Focus and Mental Performance
The Challenge (Global)
Workplace Productivity: Mental health issues like depression and anxiety take a massive toll on productivity – about 12 billion workdays are lost every year, costing the global economy roughly US$1 trillion annually.
Iron + Vitamin C — Enhanced Energy Metabolism. Iron is essential for energy because it sits at the heart of heme and iron–sulfur enzymes in the TCA cycle and electron transport chain that generate ATP. Vitamin C boosts the uptake of plant (non-heme) iron by reducing Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ and maintaining solubility, and it also serves as a cofactor for carnitine biosynthesis, which supports mitochondrial fat oxidation. Microgreens supply both nutrients in a whole-food matrix: multiple species concentrate iron while others (e.g., bean/legume microgreens) provide high ascorbic acid, together helping to bridge dietary gaps that impact energy.
Cognitive Support: Anaemia, a common nutrient deficiency, is a leading cause of fatigue and impaired cognitive performance. It affects ~40% of children 6–59 months and ~30% of women 15–49 years globally — and men are affected too, with ~12–13% of adult males estimated to have anaemia worldwide. These deficits contribute to low energy, reduced attention, and difficulty concentrating.
Energy & Mood: Nutrient deficiencies (particularly in B-vitamins like B6, B12, folate, as well as iron, magnesium, and zinc) are linked to mood disorders and cognitive declinef. In other words, lacking these key micronutrients can sap your energy, worsen your mood, and hinder mental performance.
How Only Plants Helps
Folate & B-Vitamins – Neurotransmitter Support: Our microgreens provide whole-food folate (vitamin B9) alongside vitamin C and carotenoids; folate in radish microgreens. Folate (vitamin B9) and natural B-vitamins help power the brain’s neurotransmitter pathways. They are essential for healthy nervous system function and the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters (like serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine). By supporting these biochemical pathways, B-vitamins can boost mood, focus, and overall cognitive function.
Iron + Vitamin C – Enhanced Energy Metabolism: Iron is a crucial co-factor in our cells’ energy production (it’s part of hemoglobin and enzymes that generate ATP – the body’s energy molecule). Vitamin C works hand-in-hand with iron by significantly improving iron absorption in the gutl. It also assists in carnitine synthesis for energy metabolism. This synergistic combo helps combat fatigue and supports steady energy levels throughout the day.
Magnesium & Zinc – Nervous System Balance: Magnesium and Zinc are vital minerals for a well-functioning nervous system. Magnesium aids in optimal nerve signal transmission and neuromuscular coordination, even acting as a “gatekeeper” to prevent over-excitation of neurons. Zinc is concentrated in brain synapses and modulates neurotransmitters (such as GABA and glutamate) to promote stable nerve communication. Together, Mg and Zn help maintain calm focus, stress resilience, and mental clarity.
Moreover, emerging science on the gut-brain axis highlights that our gut health and nutrition are deeply intertwined with mental performance. For example, beneficial gut bacteria actually produce B-vitamins and even neurotransmitters like GABA (which has calming effects on the brain). A plant-based, nutrient-rich supplement like Only Plants thus supports not just the brain directly, but also the microbiome that influences mood and focus.
Suggested use: 3–4 capsules in the morning (food-based, non-stim).
References