B Keeps Dementia At Bay

An article in the December 2006 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers have investigated the relationship between elevated homocysteine, low B12 (the cobalamins) and folic acid with cognitive performance in elderly patients who were not considered demented. Authors found that in highly functioning elderly Chinese populations, elevated homocysteine is associated with deficits in constructional ability and processing speed, and folate was associated with measures of episodic memory and language. The elevation in homocysteine can be a potential neurotoxin and also impair cardiovascular function. Most individuals can safely lower homocysteine levels with adequate doses of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B12 and folic acid, although the recommended doses are far above what you see in the typical once-a-day multi-vitamin.

Vitamins B12 and folic acid, effectively lowers homocysteine levels, which may be linked to various degenerative diseases. Vitamin B12 is essential for carbohydrate metabolism, and may contribute to cardiovascular health. It also helps to produce the nutrient S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e), which holds joint and mood benefits. Folic acid is required for cell replication and growth, and the production of DNA, RNA, and red blood cells. It also assists in digesting and utilizing proteins, and forms new proteins. Plus, folic acid aids in tissue growth and cell function, and assists digestion. And, folic acid is crucial for pregnant women's health, as it may prevent the formation of neural tube defects.

B12 deficiency can cause depression, bipolar-1 disorder (manic depressive) and more commonly bipolar-2 (cyclothymic personality). Psychotic forms of depression have been particularly associated with B12 deficiency. A deficiency of B12 has also been linked to paranoid psychoses and chronic fatigue syndrome as well as a weakened immunity system leading to susceptibility to cancer and recurrent infections. Premature aging is most defenitely associated with the lack of sufficient B12 and there is an increasing risk of cardiovascular disease and much more by hindering remethylation of homocysteine into methionine. In numerous cases, violent behavior disappeared.