Key Vitamins For Brain And Memory Support: B-12 And Folic Acid

Key Vitamins For Brain And Memory Support: B-12 And Folic Acid
A recent Oxford study has shown that B-12, B-6 and folic acid have positive effects for those in need of memory support. Another new study suggests that B-12 could reduce the risk of cognitive disabilities often associated with age. When the body has normal levels of B-12, the negative effects of a compound called homocysteine can be counteracted. Homocysteine at moderately high levels has long been associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

In particular, low levels of vitamin B-12 can be of concern for vegetarians:

Vegetarians who do not supplement their diet with vitamin B12 tend to have elevated homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine is associated with early mortality, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and birth defects. At least 14 studies have measured the homocysteine levels in vegetarians. Normal B12 levels are from 200 to 900 pg/ml. Figure 1 shows that vegans had the lowest B12 levels, followed by lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and then non-vegetarians.

Supplementation may be necessary for strict vegetarians. Microlingual tablets hold great promise for high levels of absorption and ease of use for children, the elderly, bariatric patients and other specialized populations.

A Closer Look at Folic Acid

Dutch scientists have reported that increasing folic acid intake improved the memory of older adults. Their study indicates that seniors may benefit from fairly large amounts of folic acid, such as the amount in 2.5 pounds of strawberries.

Lead researcher Jane Durga of Wageningen University announced at a meeting of the Alzheimer's Association that folic acid protected brain function. On memory texts, folic acid supplement users scored 5.5 years younger than those who did not take supplements.



Best Folic Acid Sources

Leafy Greens
Legumes
Egg Yolks
Baker's Yeast
Sunflower Seeds
Liver
Fortified Grain Products
Beef Kidneys
Beets


Finding the Right Supplements

Supplements that offer maximum absorption are key for B vitamin supplementation. Combinations of B-12, folic acid and other B vitamins can also help to ensure that all of the key vitamins are present. MicroLingual B-12, B-6 and Folic Acid by Superior Source feature a unique delivery system that eliminates the need for hard-to-swallow pills, messy liquids or sprays.

Superior Source offers a full line of No Shot B-12 and varying strengths of B vitamins to meet the needs of people at varying ages and activity levels. Please visit http://www.lexorhealth.com for more information about our products.


Guigoz Y, Vellas B, Garry PJ. Assessing the nutritional status of the elderly: the Mini Nutritional Assessment as part of the geriatric evaluation. Nutr Rev. 1996; 54(pt 2): S59S65.

Clarke R, Smith AD, Jobst KA, Refsum H, Sutton L, Ueland PM. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol. 1998; 55: 14491455.

Roses AD, Saunders AM. APOE, Alzheimers disease, and recovery from brain stress. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1997; 826: 200212.