Low Vitamin B12 Levels May Lead to Brain Shrinkage, Cognitive Problems.
We certainly know our brain controls the vast majority of information processing. Optimal health is a function of efficient, orderly information exchange. Low B12, as found in this study, proves to be vital in brain volume (brain size) and cognition (thought processing). Interestingly, Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestine with the aid of a glycoprotein called Intrinsic Factor, which made in the parietal cells of the stomach. Some individuals have a lowered ability to produce this glycoprotein and become deficient due to poor absorption. It has been noted that sluggish stomach acid production in the stomach, overconsumption of dairy and gluten-rich products in some individuals can diminish absorption of Vitamin B12 into the system. Remember, just because we put something into the mouth doesn't mean it truly enters the "body" where it will have access to the circulatory system!
If you've noticed declining mental function, difficulty processing information or poor focus it may be a good idea to have your Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine status evaluated even if you already take an oral or sublingual B12. This can be done simply in the office using the NET system or through a blood test.
Homocysteine is a remarkable amino acid. It may become elevated in the presence of lowered blood levels of Vitamin B6, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12, called Homocystinemia. Elevated Homocysteine has been shown to increase ones risk for Cardiovascualr Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and increased Bone Fracture in the elderly. Essentially, Homocysteine is corrosive to the system and will degrade the protein-based lining of the arteries and the heart. Studies of the amino acid L-Arginine have shown positive effects on the vascular endothelium, the innermost lining of the blood vessels. This approach has shown in some studies to be effective for high blood pressure when improper vasoconstriction is the cause.
When Vitamin B12 deficiency or elevated Homocysteine exists we typically use a product called IntrinsiB12/Folate™. When the problem exists due to poor stomach acid production Zypan™ and Okra Pepsin™ are a great place to start. In addition, supplementing with ProSymbiotic™ is a good idea. This product combines multiple strains of probiotic to replenish the gut flora. It also contains Galactooligosacchrarides(GOS) which can improve gut absorption, stimulate immune defense and promote vitamin synthesis.
A recent study of Galactooligosacchrarides showed diminished stress-induced gastro-intestinal dysfunction and days of cold/flu. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21525194.
Feel free to peruse the entirety of the article. As with any research, it is important to keep in mind no study can tell the whole story. We feel it is vital to understand the body from a holistic perspective. As you may have noticed from the information above, there can be many solutions to similar problems.
Wishing you continued growth,
Dr. John K. Whitham, D.C.
Alive With Energy Clinic
ScienceDaily (Sep. 26, 2011) — Older people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 markers may be more likely to have lower brain volumes and have problems with their thinking skills, according to researchers at Rush University Medical Center.
The results of the study are published in the Sept. 27 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Foods that come from animals, including fish, meat, especially liver, milk, eggs and poultry are usual sources of vitamin B12.
The study involved 121 older residents of the South side of Chicago who are a part of the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), which is a large, ongoing prospective Rush a biracial cohort of 10,000 subjects over the age of 65.
The 121 participants had blood drawn to measure levels of vitamin B12 and B12-related markers that can indicate a B12 deficiency. The same subjects took tests measuring their memory and other cognitive skills.
An average of four-and-a-half years later, MRI scans of the participants' brains were taken to measure total brain volume and look for other signs of brain damage. Having high levels of four of five markers for vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with having lower scores on the cognitive tests and smaller total brain volume.
"Our findings definitely deserve further examination," said Christine C. Tangney, PhD, associate professor in the department of clinical nutrition at Rush University Medical Center, and lead author of the study. "It's too early to say whether increasing vitamin B12 levels in older people through diet or supplements could prevent these problems, but it is an interesting question to explore. Findings from a British trial with B vitamin supplementation are also supportive of these outcomes." On the cognitive tests, the scores ranged from -2.18 to 1.42, with an average of 0.23. For each increase of one micromole per liter of homocysteine -- one of the markers of B12 deficiency -- the cognitive scores decreasedby 0.03 standardized units or points.
Tangney noted that the level of vitamin B12 itself in the blood was not associated with cognitive problems or loss in brain volume. She said that low vitamin B12 can be difficult to detect in older people when looking only at blood levels of the vitamin.
"Our findings lend support for the contention that poor vitamin B12 status is a potential risk factor for brain atrophy and may contribute to cognitive impairment," said Tangney. The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging.
C. C. Tangney, N. T. Aggarwal, H. Li, R. S. Wilson, C. DeCarli, D. A. Evans, M. C. Morris. Vitamin B12, cognition, and brain MRI measures: A cross-sectional examination. Neurology, 2011; 77 (13): 1276 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182315a33
*Note: the information above should not take the place of profession/medical advice. Each case is unique and should be evaluated individually by a qualified physician.
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