Large does of vitamin B could help older adults battle dementia
Vitamin B could lessen the threat of dementia
Posted: 09/10/2010
A new study conducted by Oxford researchers found that large doses of B vitamins slowed the rate of brain shrinkage in older adults. The study was the largest of its kind to assess the effects of vitamins B6 and B12 on mild cognitive impairment, the stage between normal forgetfulness due to aging and the development of dementia. B vitamins are known to help the body turn food into energy, and create red blood cells.
168 people aged 70 or older with mild memory problems participated in the two-year study. Half the participants were given a strong dose of B vitamins and folic acid; the other half were given placebos. MRI technology was then used to measure the rate of brain shrinkage.
Researchers say the prescribed dosage was 300 times the recommended daily intake of the supplement B12 and 15 times that of B6. Because of this, authors called the pill a drug, not a vitamin intervention.
Copyright 2010 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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