New research is adding the weight to existing evidence, that there's a link between risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and levels of vitamin B12
According to a new study published in the journal Neurology, involving 271 people in Finland, it found those that had the highest levels of B12 were the least likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
There is still a lot more research required before we can really understand the effects of vitamin B12. It's found mainly in animal products, including milk and dairy, but is also available in super foods like wheatgrass and maca powder.
There's been link between B vitamins and Alzheimer's for some time now. It's connected to a chemical in the body called homocysteine, which can increase the risks of dementia and also strokes.
By increasing levels of vitamin B12 in the blood, it's possible to lower the levels of homocysteine.
Researchers in Sweden, at the Karolinska Institute, looked at the effects of vitamins on 'Brain shrinkage', which itself is connected to Alzheimer's. They found that when older people took higher amounts of vitamins including B12, there was a slowing down of 'brain shrinkage'.
The study which lasted seven years, involved people aged 65 to 79 years, who did not have dementia at the start of the trial. During the course of the study 17 of the subject were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
The scientists at Karolinska Institute, looked to see if levels of B12 were a factor, and they found that those people who had the highest levels of did appear to have a lower risk.
Dr Helga Refsum, from the University of Oslo commented on these results, saying that this study was "further evidence", that low levels of vitamin B12 had a link to Alzheimer's.
"Though relatively small, with few cases of dementia, it should act as another incentive to start a large scale trial with homocysteine-lowering therapy using B vitamins to see whether such a simple treatment may slow the development of Alzheimer's or other dementia."
The Alzheimer's Research Trust Chief Executive, Rebecca Wood, gave the findings a cautious welcome, saying "It might be tempting at this stage to stock up the cupboard with B vitamin in the light of recent findings - it remains too early to do that at this stage.
"The strongest evidence we have for reducing dementia risk is to eat a healthy, balanced diet, take moderate exercise, and keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check, particularly in mid-life."
One of the simplest ways to ensure you get enough B12 is by adding super foods to your diet, this is especially important if you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Maca and wheatgrass powder are good sources.
According to a new study published in the journal Neurology, involving 271 people in Finland, it found those that had the highest levels of B12 were the least likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
There is still a lot more research required before we can really understand the effects of vitamin B12. It's found mainly in animal products, including milk and dairy, but is also available in super foods like wheatgrass and maca powder.
There's been link between B vitamins and Alzheimer's for some time now. It's connected to a chemical in the body called homocysteine, which can increase the risks of dementia and also strokes.
By increasing levels of vitamin B12 in the blood, it's possible to lower the levels of homocysteine.
Researchers in Sweden, at the Karolinska Institute, looked at the effects of vitamins on 'Brain shrinkage', which itself is connected to Alzheimer's. They found that when older people took higher amounts of vitamins including B12, there was a slowing down of 'brain shrinkage'.
The study which lasted seven years, involved people aged 65 to 79 years, who did not have dementia at the start of the trial. During the course of the study 17 of the subject were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
The scientists at Karolinska Institute, looked to see if levels of B12 were a factor, and they found that those people who had the highest levels of did appear to have a lower risk.
Dr Helga Refsum, from the University of Oslo commented on these results, saying that this study was "further evidence", that low levels of vitamin B12 had a link to Alzheimer's.
"Though relatively small, with few cases of dementia, it should act as another incentive to start a large scale trial with homocysteine-lowering therapy using B vitamins to see whether such a simple treatment may slow the development of Alzheimer's or other dementia."
The Alzheimer's Research Trust Chief Executive, Rebecca Wood, gave the findings a cautious welcome, saying "It might be tempting at this stage to stock up the cupboard with B vitamin in the light of recent findings - it remains too early to do that at this stage.
"The strongest evidence we have for reducing dementia risk is to eat a healthy, balanced diet, take moderate exercise, and keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check, particularly in mid-life."
One of the simplest ways to ensure you get enough B12 is by adding super foods to your diet, this is especially important if you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Maca and wheatgrass powder are good sources.
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There are many super foods that are packed full of nutrition, including maca and organic wheatgrass
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