Sunday, December 2, 2012

Lowering Risks of Alzheimer's with Vitamin B12 A New Study

By David Morris


There's mounting evidence indicating, that there is a link between higher levels of vitamin B12 and reduced risks of developing Alzheimer's disease.

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.

It's been established for some years, that there's a connection between Alzheimer's and B vitamins. This is due to a chemical in the body called homocysteine, which can increase risks of dementia and stroke.

By increasing levels of vitamin B12 in the blood, it's possible to lower the levels of homocysteine.

In a recent study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, 'brain shrinkage', which has been connected with Alzheimer's, was slowed in older people, by increasing the amount of vitamins, which included B12.

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 researcher from the Karolinska Institute, were able to measure, if indeed high or low levels of vitamin B12 were a factor. Their results showed that the subjects with the highest levels of B12 seemed 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."

Giving a more cautious welcome to these findings, Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive at the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said "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."

Adding super foods to your diet is one of the easiest ways to make sure you're getting enough vitamin B12, especially if you're vegetarian or vegan. Chlorella, bee pollen, maca and wheatgrass powder are all good, natural sources of B12.




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