Low vitamin B12, brain shrinkage linked
American researchers say older people with vitamin B12 deficiency are more likely to lose nerve cells and develop brain shrinkage and cognitive problems.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago found that natural brain shrinkage happens earlier in old people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 and its related metabolites such as amino acids homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA).
Previous had revealed that people with high and sufficient blood levels of vitamin B12 had lower amounts of homocysteine, which led to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and stroke.
During the new study, researchers measured blood levels of vitamin B12 and B12-related metabolites in 121 people aged 65 years and older.
Participants took tests measuring their memory and other cognitive skills such as thinking, reasoning, at the beginning of the study and also four-and-a-half years later. They also undertook MRI scans, which showed their volume and other signs of senile brain damage.
According to the report published in the journal Neurology, analyses showed that those with high levels of four vitamin B12 deficiency markers were more likely to have lower scores on the cognitive tests and smaller total brain volume.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly alarming among elders, because they have more problems in vitamin absorption.
"As we get older our stomachs produce less of the acid that breaks down the vitamin to make it available for absorption," lead researcher Christine C. Tangney told WebMed. "Older people also take more drugs that inhibit absorption, such as [the diabetes drug] metformin."
Scientists, however, believe the study needs further examinations.
”Our findings definitely deserve further examination,” Tangney added. ”It’s too early to say whether increasing vitamin B12 levels in older people through diet or supplements could prevent these problems, but it is an interesting question to explore. Findings from a British trial with B vitamin supplementation are also supportive of these outcomes.”
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in foods such as meat, especially liver, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, and fortified breakfast cereals but those with sever deficiency are recommended to take supplements in addition to the natural sources.
Source: presstv.ir
