Dementia and Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
September 24th, 2008Reading Level: Leisurely
Various studies have been done linking both average and low Vitamin B-12 levels to brain shrinkage and dementia.
I came across 3 different studies regarding B-12 deficiency and memory problems. I’ll paste abbreviated results below with their references in case you want to read the full articles. Top sources of Vitamin B are listed at the end of the post.
Take note of these main points:
-Though western cultures normally eat enough food with B-12, the absorption of it decreases with age.
-The push for using antacids has also decreased people’s absorption of B-12.
-If you divide a normal range of B-12 absorption into thirds, the elderly people in the lower level of what is still considered normal B-12 blood level range had 6 times more brain shrinkage than those in the upper third. Thus, a normal level could still be risky unless you are at the higher end of the range. Two studies below showed risk in normal ranges.
-Dairy products, fish, and meat are the typical sources of B-12.
-Daily oral doses of B-12 in 1000 mcg were effective in raising B-12 levels in elderly and reducing memory problems.
-Vitamin B-12 helps in the formation of red blood cells and is important for the maintenance of the central nervous system. Deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological damage.
-Vitamin B-12 deficiency is uncommon in developed countries but is an issue among the elderly due to problems in vitamin absorption and among vegetarians whose dietary intake may be low, the researchers said.
Study 1
In the study led by David Smith and Anna Vogiatzoglou of the University of Oxford in Britain, people in the upper third of vitamin
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Tags: alzheimer's, healing, health, physical healing, physical health, sickness
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