Vitamin B May Not Reduce Risk of Memory Loss

A study published in the latest online issue of Neurology reports that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements did not relieve cognition and memory problems in the elderly. Conducted by researchers at Wageningen University, this was the largest long-term study of memory testing and supplement usage that has ever been performed. “Since homocysteine levels can be lowered with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements, the hope has been that taking these vitamins could also reduce the risk of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease,” said the author. To confirm earlier studies regarding the mental benefits of these supplements, 2,919 participants with an average age of 74 were given standard dosages of folic acid and vitamin B1 on a daily basis for two years, while a control group was given placebos. These participants were selected for having high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid commonly linked to Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. According to tests conducted before and after the study, the supplements did decrease homocysteine levels compared to the control group. However, there was no visible difference between the two groups when they were given thinking and memory tests. To learn more about this study, click here.