New Study: Low Vitamin B12 Levels May Raise Dementia Risk—Here’s What You Need to Know”
A recent study shared by Parade suggests that not getting enough vitamin B12 could increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline as we age.
Even more surprising? The study found that people might need much more vitamin B12 than experts previously thought to keep their brains healthy.
Researchers looked at 231 healthy adults who had no history of dementia. These participants had more than double the recommended minimum level of vitamin B12 in their blood.
Yet, those with lower levels still showed signs of slower brain processing, delayed responses to visual cues, and more brain changes linked to dementia.
This was especially true for older adults, hinting that we may need higher amounts of vitamin B12 as we age.
Right now, the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms for most adults, 2.6 micrograms for pregnant people, and 2.8 micrograms for those who are breastfeeding, according to the National Institutes of Health.
But this new study, as reported by Parade, suggests we might need more to protect our brain health—though more research is needed to confirm the exact amount.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Vitamin B12?
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause a range of symptoms, including brain fog, fatigue, mood changes, numbness in your hands or feet, and even trouble walking or speaking.
If you’re worried about your vitamin B12 levels, Parade recommends talking to your doctor. A simple blood test can show if you’re getting enough.
Where Can You Get Vitamin B12?
You can find vitamin B12 in foods like beef, eggs, fish (such as salmon and tuna), dairy products (like milk and yogurt), and fortified cereals.
For vegans, Parade notes that plant-based foods usually don’t contain vitamin B12, so fortified cereals or supplements might be necessary.
The bottom line? This study, highlighted by Parade, reminds us that vitamin B12 is crucial for brain health, and we may need more of it than we realized—especially as we get older.
If you’re concerned about your levels, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor and make sure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient.
Source: Parade
https://parade.com/health/vitamin-b-12-dementia-study-february-2025?utm_source=pushly