According to a new article in ALZForum, some studies have shown that vitamin B-12 supplements can help with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease, but other, more credible studies have failed to confirm the results. Some actively promote regular use of vitamin B-12 supplements to protect against developing dementia. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been shown to cause dementia, and taking supplements may counter that. But the article asks, "Is too much vitamin B12 a health hazard?"
Maybe it is. And maybe it's not. The article is based on research published on January 6 in JAMA Network Open. The article found that people with an abnormally high level of B12 in their blood had a significantly higher incidence of death over an 8-year period -- a 25% higher probability.
The objective of the research was to resolve two apparently conflicting findings in different research. One clinical trial reported less degeneration in
brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease in people with high levels of plasma
homocysteine and B vitamins, but other trials have
found higher mortality in elderly and hospitalized patients with high
blood levels of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps metabolize the amino acid homocysteine, which is believed to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
If people with abnormal levels of vitamin B12 are dying at an abnormal rate, what are they dying from? Well, a number of causes that were difficult to correlate. (This is similar to studies finding that people taking vitamin E supplements had higher mortality, but not consistently from specific direct causes.) The authors concluded that they may be dying from underlying kidney and liver diseases aggravated by abnormally high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood.
On December 21 we posted about research showing generally that taking vitamin supplements actually raises mortality. Consistent with those findings, the B12 study authors caution against taking vitamin supplements when there is no identified deficiency.
In my book, "Beating the Dementia Monster," I describe what has occurred since 2015 when I first knew I had memory problems. (You can find it on Amazon.com.) I have experienced remarkable improvement, and I’m certain that I can share valuable information with many others. In this second edition I continue my story to 2020 and provide greater understanding of how Alzheimer's advances and why what I did worked.
Thanks, David. I take a methyl-B12 supplement as part of my depression treatment. Your post has prompted me to request it be added to my upcoming bloodwork.
ReplyDeleteHi Gary, thanks for your thoughts. I dropped taking B12 after reading this article. I do think it's still a good idea for vegans -- my opinion. I'm not a vegan, but there are several in my family.
ReplyDeleteI don't see any mention of what type of B12 was used in the study. Always make sure the B12 is natural methylcobalamin not synthetic cyanocobalamin.
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