Low levels of B vitamins linked to Alzheimer's

May 15, 2001 in Nutrition for Older Adults, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

Low levels of B vitamins linked to Alzheimer's

Elderly people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 and folate may face an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Swedish researchers have found. The findings suggest that monitoring older people's levels of the vitamins may aid in preventing Alzheimer's.

In a study of 370 men and women aged 75 and older, investigators found that those with low levels of either vitamin were twice as likely as those with normal levels to develop Alzheimer's over a 3-year period. The reason for the link is unclear, but low blood levels of B-12 and folate can lead to elevations in the protein homocysteine, which may in turn damage nerve cells.

Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in maintaining nerve cells, and some research has linked low blood levels of the vitamin to Alzheimer's and mental decline. Few studies have looked at whether there is such a connection between Alzheimer's and folate, a B vitamin key to the production and maintenance of body cells.

Most people get enough vitamin B12 in their diets to maintain healthful levels, but some--including the elderly--stand a greater chance of being deficient. The vitamin is found in animal products, including meat, fish, eggs and milk. Folate occurs naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables, dried beans and peas, and citrus fruits; many cereals are fortified with folic acid, the synthetic form of folate.

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