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Brain atrophy associated with low intake of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is good for the brain. In a recent study out of Oxford, England, low levels of vitamin B12 were associated with increased rates of brain atrophy in older people.(1,2)   (The image shows the neurons in the brain signalling each other. The mists of color show the flow of important molecules like glucose and oxygen. Image courtesy of NIGMS/artist Kim Hager at the Univ of California, and neurobiologist Neal Prakash, UCLA.)

Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, fortified cereals, and milk, but up to 30 percent of adults >50 have difficulty absorbing the naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 from food sources. Synthetic vitamin B12 in a supplement or in fortified foods is better absorbed and is recommended by the Nat’l Academies of Science. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of Vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 µg/ day. Adults age 50 and over should obtain their daily requirement of Vitamin B12, and all B Vitamins, in fortified breakfast cereals or from multivitamin-mineral supplements.(3) 

Fortunately you don’t have to worry about toxic levels of Vitamin B12 as it is a water-soluble vitamin and has a very low potential for toxicity. There have been no adverse effects reported due to excess vitamin B12 intake from food or supplements in healthy individuals.(4)

1. via Low B12 Linked to Brain Atrophy, MedPage Today, Sept 8, 2008
2. via Vogiatzoglou A, et al “Vitamin B12 status and rate of brain volume loss in community-dwelling elderly” Neurology 2008; 71: 826-832. 
3. via  Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Science The Institute of Medicine serves as adviser to the nation to improve health. 
4.  Vitamin B12: Vitamin Supplement Fact Sheet from the Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institute of Health

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