Vitamin B12 'may prevent memory loss'

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7595423.stm

Vitamin 'may prevent memory loss'

 

*A vitamin found in meat, fish and milk may help stave off memory loss in

old age, a study has suggested.*

 

Older people with lower than average vitamin B12 levels were more than six

times more likely to experience brain shrinkage, researchers concluded.

The University of Oxford study, published in the journal Neurology tested

the 107 apparently healthy volunteers over a five-year period.

 

Some studies suggest two out of five people are deficient in the vitamin.

 

*The rate of shrinkage of the brain as we age may be partly influenced

by what we eat*

Professor David Smith

Oxford University

 

The problem is even more common among the elderly, and recent moves to

supplement bread with folic acid caused concern that this could mask B12

deficiency symptoms in older people.

 

The Oxford study looked at a group of people between 61 and 87, splitting it

into thirds depending on the participants' vitamin B12 levels.

 

Even the third with the lowest levels were still above a threshold used by

some scientists to define vitamin B12 deficiency.

 

However, they were still much more likely to show signs of brain shrinkage

over the five-year period.

 

*Liver and shellfish*

 

Professor David Smith, who directs the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory

and Ageing, said he now planned a trial of B vitamins in the elderly to see

if taking them could slow brain shrinkage.

 

He said: " This study adds another dimension to our understanding of the

effects of B vitamins on the brain - the rate of shrinkage of the brain as

we age may be partly influenced by what we eat. "

 

Shrinkage has been strongly linked with a higher risk of developing dementia

at a later stage and Rebecca Wood, the chief executive of the Alzheimer's

Research Trust, said further research was needed.

 

" This study suggests that consuming more vitamin B12 through eating meat,

fish, fortified cereals or milk as part of a balanced diet might help

protect the brain. Liver and shellfish are particularly rich sources of B12.

 

 

" Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem among elderly people in the UK

and has been linked to declining memory and dementia. "

 

Dr Susanne Sorensen, from the Alzheimer's Society said: " Shrinkage is

usually associated with the development of dementia.

 

" As vitamin B may be given as a food supplement, it may be useful to include

tests of vitamin B levels in the general assessment of health of older

individuals.

 

" This is another example of why it is crucial for people to lead a healthy

lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and antioxidants.

 

" The best way to reduce your risk of developing dementia is to keep active,

eat a balanced diet, don't smoke and visit your GP to get your blood

pressure and cholesterol checked. "