B vitamins figure prominently in natural approaches to preventing and reversing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In fact, in Europe they call them “neurovitamins.” And B vitamins are also important for the heart.
Which makes perfect sense. After all, one of the keys to brain health is having a healthy cardiovascular system. So, the heart and the head should go together in more ways than one.
A new study provides further evidence for the importance of this connection.
Researchers in South Korea gathered 48 people, age 65 or older, who had mild cognitive impairment.[1] The participants were divided into two groups. One group was given folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 supplements daily (the study didn’t list the dose, but other research has demonstrated active doses). The other group was given a placebo.
After 12 weeks, the researchers gave both groups cognition tests, and also measured their homocysteine levels—which are important for heart health.
The vitamin B group showed very highly significant improvements in cognitive function, serum homocysteine levels, and depression. Which once again proves that heart health, mind, and mood are all connected.
Unfortunately, as I’ve reported before, many Americans are deficient in B vitamins. And because these vitamins are most commonly found in animal sources like beef, pork, chicken, fish, and dairy, vegans and vegetarians may have particular trouble getting their daily dose of Bs.
That’s why I recommend everyone take a high-quality B-complex supplement daily. Look for a product that includes at least 50 mg each of thiamine, riboflavin (B2), niacin/niacinamide (B6), and pantothenic acid, plus at least 200 mcg of folic acid/folate, 12 mcg of B12, and 100 mcg of biotin.
SOURCE:
“Effects of Multivitamin Supplements on Cognitive Function, Serum Homocysteine Level, and Depression of Korean With Mild Cognitive Impairment in Care Facilities.” Journal of Nursing Scholarship 2016; 48(3):223-31