VITAMIN B DEFICIENCIES --CAN THEY ERODE THE BRAIN?--GSDL

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This article came from the newsletter of the Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab.

- DEMENTIA: CAN B-VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES ERODE THE BRAIN?

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- MORE EVIDENCE LINKS ALZHEIMER'S WITH HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA

When it comes to B-vitamins, B might well stand for brain. Evidence

is accumulating that proper metabolism of these nutrients plays a

critical role in the healthy integrity and function of our little

gray cells.

In an ongoing study searching for new clues to the aging process,

researchers took blood samples of nuns between the ages of 78-101

years old living in a convent in Mankato, Minnesota. After 30 of the

nuns died, researchers examined their brains for signs of atrophy and

compared the results with previous blood nutrient levels.

In brain samples showing numerous Alzheimer's disease brain lesions,

researchers found that significantly lower blood levels of folate

corresponded with more severe atrophy of the neocortex, the region of

the brain containing a rich supply of nerve cells.

Although the study was small, and did not attempt to prove a causal

effect, it supports previous evidence linking defects in B-vitamin

metabolism with age-related dementia and Alzheimer's. " Optimal folate

concentration may in fact be higher in old age or when diseases such

as Alzheimer's are present, " the researchers commented.

Low folate levels can trigger a build-up of the amino acid

homocysteine, which has been linked to higher risk of Alzheimer's and

accelerated atrophy of the medial temporal lobe in Alzheimer's

patients.

" There seems little doubt now that there is an association between

the evolution of certain brain diseases associated with cognitive

decline in the elderly and vitamin deficiencies associated with

hyperhomocysteinemia, " a related editorial resounded.

Although the full extent to which B-vitamin metabolism influences the

actual causal mechanisms of dementia is still not clear, " the

potential therapeutic options [implicated by these discoveries] are

exciting, " the authors posited.

The nuns provided a unique population sample to study because they

all had similar long-term diet and exercise habits. Researchers found

strong evidence of biochemical individuality among the group, despite

their similar lifestyle and eating habits. Blood nutrient levels

varied widely, reflecting differences in " drug-nutrient and

disease-nutrient interactions or differences in the intake,

absorption, and metabolism of the nutrients. "

NOTE: As this study suggests, even people with similar diets may show

striking differences in nutrient metabolism related to various

physiological functions. Assessing each patient is the best way to

gauge the effectiveness of nutrient intervention strategies.

Sources:

Weir DG, Molloy AM. Microvascular disease and dementia in the

elderly: are they related to hyperhomocysteinemia? Am J Clin Nutr

2000;71:859-60.

Snowdon DA, Tully CL, CD, Riley KP, Markesbery WR. Serum folate

and the severity of the atrophy of the neocortex in Alzheimer

disease: findings from the Nun Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:993-8.

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