The effects of diet on Alzheimer’s Disease has been well researched and proved over and over again. Now, a new study conducted by Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences has found that vitamin B plays an important role in the slowing of Alzheimer’s Disease. Vitamin B is found in foods like shellfish, liver, fish, some cereals, red meat, cheese, eggs, and dairy.
What is Vitamin B?
Vitamin B was once thought to be a single vitamin but we now know that it is actually group of substances that are not chemically related but are often found in the same foods. This group of water-soluble vitamins plays an important role in cell metabolism and includes the vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, and cobalamins. The main role of Vitamin B is to keep cells healthy and prevent anemia.
The Role of Vitamin B & Alzheimer’s Disease
A new study from Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences has found another benefit of vitamin B. The study included over 150 seniors who had mild cognitive impairment and were at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Some participants received a vitamin B supplement while others received a placebo pill. Researchers observed the amount of gray matter in the brain over two years through MRI technology in both groups. Grey matter in the brain shrinks with the development of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
While both groups had grey matter shrink over the two year span, those taking the vitamin B supplement had less grey matter shrinkage than the placebo group. The study abstract concluded that “Our results show that B-vitamin supplementation can slow the atrophy of specific brain regions that are a key component of the AD process and that are associated with cognitive decline.”
Eating more vitamin B
Vitamin B is found in a variety of foods and not getting enough vitamin B can have dangerous side effects. Eat more of these foods to ensure you are getting the vitamin B you need to stay healthy:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Some cereals and breads have added vitamin B
What are your favorite foods to eat that are rich in vitamin B? Has a vitamin B supplement helped to slow dementia in your loved one?
- Interview with Dr. Christopher Ochner of The Alzheimer’s Diet
- Memory Boosting Superfoods that Fight Alzheimer’s
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