A study, reported in the journal “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications” may have discovered how vitamin C improves both attention and mood.

A number of vitamins and minerals have been shown to improve mood, calm anxiety, and improve concentration. These include:

• Zinc

• Magnesium

• Thiamine

• Riboflavin

• Pyridoxal-5 phosphate

• Niacinamide

• Folate

• Methylcobalamin

One class of drugs used to treat depression increases brain levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.

This new study found that vitamin C also increased brain production of this mood-elevating neurotransmitter.

A person’s ability to focus attention is also dependent, to a large degree, on norepinephrine. It may be that higher intake of vitamin C can improve both of these vital brain functions — and thus improve our mood and ability to focus and learn.