Vitamin B Research

Research studies

The Oxford research used a combination pill of high doses of all 3 (B6 3mg, B12 0.5mg, folate 0.8mg) which is only available in Sweden. Very accurate and sensitive MRI scans of the brain were taken at the beginning of the trial and two years later. Homocysteine levels were also taken at the beginning and the end. The elderly subjects were divided into two groups, half of whom took the combination tablet, the other half were given a placebo.

The rate of brain atrophy was over 25% less in the group receiving the vitamin B supplements compared to those taking the placebo. Homocysteine levels in the treatment group reduced by 22.5% but increased by nearly 8% in the placebo group. The treatment effect was found to be greatest in the patients who had the highest homocysteine levels at the beginning of the trial, with over 50% reduction in brain atrophy.

This trial did not use any questionnaires to check memory or cognitive function, but other trials using the same vitamins have shown improvement in cognition and also mild (but not moderate) Alzheimer’s disease. The authors suggest high doses of vitamin B6, B12 and folate might slow the development of Alzheimer’s in those patients showing evidence of cognitive impairment. It does not claim that taking these vitamins from a younger age will necessarily reduce the risks of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s in the future.

Nevertheless, measuring homocysteine levels in middle age, or possibly earlier in those who have relevant medical conditions or a family history of Alzheimer’s, would seem a sensible first step. Lifestyle advice, with particular reference to diet and exercise, could be given and, where necessary, supplementation of B6, B12 and folate given.

The tablet used in the Oxford trial is not available in the UK, but a pre-packed combination is available from the WellMan Clinic: Cyanocobalamin (B12) 50mcg, 1 daily; Pyridoxine (B6) 10mg, 1 daily; Folic acid 400mcg, 2 daily.

Reference:

Homocysteine Lowering by B Vitamins Slows the Rate of Accelerated Brain Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Smith AD, Smith SM, de Jager CA, Whitbread P, Johnston C, Agacinski G, Oulhaj A, Bradley KM, Jacoby R, Refsum H. Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, September 2010.