Metabolism Supplying the body with vitamin B12 apparently plays a central role in the development of Alzheimer’s dementia, but also in its prevention and treatment. A current study speaks of an “interesting multiple effect”.
Vitamin B12 is involved in a large number of important metabolic processes: in blood formation, for example, cell division or function of the nervous system. A current study conducted by “SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit” at the University of Leverkusen and Saarland suggests a relationship between vitamin B12 levels in the body and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Basic researchers’ experiments show that adequate supply of the body with metabolic vitamins can markedly prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. Conversely, its deficiency can promote disease. The study speaks of an “interesting multiple effect”.
Alzheimer’s: Protein deposits (“plaques”) damage brain matter
One of the distinguishing features of the disease is the accumulation of a special protein called amyloid-beta (A-beta). It is also formed at birth in healthy people who are not affected by Alzheimer’s. However, the manufacture and breakdown of proteins is balanced here. If there is an increased build-up or reduced breakdown of a-beta, more and more a-beta protein molecules accumulate in the brain, forming first small aggregates, then later larger accumulations, so-called plaques. The gray matter of the brain damages nerve cells and tissues.
Vicious cycle with free radicals and oxidative stress
The metabolic pathways that lead to the formation or breakdown of A–B proteins occur on or in the cell membrane, a covering largely consisting of fat. Earlier studies have shown that the causes of Alzheimer’s disease can be positively or negatively affected by influencing fat. Specifically, plasmalogens serve a protective function in disease: they are fat-like building blocks in the structure of cell membranes. They reduce the formation of A-β.
However, in patients with Alzheimer’s, their incidence is significantly reduced. “Due to their chemical structure, plasmalogens are particularly sensitive to free radicals and oxidative stress, which is significantly increased by the increased incidence of A-beta in Alzheimer’s,” said a statement from SRH University. “This leads to a vicious cycle”: a low plasmalogen level leads to an increase in the production of A-beta protein molecules, which in turn destroy the plasmalogen through oxidative stress, which inhibits the production of A-beta. and accelerates.
The Multiple Effects of Vitamin B12 on the Alzheimer’s System
According to the study, if enough vitamin B12 is available, there are many positive effects that can help prevent Alzheimer’s. “In addition to a positive effect on the fat composition of the membrane, vitamin B12 has a positive effect on the detoxification of the cell from free radicals and oxidative stress,” Prof. Doctor. Marcus Grimm, chief of his bachelor’s degree in nutritional medicine and counseling at SRH Health University. “These multiple effects of vitamin B12 on mechanisms that play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease make the vitamin an interesting target that may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s.”
Scientists recommend controlling vitamin B-12 levels
Even though clinical studies (i.e. studies on humans, with patients or healthy volunteers) have not yet confirmed the results of cell experiments, study author Grimm especially advises those who have Vitamin B12 deficiency is more likely. To check this and focus on a diet rich in vitamin B12, with the help of dietary supplements if necessary.
One in five people over the age of 60 have too little vitamin B12
According to scientists, there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 even in western industrialized countries. The risk increases with age. It is estimated that every fifth person over the age of 60 has vitamin B12 hypovitaminosis, a reduced supply of the metabolic vitamin.
