‘B’ sharp

There’s one memory booster that’s probably already on your plate: vitamin B12. It’s in meat, poultry, eggs, milk and fish, however vegans are prone to deficiency and we all become less adept at absorbing it as we age. “Vitamin B12 helps with the important brain structure called myelin (or white matter) and you have to be constantly removing and forming myelin,” says Dr Levitin. Deficiency has been associated with cognitive decline. One metaanalysis found supplementation led to significant memory improvement (but it’s best to be tested by your GP first as too much B12 can be harmful).