What causes lack of concentration in adults

Adults' lack of concentration may be related to factors such as vitamin B deficiency, iron deficiency, insufficient intake of high-quality protein, poor sleep quality, and excessive psychological stress. Long term attention deficit may affect work efficiency and quality of life, and targeted adjustments should be made based on specific reasons.

1. Vitamin B deficiency

Vitamins B1, B6, B12, etc. participate in neurotransmitter synthesis, and when insufficient, it can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of brain information transmission. Whole grains, animal liver, dark green vegetables and other foods are rich in B vitamins, and those who have long-term dietary preferences or digestive and absorption disorders are prone to deficiency. Common clinical symptoms include memory loss and delayed response.

2. Iron deficiency

Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, and iron deficiency can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to brain tissue. Women with menstrual bleeding, vegetarians, and gastrointestinal disorders are at higher risk. Typical manifestations include easy fatigue, delayed thinking, and in severe cases, iron deficiency anemia may occur. Red meat, animal blood products, and fungus are rich in iron.

3. Insufficient intake of high-quality protein

Tyrosine in protein is a precursor substance for synthesizing dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely related to concentration. Long term insufficient or poor quality protein intake may affect brain excitability. High quality protein sources such as eggs, fish, and soy products should be consumed in a balanced manner to avoid extreme dieting behaviors.

4. Poor sleep quality

The deep sleep stage is a critical period for the brain to clear metabolic waste, and long-term sleep deprivation or sleep apnea can lead to damage to prefrontal function. Manifested as frequent daydreaming and decreased decision-making ability during the day. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep routine, reduce blue light exposure before bedtime, and monitor sleep if necessary.

5. Excessive psychological stress

Chronic stress can continuously activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in cortisol levels, which can inhibit hippocampal function. Anxiety and depression can also deplete cognitive resources and lead to distraction. Mindfulness training, moderate exercise, psychological counseling, and other methods can help alleviate stress. Improving attention requires comprehensive intervention, and it is recommended to first conduct nutritional assessment and thyroid function examination to rule out organic diseases. Daily intake of brain boosting foods such as walnuts and deep-sea fish can be increased, combined with aerobic exercise to promote blood circulation in the brain. During work, the tomato work method is used to focus on segmented tasks and avoid multitasking. If the symptoms persist for more than two months or are accompanied by low mood, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly at the neurology or clinical psychology department.