B-12 is a vitamin that is important for brain and nerve health. Scientific studies show that supplementation with vitamin B-12 may help reduce the risk for some medical conditions, most notably where deficiencies are present. However, seek the advice of a medical professional before trying to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition with vitamin B-12.
Neural Tube Defects
Neural tube is among the most common type of birth defect in infants. It can lead to missing critical elements in the development of the central nervous system, such as the parts of forebrain and spinal cord. While folic acid receives much attention in relation to the prevention of neural tube defects, vitamin B-12 is another vitamin that warrants consideration. For example, women who had the lowest amounts of B-12 in their diets were three times more likely to have a child born with neural tube defects, according to the findings of a study published in December 2008 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
Cognitive Decline
Vitamin B-12 may help improve areas of cognitive function, such as memory. Preliminary evidence points in the direction of using vitamin B-12 to prevent dementia. Dementia refers to symptoms of cognitive decline, usually involving memory, and typically occurs in older adults. Participants of a study published in November 2007 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" who were given B-12 showed a 30 percent reduction in cognitive decline.
Nerve Function
Leprosy is a condition that leads to skin sores and progressive nerve damage that can leave sufferers physically debilitated. Vitamin B-12, required for healthy nerve functioning, was found to improve motor and sensory function and reduced nerve pain and function in leprosy patients in a study published in December 2008 in the "Korean Leprosy Bulletin."
Need
Supplementation with vitamin B-12 is especially important for certain individuals. People who do not get B-12 from animal sources are at risk for deficiency, according to an article published in February 2009 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Also the elderly are at risk as well, since gastric atrophy is more common in older age, making older adults more prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency from poor absorption. But the elderly can likely benefit from fortified B-12 food products such as flour.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Vitamin B-12 and Neural Tube Defects: The Canadian Experience; Miles D. Thompson, David E.C. Cole, & Joel G. Ray; December 2008
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Low Vitamin B-12 Status and Risk of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults; Robert Clarke, Jacqueline Birks, Ebba Nexo, et al; November 2007
- "Korean Leprosy Bulletin"; Hydoroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Effects on Nerve Function Impairments in Leprosy; K.D. Lee; December 2008
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; How Common is Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?; Lindsay H. Allen; February 2009
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