Low B12 Levels Associated with Brain Atrophy
Brain atrophy or shrinkage has been associated with impaired cognitive ability as well as Alzheimer's disease especially in older people. A study published in the journal Neurology (2008; 71:826-832) found that low levels of vitamin B12 increased the risk of brain shrinkage. The tests were performed using cognitive exams, MRI and blood analysis. None of the participants in the study were clinically deficient in vitamin B12 but had low levels. They were tested at the beginning and the end of the study. Those participants who had low levels of vitamin B12 at the beginning of the study had a 6-fold greater rate of brain volume loss when compared to participants who started the study with higher levels of vitamin B12. There are other factors associated with brain atrophy, however this study does confirm other research suggesting people should supplement with vitmain B12 or get it from natural sources (meat, eggs and dairy products).