New research highlights importance of B vitamins

New research has linked a deficiency of B vitamins to cognitive dysfunction and significantly reduced learning capacity. American researchers at Tufts University found that mice fed a diet deficient in folate, B12 and B6 had reduced brain capillary length and density – vascular changes that caused cognitive dysfunction – in comparison to normal mice.

The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, monitored three groups of mice which were fed different diets for ten weeks. The control group was fed a normal diet containing B vitamins and methionine while two other groups were fed B-vitamin deficient diets.

The research not only found that the B-deficient group experienced reduced brain capillary length and density, but that homocysteine levels were found to be seven times greater than those in the control group. Homocysteine, which is produced when the dietary protein methionine breaks down, has been linked with learning impairment and B vitamins such as folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 are required to convert homocysteine back to methionine.

These findings add to an existing body of evidence linking essential B vitamins, including folic acid and B12, to cognitive function. As we age our brain not only shrinks in size but its cells and tissues can become damaged, making nutrition all the more important. Efalex Active 50+ is developed specifically for the over 50s and contains a unique combination of ingredients – including folic acid and vitamin B12 - known for their beneficial role in maintaining healthy brain function and performance.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid work together to ensure a healthy supply of blood to the brain which in turn provides the brain with oxygen and essential nutrients. Research has shown that healthy ageing women have achieved improvements in memory, reasoning, verbal ability and mood through supplementation of these nutrients.

For more information, visit Efalex.co.uk.