As far as vitamins go, the popular belief has been that B – or B12, specifically – is for brain. Memory, cognition and brain size have all appeared to benefit from the dietary supplement.
A new study suggests, however, that vitamin B12 doesn’t slow cognitive decline in patients already diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms did not improve in 202 patients put on high doses of the vitamin.
But don’t throw away your bottle of B vitamins just yet.
While the new study raises questions about the vitamin’s ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease, there is still a growing body of evidence indicating that it may be useful in preventing it. A number of clinical trials have determined that sufficient levels of vitamin B12 may be needed to keep the brain from shrinking and mental cognition from declining. So, it is more important than ever to make sure you’re getting enough of this nutrient.