Memory Boosters For Children

Memory Development Children, Memory Boosters Children, Kids Memory Booster: Parents who want their children to do well for their examinations can give them a boost by ensuring that their children get the proper foods to keep brain function.

Choline

Choline is used by the body to produce the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which is essential for the normal functioning of all cells. Choline is especially important for brain function as it affects the areas of the brain responsible for memory function and life-long learning ability. Choline is also required for the transportation of nutrients throughout the body including to the brain. A rich source of choline is egg and other sources include beef, cauliflower, wheat, peanuts and lettuce. Similar to taurine, choline is commonly fortified in milk powder.

Folic acid

High levels of homocysteine in the blood affect memory and folic acid lowers homocysteine levels. Foods which are rich in folic acid include whole-grain cereals, soybeans, spinach, green peas, broccoli and oranges. Nonetheless, there is insufficient data to support the use of folic acid as a memory booster.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and increases memory power of children. It is also thought to have antioxidant properties which aid in brain function. Taurine is found naturally in meat, fish and breast milk. Most milk powders are fortified with taurine as non-breast-fed infants’ ability to synthesise taurine (from their diet) is undeveloped and cow's milk (on its own) does not provide a sufficient amount.

Omega-3

The benefits of omega-3 include promoting brain development. Omega-3 contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are the main ingredients for the benefits of omega-3. Low DHA levels are thought to be associated with problems such as intelligence, vision and behavior. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oils and some plant or nut oils. Tuna and salmon are the common animal sources that provide DHA and EPA and peanuts, walnuts and almonds are the common plant sources. For children who do not enjoy eating fishes or nuts, they can take fish oils supplements. These are available as burstlets (capsules which burst and release the oils in them) and there are different flavors to appeal to a child. These supplements should preferably be given to a child who is 2 years old or older and a pharmacist can help to select the right fish oil supplement for your child.