[Nutrition and capacity for concentration in automobile drivers]

One of the most important food components for the ability to concentrate is protein because certain amino acids are precursors of neurotransmitters, e.g. serotonin from tryptophan. There is a close relation between tryptophan content in the diet, serotonin biosynthesis in the brain and food intake. While lack of carbohydrates causes a symptomatic hypoglycemia which leeds to decreases in different functions and performances (e.g. memory and concentration, orientation, critical evaluation of environmental influences), glucose load does not mean an increased performance. In this respect dietary fats and minerals have not been investigated, some vitamins, e.g. thiamin, influence the functions of the nervous system. With coffee and caffeine containing beverages a drop of performance can be compensated for only a short time at the expense of energy reserves. Under the moderate influence of alcohol the function of nervous cells is markedly affected. In connection with medicine this negative effect is aggravated. After coffee and alcohol consumption events are subjectively experienced on quite a different level than can be objectively measured; misleading estimations are the consequence. A high meal frequency with small meals stimulates the serotonin biosynthesis and seems to reduce fatigue.