Benefits of Vitamin B12 May Include Reduced Alzheimers Symptoms
Benefits of Vitamin B12 May Include Reduced Alzheimers Symptoms - A small study in
Finland suggests that one of the benefits of vitamin B12 (found in foods like
fish and fortified cereals, for example) may well be a lower risk of developing
life-changing Alzheimer's symptoms than people who take in less of the vitamin.
The team of Scandinavian researchers analyzed blood
samples from just under 300 subjects between the ages of 65 to 79 who had no evidence
of dementia. The samples were tested for levels of a blood marker of vitamin
B12 (known as holotranscobalamin) as well as levels of homocysteine, an amino
acid that has been tied to a greater risk of Alzheimer's disease, heart disease
and stroke.
The B vitamins (including B12 and folate) have been
shown to help bring down homocysteine levels, so high levels of the amino acid
suggest low levels of B vitamins.
Over the following 7 years, 17 of the study
participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Those who had the highest levels
of homocysteine at the start of the study had the greatest risk of developing
the disease. However, for each unit increase in the marker of B12, the risk of
developing Alzheimer's was reduced by 2%.
The link between risk of Alzheimer's, homocysteine
and B12 was far more obvious in older subjects. Blood levels of folate, though
measured as part of the work, were found not to be related to homocysteine
levels or Alzheimer's risk.
While earlier studies have shown that folic acid
lowers homocysteine levels, the effect this nutrient has on disease is still up
for discussion by the medical community.
A National Institute of Health panel has concluded
that there are no foods or vitamins that absolutely prevent Alzheimer's
disease. While a healthy diet is always important, the role of supplements
remains unclear.
Estimates vary, but some have as many
as 5.1 million Americans suffering with the memory robbing, life altering
disease known as Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia.
More than the normal forgetfulness of aging, this
disease is irreversible and progressive, destroying both thinking and memory.
In the end, patients find it impossible to do everyday things that once were no
problem - cooking, dressing, driving a car, making decisions, running errands.
If you're worried about your own risk of this terrible
disease, don't ignore the benefits of vitamin b12, however, focus instead on
many of the same, all natural; things doctors tell us to do for a healthy
heart.
Eat in moderation and include lots of fresh fruits
and veggies in your meals while staying away from (or limiting) foods that are
high in fat and sugar, as well as large amounts of red or processed meats.
By watching what you eat, you'll be doing all you can
to keep your body weight at a healthy level, which is super important as being
obese has been shown to double the risk of developing Alzheimer's symptoms.
