“Normal” levels of vitamin B12 may not be sufficient DementiaFind new research.
Researchers from the University of California San Francisco studied 231 healthy older adults (on average 71 years old) who had no dementia or mild cognitive disorders.
Blood tests showed that their B12 levels were on average 414.8 pmol/l, while the recommended minimum level in the US is only 148 pmol/l.
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Participants with lower B12 levels appeared to have “slower cognitive and visual processing speeds” when taking tests, which are linked to “subtle cognitive decline”, according to a UCSF press release.
The effect was more pronounced with the age.
“Normal” levels of vitamin B12 may not be sufficient to ward off dementia, says new research. (Istock)
The people with lower levels also had more lesions in the white matter in their brains, which can be a warning signal of cognitive decline, dementia or strokethe researchers found.
The findings were published in Annals of Neurology on 10 February.
Based on these results, the researchers recommend updating the current B12 requirements.
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“Previous studies that have defined healthy amounts of B12 may have missed subtle functional manifestations of high or low levels that can influence people without causing open symptoms” Weill Institute for Neurosciences.
“The revision of the definition of B12 deficiency to include functional biomarkers can lead to earlier intervention and prevention of cognitive decline.”
“The revision of the definition of B12 deficiency to include functional biomarkers can lead to earlier intervention and prevention of cognitive decline.” (Istock)
The researchers acknowledged that the study was included alone Older adultsWho may have a “specific vulnerability” to lower the levels of B12.
However, those lower levels can “influence cognition to a greater extent than what we thought before, and can influence a much larger proportion of the population than we realize” its doctorate in research and medicine at the UCSF department of neurology and the Microbiology and Immunology department at the University of Ottawa.
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“In addition to redefining B12 deficiency, clinicians should Consider supplementation In older patients with neurological symptoms, even if their levels are within normal boundaries, “she suggested in the release.
“Ultimately, we have to invest in more research on the underlying biology of B12 insufficiency, because it can be a cause of cognitive decline.”
“Even participants with B12 levels that, according to today’s medical standards, were considered ‘normal’, showed clear signs of neurological disorders.”
Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurosurgeon in Florida and Longevity Expertsaid that the study supports the idea that “normal” vitamin B12 levels “are coarsely insufficient” for protecting the brain against age-related decrease.
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“Even participants with B12 levels considered today’s medical standards to be ‘normal’, showed clear signs of neurological disorders -slower processing speeds, increased hyperintencies of the white matter on MRI (a marker for small vascular disease) and raised Tau -Ewit (A biomarker of neurodegeneration).
The current minimum recommendations are not designed for an optimal cognitive function or lifespan, according to Osborn.
One neurosurgeon and long-life expert recommends supplements of B-complex vitamins, including B12, to guarantee healthy levels of homocysteine, an amino acid produced during protein metabolism. (Istock)
“Instead, they were based on population averages – an inherently inherited approach when the ‘average’ person today is metabolic unhealthy. This is another example of mainstream medicines that remains behind Behind science. “
In the Osborn clinic, he recommends supplements of B-complex vitamins, including B12, to guarantee healthy levels of homocysteine, an amino acid produced during protein metabolism.
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“When homocysteine ​​is increased – a potential proxy for low B12 – brain function drops,” said Osborn.
The doctor noted that the study is observational and that “correlation is not a causal connection.”
“Even participants with B12 levels that, according to today’s medical standards, were considered ‘normal’, showed clear signs of neurological disorders.” (Istock)
“But do you really need a randomized controlled study to tell you that optimizing the B12 -intake brain health benefits? That’s as if you are waiting for a study to confirm that eating vegetables is good for you,” said Osborn .
“The data is there. Science is crystal clear.”
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Just like the researchers, Osborn called for an update of the “normal” lab levels.
“It’s time to start Define At optimum levels – not because of what is ‘average’ in an ever -sick population. Because who wants to be normal if you can be optimal? “
“There has been no clear evidence that the benefit of B12 supplementation in patients without shortage suggests.”
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, one Board certified neurologist In Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, it agreed that this study is calling for the issue to define which levels are a B12 deficiency.
“Previous studies have recommended supplementation in patients with known vitamin B12 deficiency to limit cognitive issues; however, no clear evidence has been found that the benefit suggests in B12 supplementation in patients without a shortage,” Murray, who was not involved in The study, Fox News Digital told.
The neurologist warned against people who took “Megerdoses” from vitamins.
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“Often high levels of vitamins, especially B12, will not cause problems; it can happen,” Murray said.
“I would recommend that patients who are older or run the risk of developing cognitive decline, discussing with their doctor – not only for vitamin B12 levels, but also for other markers who can suggest an incorrect absorption of vitamin B12. “
