Brain volume will Shrinking If Lack of Vitamin B12

Brain Volume

One of the essential nutrients for the brain is also called cobalamin or vitamin B12. Deficiencies are not only inhibit the growth of brain cells, but also makes the volume of the brain to shrink and reduce his ability to think.

On parents in particular, vitamin B12 deficiency is often associated with risk of decline in cognitive function and intelligence. But in a recent study, this condition is also shown to make the brain volume shrinkage in the truest sense.

Researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago proves it after observing the 121 parents aged over 65 years. Researchers took blood samples and observed levels of vitamin B12 as well as various residual metabolism.

The participants also underwent a series of tests to measure the level of intelligence and sharpness of memory or recollection. A series of tests was carried out at least 2 times, ie at baseline and at the end of the study 4.5 years later.

According to observations, participants who had higher levels of vitamin B12 or vitamin B12 metabolic waste is low tend to go senile. Through scanning with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), appears also experienced shrinkage in brain volume.

"These findings still need further research. It is too early to say that supplements of vitamin B12 can maintain brain function and prevent the shrinkage in volume," said Christine C. Tangney, PhD, who led the study as quoted by Indiavision, Thursday (29/09/2011) .

In daily food, vitamin B12 or cobalamin is found in animal food ingredients such as eggs, poultry meat and beef liver. Deficiencies are often associated with anemia or lack of blood, brain and nerve damage that triggers or senile dementia.