Taking academic test is an unavoidable part of modern society. Whether you're a child or adult with an attention deficit disorder, learning disability or simply want to improve your chances of scoring higher on a particular examination the following information may be beneficial for you. Two functions that are typically necessary in a test taking situation are short term memory and working memory.  Short term memory is the ability to retain small amounts of information in and at hand along with attainable condition for short periods. Working memory also requires short term storage of information, but in addition requires the ability to manipulate that information. As an example, tests for short term memory is require the immediately call of random numbers. Typically, one can remember approximately seven numbers in this fashion (i.e. a phone number).

Working memory is normally required in order to do complex and multi step tasks. A study recently published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics found that " iron and zinc deficiency is associated with memory deficits in children.” The study also found when these children were supplemented with iron and zinc there was significant improvement.

Another study published in November of 2010 in the Journal of Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental found that”caffeine and glucose can have beneficial effects on cognitive performance." Therefore, there are two possible factors which may improve performance in test taking situations.  Iron and zinc levels of measured by serum analysis and can be done at any standard laboratory. This testing can be ordered by your physician and appropriate supplementation can be instituted and monitored.  Glucose levels can also be monitored by standard laboratory analysis.

Functional medicine practitioners are always more cognizant of nutritional protocols. There are specialty lab test to measure caffeine clearance.  Of course, when instituting any type of glucose protocol the patient and their doctor should be aware of any type of hypoglycemic or insulin resistance which the patient may have.  In conclusion, if this article peaks your interest, contact your primary care physician or a functional medicine practitioner for further consultation on this matter.

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