Daily Vitamin B Supplement Linked to Improved Cognitive Function in Aging Adults
LONDON – A readily available and inexpensive daily vitamin B supplement appears to show promise in boosting brain function and possibly slowing cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study published in Nature Communications. Researchers at King’s College London (KCL) found a correlation between increased levels of B vitamins – specifically B9 (folate) and B12 – and improved performance on memory and processing speed tests.
The research, leveraging data from a large cohort of twins, suggests that optimizing B vitamin levels could be a simple and accessible intervention to support cognitive health as peopel age. While Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects women, the study’s findings hint at a broader role for external factors and gut health in cognitive decline, moving beyond the customary view of these conditions solely as brain diseases.
The study analyzed data from twins in the KCL cohort, allowing researchers to better isolate the effects of genetics versus environmental factors. Participants with higher levels of B vitamins demonstrated better cognitive function, even after adjusting for sex differences. Researchers acknowledge a potential selection bias within the KCL twin cohort, as the participants were predominantly female.
The findings align with growing research highlighting the gut-brain connection. Previous studies have linked imbalances in gut bacteria – specifically the ratio of Bifidobacterium to Akkermansia – to conditions like multiple sclerosis, and emphasize the gut’s influence on the immune and central nervous systems. Optimizing gut health through prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary choices may further enhance cognitive function, researchers suggest.
