Relationship between Alzheimer’s and vitamin B12
The latest research results from a German working group show a connection between the Alzheimer’s dementia and the Vitamin-B12-Spiegel. Apparently one favors Lack of Vitamin B12 the emergence of the disease.
In a recent study, researchers at the SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit found a connection between the vitamin B12 level and the Alzheimer’s disease here. The results of the work were recently published in the journal “cells” presented.
Vitamin B12 deficiency promotes Alzheimer’s
Previous studies have already shown a connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and the occurrence of Alzheimer suggested. In the current work, the team found further evidence for this connection.
“Vitamin B12 is involved in a large number of important metabolic processes that contribute, among other things, to blood formation, cell division and the function of the nerves”explained Professor Dr. habil. Marcus Grimm from the research team.
Who is at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency?
According to Professor Grimm increasing age the risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Around every fifth person over the age of 60 According to him, he suffers from a lack of vitamin B12.
Also Vegans as well as in reduced form vegetarians have an increased risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency, since vitamin B12 that can be used by humans is mainly found in animal food.
Protein deposits in the brain of Alzheimer’s sufferers
Characteristic of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of special protein deposits in the brain, which are Amyloid-β be designated.
This protein is formed even in perfectly healthy people, but the build-up and breakdown of this protein are balanced. The typical plaques associated with Alzheimer’s develop only when more amyloid-β is built up than broken down.
Amyloid-β is built up and broken down in the cell membrane
The build-up or breakdown of amyloid-β takes place in or on the cell membrane instead of. This covering of cells consists mostly of fats.
Of these fats play the so-called Plasmalogene a particular role in relation to Alzheimer’s as they perform a protective function by reducing the formation of amyloid-β.
The plasmalogens are constructed in such a way that they are particularly sensitive to free radicals as well as on oxidative stress react. They protect the cells from damage caused by the highly reactive particles.
In Alzheimer’s, the number of plasmalogens is reduced
It has already been demonstrated in people affected by Alzheimer’s that such plasmalogens compared to healthy people significantly reduced are. At the same time, there is an increased occurrence of amyloid-β.
The amyloid β vicious circle
These two factors create an unfavorable vicious circle. The reduced plasmalogen level leads to an increased production of amyloid-β protein molecules, which in turn increases the oxidative stress, whereby further plasmalogens are destroyed, whereupon the production of amyloid-β is further fueled.
What does vitamin B12 have to do with this process?
As part of the current study on cell cultures, Professor Grimm’s working group was able to demonstrate that vitamin B12 is directly related to the plasmalogen level.
In the case of a vitamin B12 deficiency, the proportion of plasmalogens was also reduced, which changed the membrane composition in the cell cultures. Consequently, the formation of amyloid-β was promoted.
Vitamin B12 reduces free radicals
At the same time, vitamin B12 generally ensures that harmful free radicals and thus oxidative stress in the body are reduced.
“These multiple effects of vitamin B12 on mechanisms that play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease make the vitamin an interesting target that could play an important role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.”sum up the scientists involved.
Does vitamin B12 protect against Alzheimer’s?
Professor Grimm points out that the findings must first be verified in clinical studies. Nevertheless, he already recommends that people who have an increased risk of a deficiency have their vitamin B12 levels checked.
If necessary, a vitamin B12-rich diet or dietary supplements should be used to avert a deficiency, advises the study leader. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Elena Leoni Theiss, Lea Victoria Griebsch, Marcus Otto Walter Grimm, et al.: Vitamin B12 Attenuates Changes in Phospholipid Levels Related to Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells; in: cells (2022), mdpi.com
- SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit: How vitamin B12 affects Alzheimer’s disease (published: 09/14/2022), srh-gesundheitshochschule.de
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.