Dementia risk could increase with low levels of essential vitamin

New research from the University of California San Francisco has found that levels of vitamin B12 considered “normal” may not be sufficient to prevent dementia. The study, which included 231 healthy older adults with an average age of 71, revealed that their B12 levels averaged 414.8 pmol/L, well above the recommended minimum level of 148 pmol/L in the U.S.

Participants with lower B12 levels were found to have slower cognitive and visual processing speeds, which are indicative of subtle cognitive decline. Additionally, these individuals had more lesions in the white matter of their brains, a potential warning sign of cognitive decline, dementia, or stroke.

The study, published in Annals of Neurology, suggests that current B12 requirements may need to be updated to account for these findings. Dr. Ari J. Green, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of redefining B12 deficiency to incorporate functional biomarkers that could lead to earlier intervention and prevention of cognitive decline.

Co-first author Alexandra Beaudry-Richard noted that even participants with B12 levels within the normal range exhibited neurological impairment. This underscores the need for clinicians to consider supplementation in older patients with neurological symptoms, even if their B12 levels are deemed normal by current standards.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurosurgeon and longevity expert, highlighted the inadequacy of current B12 levels in protecting the brain from age-related decline. He recommended supplements of B-complex vitamins, including B12, to ensure healthy levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can impact brain function when elevated.

While the study is observational and correlation does not prove causation, Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist, agreed that redefining B12 deficiency levels is warranted. He advised against taking mega-doses of vitamins and recommended testing for other markers of improper absorption of vitamin B12 in at-risk individuals.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of optimizing B12 intake for brain health and calls for a shift towards defining health by optimal levels rather than average levels in an increasingly unhealthy population. It is crucial for individuals, especially older adults at risk of cognitive decline, to discuss their vitamin B12 levels and supplementation options with their healthcare providers.