Saturday September 17, 2022 – Author:
dr
Supplying the body with the metabolic 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 the functionality of the nervous system. A current study by the “SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit” in Leverkusen and Saarland University suggests a connection between the vitamin B12 level in the body and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The experiments of the basic researchers show that an adequate supply of the body with the metabolic vitamin can apparently prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. Conversely, a lack of it might promote the disease. The study speaks of an “interesting multiple effect”.
Alzheimer’s: protein deposits (“plaques”) damage brain matter
One of the characteristic features of the disease is the accumulation of a special protein called amyloid-beta (A-β). This is also formed from birth in healthy people who are not affected by Alzheimer’s. However, the build-up and breakdown of protein are balanced here. If there is an increased build-up or a reduced breakdown of A-β, more and more A-β protein molecules accumulate in the brain, first smaller aggregates are formed, then later larger aggregates, so-called plaques: These are deposits in the gray matter of the brain that damage nerve cells and tissue.
Vicious circle with free radicals and oxidative stress
The metabolic pathways that lead to the formation or breakdown of the A-β protein take place on or in the cell membrane, a covering that consists largely of fats. Earlier studies have shown that the causes of Alzheimer’s disease can be positively or negatively influenced by influencing fats. In particular, plasmalogens take on a protective function in the disease: these are fat-like building blocks in the structure of cell membranes. They reduce the formation of A-β.
In Alzheimer’s patients, however, their occurrence is significantly reduced. “Due to their chemical structure, plasmalogens are particularly sensitive to free radicals and oxidative stress, which is greatly increased in Alzheimer’s due to the increased occurrence of A-β,” says a statement from the SRH University. “This leads to a vicious circle”: A reduced plasmalogen level leads to an increased production of A-β protein molecules, which in turn destroy the plasmalogens through oxidative stress, which further accelerates the production of A-β.
Multiple effects of vitamin B12 on Alzheimer’s mechanisms
According to the study, if enough vitamin B12 is available, there are several positive effects that can help prevent Alzheimer’s. “In addition to the 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,” says Prof. Dr. Marcus Grimm, head of the bachelor’s degree in nutritional therapy and counseling at the SRH University of Health. “These multiple effects of vitamin B12 on mechanisms that play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease make the vitamin an interesting target that might play an important role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s.”
Scientists advise controlling vitamin B-12 levels
Even if clinical studies (i.e. studies on humans, with patients or healthy volunteers) have yet to confirm the results from the cell experiments that have now been carried out, study author Grimm advises people in particular who are more likely to have a vitamin B12 deficiency to check it and on a vitamin B12-rich diet, if necessary with the help of dietary supplementsto pay attention.
One in five people over 60 has too little vitamin B12
According to the scientists, a vitamin B12 deficiency also occurs in western industrialized nations. The risk increases with age. It is estimated that every fifth person over the age of 60 has vitamin B12 hypovitaminosis, i.e. an undersupply of the metabolic vitamin.