Magnesium and Vitamin

 Magnesium administration decreases anxiety, panic and phobia and ameliorates the attention deficit and sleep disorders

The magnesium level in the brain is more stable and decreases more slowly than in other tissues, but small decreases have important influences on neuronalfunctioning.

The most frequent and characteristic form of magnesium deficit disorders in the central nervous system is nervous hyperexcitability.

Magnesium deficiency, even when mild, increases susceptibility to various types of neurologic and psychological stressors in healthy human subjects and diverse groups of patients.

Magnesium deficiency also increases neuronal excitability,

In rats, magnesium deficiency is associated with a decrease in sleep time. Magnesium content in four brain areas was also highly and positively correlated with the length of sleep periods

Magnesium stimulates the activity of cerebral GABAergic systems by behaving as a modulator of GABA receptors, increasing their activity.

Magnesium

In a meta-analysis of seven prospective studies including 241,378 participants, an additional 100 mg per day of magnesium from food was associated with an 8% decreased risk of total stroke, especially ischemic stroke. It has also been found to be especially important in secondary stroke prevention.

This may be because of the integral role magnesium plays in positively influencing the electrical signals of the heart.  This allows the heart to fill up with blood before it contracts properly — which helps optimize proper blood flow to the rest of the body. Magnesium also influences the movements of potassium, sodium, and calcium across cell membranes.

 

Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12

Vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 are needed to avoid high homocysteine levels. Research has shown that high levels of homocysteine, a common amino acid in the blood, can be a risk factor for the early development of heart disease and stroke. 

High homocysteine levels accelerate atherosclerosis formation. It also negatively impacts the endothelium (the tissue that lines blood vessels, heart, and lymphatic vessels) and smooth muscle cells. This means that elevated homocysteine can negatively change the arteries’ structure and function. 

Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Betaine. Many clinical studies indicate that patients with elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine are up to 2.5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke than those with normal levels. Homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by dietary factors, particularly vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and betaine. These substances help break down homocysteine in the body. Some studies have even shown that healthy individuals who consume higher amounts of folic acid and vitamin B6 are less likely to develop atherosclerosis than those who consume lower amounts of these substances. One study found that lowering homocysteine with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 reduced the overall risk of stroke, but not stroke severity or disability. Despite these findings, the American Heart Association (AHA) reports that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that supplementation with betaine and B vitamins reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, or that taking these supplements prevents the development or recurrence of heart disease. The AHA does not currently recommend population-wide homocysteine screening, and suggests that folic acid, as well as vitamin B6, B12, and betaine requirements be met through diet alone. Individuals at high risk for developing atherosclerosis, however, should be screened for blood levels of homocysteine. If elevated levels are detected, a provider may recommend supplementation.

Alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid works together with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. It is important for growth, helps prevent cell damage, and helps the body rid itself of harmful substances. Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it has protective effects on brain and nerve tissue, and shows promise as a treatment for stroke and other brain disorders involving free radical damage. Animals treated with alpha-lipoic acid, for example, suffered less brain damage and had a four times greater survival rate after a stroke than the animals who did not receive this supplement, especially when alpha-lipoic acid is combined with vitamin E. While animal studies are encouraging, more research is needed to understand whether this benefit applies to people as well.