A recent study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has uncovered that "normal" levels of Vitamin B12 may not be sufficient to protect older adults from cognitive decline.
اضافة اعلان
The study included 231 healthy participants, with an average age of 71. Despite having Vitamin B12 levels of 414.8 pmol/L, which is above the minimum recommended level in the U.S. (148 pmol/L), participants with lower levels of active B12 showed slower cognitive and visual processing speeds, as well as damage to the brain's white matter (the nerve fibers responsible for communication between different brain regions). This damage could be linked to cognitive decline, dementia, or even stroke.
The researchers, led by Dr. Ari J. Green, emphasized that these findings raise questions about the current Vitamin B12 requirements and suggest that dietary recommendations need to be updated. Dr. Green stated, "Previous studies that identified healthy Vitamin B12 levels may have overlooked some subtle effects that could impact cognition without showing obvious symptoms."
He added that redefining Vitamin B12 deficiency to include functional biomarkers could help in early detection and prevention of cognitive decline.
These results highlight the importance of revisiting dietary recommendations regarding Vitamin B12, especially for older adults, to ensure brain health and reduce the risks of cognitive decline.
