Vitamin B 'puts off Alzheimer's'

By: Jane Hughes Health correspondent, BBC News – September 8, 2010

A new study suggests high doses of B vitamins may halve the rate of brain shrinkage in older people experiencing some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.  Brain shrinkage is one of the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, which often leads to dementia.  

Researchers say this could be the first step towards finding a way to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.  Experts said the findings were important but more research was needed.

The study, published in the journal Public Library of Science One, looked at 168 elderly people experiencing levels of mental decline known as mild cognitive impairment.  This condition, marked by mild memory lapses and language problems, is beyond what can be explained by normal ageing and can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Half of the volunteers were given a daily tablet containing levels of the B vitamins folate, B6 and B12 well above the recommended daily amount. The other half were given a placebo.

After two years, the rate at which their brains had shrunk was measured.  The average brain shrinks at a rate of 0.5% a year after the age of 60. The brains of those with mild cognitive impairment shrink twice as fast. Alzheimer’s patients have brain shrinkage of 2.5% a year.

The team, from the Oxford Project to investigate Memory and Ageing (Optima), found that on average, in those taking vitamin supplements, brain shrinkage slowed by 30%.

In some cases it slowed by more than 50%, making their brain atrophy no worse than that of people without cognitive impairment.

‘Protecting’ the brain

Certain B vitamins – folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 – control levels of a substance known as homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with faster brain shrinkage and Alzheimer’s disease.

The study authors believe it was the B vitamins’ effect on levels of homocysteine that helped slow the rate of brain shrinkage.  The studies author, Professor David Smith, said the results were more significant than he had expected.  "It’s a bigger effect than anyone could have predicted," he said, "and it’s telling us something biological.  "These vitamins are doing something to the brain structure – they’re protecting it, and that’s very important because we need to protect the brain to prevent Alzheimer’s." He said more research was now needed to see whether high doses of B vitamins actually prevented the development of Alzheimer’s in people with mild cognitive impairment.  The Alzheimer’s Research Trust, which co-funded the study, also called for further investigation.  "These are very important results, with B vitamins now showing a prospect of protecting some people from Alzheimer’s in old age," said chief executive Rebecca Wood.  "The strong findings must inspire an expanded trial to follow people expected to develop Alzheimer’s."

B vitamins are found naturally in many foods, including meat, fish, eggs and green vegetables.  Experts are warning people not to start taking very high levels of vitamin supplements without medical advice.

Chris Kennard, chair of the Medical Research Council’s Neurosciences and Mental Health Board, said: "We must be cautious when recommending supplements like vitamin B as there are separate health risks if taken in too high doses.   "Further research is required before we can recommend the supplement as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s."

The UK’s Food Standards Agency says taking more than 200 milligrams a day of vitamin B6 can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs, but these symptoms are reversible once someone stops taking the supplements.  It adds that taking 2mg or less of vitamin B12 supplements a day is unlikely to cause harm, but that there is not enough evidence to know what the effects of taking more than that would be.  Taking too much folic acid – over 1mg a day – can mask signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. An early symptom of B12 deficiency is anemia, but taking large amounts of folic acid treats the anemia without treating the B12 deficiency.

Two of our most popular products offer complex B vitamins:

Liquid Complete B Advanced Formula™

Liquid Power Multi-V™ is Perfect For the Entire Family!

B Vitamins – They’re Good For You!

Niacin (Vitamin B3):

Recently, Niacin has got publicity for reducing cholesterol. It has also been found effective in reducing the incidence of second heart attack by 30 percent. Higher levels of Niacin can lead to hot flushes and liver damage. So, be very careful when taking therapeutical doses of this vitamin. Consult a qualified person before starting this treatment.

Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.

Recommended Dosage: 40 and 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 200 mg daily if you have a history of rheumatic heart disease or other valvular heart problem.

Note: Niacin can have an uncomfortable flushing/prickly affect when you take it.  This reaction varies by person.  Niacinamide is a form of Niacin that is a non-flush niacin, which has all the benefits without the uncomfortable rush.  Both our Liquid Complete B and our Power Multi-V contain niacinamide.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):

Pyridoxine deficiency has been linked to heart disease.  Pyridoxine is extremely important for formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.  Animal studies have shown that diets deficient in B6 can lead to hardened, narrowed arteries. This may be because B6 helps to prevent the unnecessary blood clots that can block arteries. B6 is also necessary to control homocysteine that appears to damage artery linings and encourage heart disease.

Recommended Dosage: 20 and 50 mg daily. B6 is found in whole grains, lentils and sweet potatoes.

Folic Acid:

Recent studies have shown that folic acid can ward off heart attacks and strokes. A deficiency of folic acid can increase the risk of heart disease 200 to 300 percent. Folic acid was shown to break down homocysteine, an amino acid. Homocysteine was shown to increase the risk of heart attack by 300 percent. Higher levels of homocysteine were found to cause significant blockages in the carotid arteries. (Carotid arteries are found in the neck and deliver blood to the brain.) Ten percent of all heart disease in the United States is believed to be from high levels of homocysteine. Hence folic acid, which breaks down homocysteine, is a very important deterrent to heart disease. It is found in foods such as navy beans, broccoli, orange juice, green leafy vegetables, fruits and legumes.

Recommended Dosage: 400 mcg daily.

Vitamin B12

Shortage of Vitamin B-12 has been associated with elevated levels of dangerous homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine can damage the inner surface of arteries. This can be treated and/or prevented with vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folic acid. Many cardiologists are now using B-vitamins to help prevent coronary artery disease.

Recommended Dosage: 20 and 60 mcg daily.

It is a little known fact that a deficiency in B Vitamins can contribute to depression. Especially if you’re older than 50 or you’re a vegetarian, taking a daily supplement that includes vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins may be helpful in making sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Doctors have long known of the relationship between low levels of vitamin B-12 and depression. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins, such as folate, play a role in the production of certain brain chemicals that are important in regulating mood and other brain functions.  Our Liquid Complete B contains all the Vitamin B you need!