and general mental fatigue.
There can be many reasons for these brain function issues, particularly stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and certain medications. Many of these things can be modified by making changes to our lifestyles and health regimes.
However, it’s also possible to support and enhance our short- and long-term brain function with specific nutrients - particularly those from Methyl-Life®.
If you’re searching for expert information on how to improve brain health, you’re in the right place. This article will explain the factors involved in healthy cognitive function and the nutrients shown to help with thinking, remembering, and processing information. We will also discuss the benefits of supplements for brain health from Methyl-Life®.
Understanding brain health
The brain makes up only 2% of total body weight but consumes around 20% of daily energy. [1] It needs an enormous range of nutrients to function properly, particularly nutrients that help in transferring energy to neurons and supporting membrane integrity.
Understanding the importance of certain foods for brain health is essential for supporting mental fitness. Studies show that specific nutrients have significant impact on neuronal function, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive ability. [2] Substances that regulate synaptic plasticity (such as choline and phosphatidylserine) also play important roles in neurological processes. Research has also highlighted the link between highly processed foods and brain health decline. [3]
Two of the most crucial nutrients for brain health are also the nutrients that a large proportion of the population is lacking: folate and vitamin B12.
Those with a mutation on the MTHFR gene are at risk of reduced folate and B12 levels, which can then lead to higher homocysteine levels and lower S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). [4] In the brain, SAMe is essential for the production of healthy neurotransmitters and amino acids in brain tissues. Numerous studies show that MTHFR mutations can lead to impairments in cognitive and motor function. The cerebellum and hippocampus are particularly susceptible to poor MTHFR function. The cerebellum has the highest levels of homocysteine, which makes it more vulnerable to damage via homocysteine and reduced levels of dopamine, serotonin and amino acids, specifically glutamate and GABA. [5] The cerebellum is involved in coordinating a wide range of functions and processes in the brain and comprises more than half of the body’s neurons.
Elevated homocysteine also increases risk factors such as including oxidative stress, amyloid β aggregation, tau phosphorylation, and dysfunction of the vascular system. [6] These factors are associated with cognitive decline and the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, such as synaptic impairment, neuronal dysfunction and formation of neurofibrillary tangles. [7]
Introduction to Methyl-Life®
Methyl-Life® is a US-based nutraceutical company dedicated to cognitive health. As experts in MTHFR, methylation, and nervous system function, Methyl-Life® provides both information and highly specialized nutritional supplements to support mind and body.
Methyl-Life® is a recognized authority on brain health assessment, particularly regarding methylation and MTHFR-related polymorphisms. Their mission is to empower those struggling with health challenges through their evidence-based guides, nutrition, and wellness support.
Every product in the Methyl-Life® range has been formulated according to scientific research and analysis. This is to ensure a truly therapeutic and effective result.
How Methyl-Life® supplements support focus
Methyl-Life® has invested in scientific research and expertise to create a unique and powerful range of brain health supplements.
Methylfolate
L-methylfolate is the natural and highly bioavailable form of folate. It is the predominant form that occurs naturally in the body and used in numerous biological processes. It is also the only form of folate that can bypass the MTHFR mutation. [8]
L-methylfolate is required for numerous functions of the brain and nervous system, including:
• Proper methylation [9]
• Synthesis and repair of DNA/RNA [10]
• Conversion of homocysteine to methionine for cardiovascular health [11]
• Production of vital neurotransmitters for healthy mood [12]
• Nervous system maintenance [13]
• Normal fetal growth and development and prevention of congenital abnormalities [14]
• Immune system maintenance [15
• Healthy myelin formation [16]
• Daily energy production
… and many other enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid synthesis and vitamin metabolism.
Methyl-Life’s® range of methyfolate supplements include dosages 15mg, 10mg, 7.5mg+B12, 5mg, 3mg+B12, and 2.5mg.
All Methyl-Life® methylfolate products are made with a calcium salt form of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (or L-5-MTHF), tested to be the most potent and pure methylfolate in the market today.
Vitamin B12
Hydroxocobalamin is a highly bioavailable form of B12 recommended over cyanocobalamin for vitamin B12 deficiency. [17] It is the precursor of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin (active forms of vitamin B12) and essential for DNA and amino acid synthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and nerve maintenance. [18] Vitamin B12 is vital for the synthesis of neurotransmitters for healthy mood and cognitive function. [19]
Supplements for enhancing memory recall
https://gem-3910432.netCiticoline
Citicoline is a naturally occurring form of choline which is required for making phosphatidylcholine, the structural phospholipid of cell membranes. Citicoline is able to pass through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and integrate with the membrane and phospholipids where it assists in membrane integrity, brain activity, and enhances the functions of various brain messengers. [20]
Citicoline is shown to increase levels of mood regulators (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) in the central nervous system, which contributes to neuroprotection, [21] Supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function, learning, and working memory and also protects against oxidative stress. [22]
Citicoline is shown to improve overall memory performance and may help protect against memory loss in older adults. [23]
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a major membrane lipid that makes up around 13–15% of the phospholipids in the cerebral cortex. [24] It covers and protects brain cells, improving the speed and efficiency of transmitting messages within the brain.
Supplementation with phosphatidylserine is shown to enhance cognitive functions such as memory and possibly even reduce the deterioration of nerve cells, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline. [25] It’s also shown to improve mood and relaxation before and after mental stress. [26]
Pyrroloquinoline quinone
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a natural enzyme found in fruits, vegetables, and breast milk. It helps to protect the brain cells and mitochondria (the energy producers of cells) from oxidative stress by increasing nerve growth factor (NGF) and NGF receptors. [27] PQQ boosts brain power by increasing blood flow and oxygen in the decision-making part of your brain, called the right prefrontal cortex. Research suggests that PQQ is effective in enhancing memory, attention, judgment, and cognitive function. [28]
These three “brain enhancers” are all included in Methyl-Life’s® Focus & Recall. This one-of-a-kind brain health formula contains Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine, and PQQ to support memory, learning, mood, and attention white protecting neurons from mental and physical stress.
Magtein L-threonate
Magtein® L-Threonate is a form of magnesium shown in clinical studies to be effective in enhancing memory, attention and learning focus.
The brain requires magnesium for nerve signal transmission and supporting the integrity of membranes. [29]
Enhancing magnesium concentration in the brain is shown to enhance both short-term synaptic function and improve learning and memory. [30]
Unlike other forms of magnesium, Magtein® can cross both the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers and deliver magnesium directly to brain cells. In a study involving elderly adults, those taking Magtein® showed significant improvement in learning, recall, memory, and overall cognitive abilities. [31]
Methyl-Life’s® Magtein® L-Threonate Magnesium is a revolutionary magnesium supplement to optimize brain function and support long-term cognitive health.
Safety and dosage recommendations
All Methyl-Life® products have been clinically tested for safety. No adverse effects have been reported with any ingredients used in our products.
However, it’s always important to speak with a healthcare practitioner before starting any supplement regime, especially if you have other medical conditions or concerns.
The takeaway
Your brain is central to every thought, memory, movement, and emotion. It is your intelligence, sense interpreter, motor function, and grand controller.
Maintaining brain health throughout life is essential for preserving mental and cognitive function.
In addition to standard health protocols such as a nutritious daily diet and regular exercise, it’s both possible and advisable to support brain health with supplementary nutrients. This is especially important for those who are at risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Methyl-Life® offers the ultimate support for optimizing brain health through education, supplements, and genuine compassion.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20367
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9879751/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8703276/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4750636/
6. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.778123/full
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32812023
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7564482/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262611/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262611/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3026708/
12. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cns.13207
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557632/#
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218540/
15. https://i.trade-cloud.com.cn/upload/6405/file/20210929/english-version-magnafolate-enhancing-immunity_524485.pdf
16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15896807/
17. https://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5389
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557632/#
19. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cns.13207
20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17171187
21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28417449/
22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7878037/
23. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662200267X
24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258547/
25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25933483/
26. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18616866/
27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27526146/
28. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34415830/
29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9820677
30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20152124/
31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9786204/
Updated On: November 20, 2023
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