Published By: K.D Cameron
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New research reveals that Omega-3 fatty acids and B Vitamins work together and can protect the brain of the elderly from atrophy.

It has long been established that there is a correlation between the quantity of Omega-3 fatty acids in the body, the homocysteine levels and the susceptibility to development of brain atrophy and dementia. In this relation, a group of researchers have undertaken the task to establish how the daily intake of supplements containing vitamins of the B-group (B-6, B-12 and folic acid) affect the brain. It has been proved that these vitamins lower the homocysteine levels in the body. (Homocysteine is a type of protein. Ideally, it should be present in very small quantities in the blood. Unhealthy diet leads to accumulation of homocysteine and increases the risk of developing a number of diseases).

A total of 168 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment were enrolled in a placebo-controlled trial and were randomly assigned either to high-dose B vitamin supplementation (800 mcg of folic acid, 20 mg of Vitamin B-6, 500 mcg of Vitamin B-12), or to placebo.

The participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and two years later to study the brain atrophy rate.

Researchers found a significant correlation between plasma concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamin supplementation and brain atrophy.

In subjects with high baseline levels of Omega-3, B vitamin supplementation slowed the brain atrophy rate by 40% compared to the placebo group. Nevertheless, B vitamin supplementation had no significant effect on brain atrophy rate of subjects with low baseline Omega-3 levels.

In addition, the high baseline Omega-3 level is associated with the slower rate of brain atrophy in patients with B vitamin supplementation but no such correlation was found in the placebo group. These findings lead to the conclusion that homocysteine-lowering vitamins work together with Omega-3 fatty acids to prevent brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.

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