Evidence is building up, that there could indeed be a link between the amount of vitamin B12 we're taking and the our risks of developing Alzheimer's disease.
In a new study published in the journal Neurology, that involved 271 people from Finland, showed that the people with the highest blood levels of B12 had the lowest risks of developing Alzheimer's.
More research is still needed to fully understand the preventive powers of vitamins like B12, which is found in animal products, and also some super foods including maca powder and wheatgrass powder. It can also be found in milk and dairy products.
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.
It was a seven year study that looked at people aged between 65 to 79, all of whom were tested and found not to have dementia at the start of the study. During the seven years, 17 people were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
The study's authors at the Karolinska Institute, tested to see if vitamin B12 levels were a factor. Their findings indicated that those subject that that the highest levels seemed to have a lower risk.
Commenting on these findings University of Oslo professor, Dr Helga Refsum said 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."
One of the simplest ways to ensure you get enough B12 is by adding super foods to your diet, this is especially important if you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Maca and wheatgrass powder are good sources.
In a new study published in the journal Neurology, that involved 271 people from Finland, showed that the people with the highest blood levels of B12 had the lowest risks of developing Alzheimer's.
More research is still needed to fully understand the preventive powers of vitamins like B12, which is found in animal products, and also some super foods including maca powder and wheatgrass powder. It can also be found in milk and dairy products.
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.
It was a seven year study that looked at people aged between 65 to 79, all of whom were tested and found not to have dementia at the start of the study. During the seven years, 17 people were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
The study's authors at the Karolinska Institute, tested to see if vitamin B12 levels were a factor. Their findings indicated that those subject that that the highest levels seemed to have a lower risk.
Commenting on these findings University of Oslo professor, Dr Helga Refsum said 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."
One of the simplest ways to ensure you get enough B12 is by adding super foods to your diet, this is especially important if you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Maca and wheatgrass powder are good sources.
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There are many super foods that are packed full of nutrition, including maca and organic wheatgrass
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