B12 Deficiency And The Amazing Shrinking Brain: Don’t Let It Happen To You

Posted on 10. Nov, 2008 by Kerry Friesen, M.D. in Brain Bites, Nutritional Neuroscience

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Neuropsychiatric symptoms (impaired memory, irritability, depression and personality changes) are well known complications of vitamin B12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia caused by intrinsic factor deficiency, decreased stomach acid or gastric by-pass surgery is another classic presentation.

Now with better research tools, scientists have established a link between B12 deficiency and brain volume loss.

In this recent study published in Neurology,  one hundred and seven men and women without cognitive impairment underwent MRI scans to record brain volume and blood tests to determine B12 levels.

The study participants were followed for 5 years and underwent a neurological exam and repeat MRI scan annually.

Based on the results the subjects were divided into three groups according to brain volume.

Conclusion:  Subjects with the lowest levels of B12 lost twice as much brain volume regardless of age, gender or previous educational status.

Recommendations:   B12 is a safe, water-soluble B vitamin with multiple functions.

Supplementing with B12, while NOT proven to prevent loss of brain volume, certainly appears to be a safe neuroprotective strategy. 

I take it…..fais-tu?

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6 Responses to “B12 Deficiency And The Amazing Shrinking Brain: Don’t Let It Happen To You”

  1. Jessica

    07. Dec, 2008

    One in four hospitalized depressed patients are deficient in Vitamin B12, too. And chronic pain also shrinks your brain as well as B12 deficiency.

    Jessica’s last blog post..I’ll See You In Health! Stephen Colbert Rebuts Ridiculous Crestor Claim

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  2. Jessica

    07. Dec, 2008

    I’m so glad you keep this blog; I should have shown you gratitude in my first post. Then I read your bio…so thank you for sharing your knowledge and spreading around some hope! You’re in my RSS list at Google.

    Jessica’s last blog post..I’ll See You In Health! Stephen Colbert Rebuts Ridiculous Crestor Claim

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  3. mercola

    16. Dec, 2008

    I take vitamin b12 supplements myself. It helps boost energy among other health benefits.

    mercola’s last blog post..I’ll See You In Health! Stephen Colbert Rebuts Ridiculous Crestor Claim

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  4. Sandy

    18. Jan, 2009

    Hi,
    What other options exist if I don’t want to take supplements, but want to get more b12 naturally? What foods do they occur in? Is this what eating fish is good for? Sandy

    Sandy’s last blog post..More Reasons I Love San Diego

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  5. Baby Shower

    31. Jan, 2009

    I hear a lot more about b-12 lately, and I do like my brain volume :) any more information available?

    Reply to this comment

  6. John

    23. Apr, 2009

    I have started using methyl b12 daily (1000 mcg’s). I feel alot better since I started taking it. I sleep better, have alot more energy and having Major depression it has helped more than any treatment i’ve tried. It’s a miracle vitamin

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