As we age our body loses its ability to repair or replace the cells that die off. That includes our brain cells. By increasing the amounts of vitamins and minerals in our system, we can help to prevent this damage. Listed below are ten vitamins and minerals that we should be looking at when preventing memory loss.

1. Calcium. Calcium is involved in enzyme production and one of the effects low calcium has is memory loss.  Calcium can be found in milk, dairy, spinach and kale.
2. Folic Acid. Folic acid is a B complex vitamin that helps fight against Alzheimer disease. Folic acid can be found in green vegetables, beans, whole grains and orange juice.
3. Iron. Iron is responsible for producing the chemicals in the brain that are essential to restoring memory. Studies have shown that people with an iron deficiency do not score as well on a memory exam as those who do not have the iron deficiency. Iron can be found in red meats, beans and iron fortified foods such as cereal.
4. Magnesium. Magnesium aids in brain cell growth in children and the functioning of the brain in adults. Studies have shown that increased magnesium levels helped improved memory function.  Magnesium can be found in whole grains, fish, nuts, potatoes and dairy.
5. Selenium. As an antioxidant, selenium removes toxins from the brain and thus makes room for the minerals your brain needs to prevent memory loss. Selenium can be found in sunflower seeds, fish and red meat.
6. Vitamin B1. Otherwise known as thiamin the vitamin of memory, vitamin B1 helps the body absorb glucose, which runs the brain. Studies have shown that low levels of thiamin result in lack of concentration. Vitamin B1 can be found in eggs, lean meats, legumes, nuts, peas and whole grains.
7. Vitamin B6. Otherwise known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is needed for normal brain function and the nervous system. Studies have shown that a lack of vitamin B6 affects your memory and hinders the ability retain information. Vitamin B6 can be found in fish, poultry, egg yolks, whole grains, potatoes and avocados.
8. Vitamin B12. Patients suffering from Alzheimer disease have been known to be lacking this vitamin. You can increase your vitamin B12 levels by eating eggs, poultry, liver and cheese.
9. Vitamin C. Another antioxidant, vitamin C needs to constantly be replenished in our system. Taking vitamin C helps to keep the mind sharp and has also been known to ward off Alzheimer disease. Vitamin C can be found in citrus, strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli.
10. Zinc. Zinc plays an important role in the neurological functions of the brain. Studies have shown that when given zinc enriched snacks to adolescent girls, they were able to score higher on visual memory tests. Zinc can be found in red meat, nuts, beans, whole grains and dairy products.

The older we get we tend to become more conscious of taking care of ourselves. Avoiding memory loss is something we are all concerned about. Talk to your medical professional about the vitamins and minerals listed above and whether or not they think you need to start taking supplements or if you can get an adequate amount from your diet.