Vitamin B12 is extremely important for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Unfortunately, deficiencies are quite common, especially among the elderly. This is an important concern, as elderly populations are especially at risk of developing cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A new study suggests that vitamin B12 levels are associated with brain volume loss in the elderly, and may be an important factor in identifying individuals at risk of developing more serious cognitive problems.
The study included 107 individuals aged 61 to 87 living in community-style dwellings. At baseline, individuals were assessed for vitamin B12 levels as well as methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine levels - both markers of vitamin B12 status. Brain volume and atrophy was assessed by MRI’s at baseline and five years later.
It was found that the population being studied had a fairly good B12 status, with no individuals suffering from an outright deficiency. Despite this, there was a clear relationship between vitamin B12 levels and brain atrophy. Individuals with the lowest B12 levels were six times more likely to have a high percentage of brain volume loss than those with the highest B12 levels. There was, however, no relationship found between brain atrophy and MMA or homocysteine levels, although this may be due to the fact that there were no truly deficient individuals included in the study.
The results of this study suggest that low vitamin B12 status is linked to brain atrophy, and that early treatment of B12 deficiencies could prevent further brain volume loss and possibly future cognitive impairment.
Vogiatzoglou A, Refsum H, Johnston C, Smith SM, Bradley KM, de Jager C, Budge MM, Smith AD. 2008. Vitamin B12 status and rate of brain volume loss in community-dwelling elderly. Neurology 71: 826-832.
For more information see Methylcobalamin and Methycobalamin Ultra
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