A study from Boston University concluded that vitamin B12 could delay memory decline with age. Read about the symptoms that arise from a deficiency and how you can get tested.
Forgetting is human – especially as we get older. Because then she takes it Brain performance naturally decreases gradually. Often those affected can no longer think of words and their concentration also wanes more quickly. What many people for the natural Aging process hold, but could also with one Vitamin deficiency related. As a study found, mental decline could be reduced with enough Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) can at least be delayed.
Vitamin B12 could slow down cognitive decline
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For their study, which was published in the specialist magazine Alzheimer’s & Dementia was published, a team of researchers from Boston University in the USA evaluated data from almost 2,000 participants over an average period of 14 years. Using the three biomarkers cobalamin, methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine, the scientists checked Vitamin B12 levels in the blood. The results of the study showed that adults aged 60 and over with consistently high vitamin B12 levels could lose mental energy more slowly.
Specifically, the following was shown: participants with higher vitamin B12 levels achieved better results in memory, language and concentration tests over a period of up to ten years. They performed better than people with low vitamin B12 levels. A particularly high connection was also found among those who also had a high folate level (vitamin B9). The study authors therefore assume that one in particular A good supply of B vitamins could help slow mental decline or to reduce. The study thus confirms previous research results that, in addition to dietary habits, vitamins in particular play an important role in the aging process.
These symptoms indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency
The human body needs vitamin B12 for energy metabolism, to form blood cells and to build nerve sheaths. If the important vitamin is missing, it can Nerve damage come, how Ndr.de reported. However, since the body has large depots of vitamin B12 in the liver, a deficiency is only noticed years after the deficiency begins. This can manifest itself through the following symptoms:
- burning tongue
- Tingling in arms, legs or feet,
- Sensitivity disorders and even paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- fatigue
- Depression
- Headache
- Gangunsicherheit
- Anemia
But also age-typical complaints such as memory problems, poor concentration or confusion can occur.
How can I get my vitamin B12 levels tested?
If you suspect that you or a family member has a deficiency, you should have it checked by a doctor. A doctor makes the diagnosis using a blood test. As the consumer advice center informs, doctors can in cases where the Suspicion of an actual nutrient deficiency obvious, one bill specific diagnostics at the expense of the health insurance company. Otherwise, micronutrient tests are considered individual health services that usually have to be paid for by yourself. However, some additional insurance companies or private health insurance companies cover the costs.
However, it is also possible to be tested at private laboratories. Some of these laboratories, for example, offer a vitamin profile (vitamins A, E and D, folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12) for around 115 euros, as well as a small B vitamin status (B2, B6, folic acid, B12) for around 100-120 euros or a B vitamin status (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin, folic acid, B12) for around 250 euros on. This profile can usually be expanded individually. You usually pay around 450 euros for a complete vitamin profile. According to the consumer advice center, testing for individual B vitamins costs between 20 and 35 euros.
