B-12 May Stave Off Alzheimer's

But don't start taking supplements yet, says one charity rep
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 19, 2010 12:55 PM CDT
Alzheimer's Disease Research: Vitamin B-12 May Stave It Off
Vitamin B12 may help to fend off Alzheimer's.   (©House Of Sims)

Vitamin B has already been linked to Alzheimer’s, but new evidence shows that vitamin B-12, specifically, may help to fend off the disease. In a recent study of 271 people published in the Neurology journal, those with the highest levels of B-12 were the least likely to have dementia, the BBC reports. Even so, one Alzheimer’s charity says it’s “too early” to recommend taking supplements of B-12, which is found in meat, fish, eggs, and milk.

B-12 may protect against Alzheimer’s by lowering levels of a body chemical called homocysteine, which is associated with strokes and dementia. Another recent trial also found a link between high levels of B-12 and lower risk for dementia. For one researcher, that’s enough proof that a “large scale trial with homocysteine-lowering therapy using B vitamins” is warranted, “to see whether such a simple treatment may slow the development of Alzheimer's or other dementia.” For more Alzheimer's research, click here.
(More Alzheimer's disease stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X