Not just all in the mind: How a vitamin a day helps boost memory

A daily multivitamin may boost memory and slow mental decline, according to studies cited in a 2012 report. One Monash University study involving 3,200 men and women found that multivitamin users showed improved recall compared with a placebo. A Swinburne University study of women over 64 with memory complaints reported better brain electrical activity during memory tasks. The report notes vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, along with the B vitamins including folic acid, each serve specific roles in supporting memory and nerve function. In the UK, about £140 million per year is spent on multivitamins. Experts caution that evidence remains limited and optimal brain function depends on adequate levels of all vitamins, making targeted supplements potentially less effective than ensuring a balanced diet.