Vitamins and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Enhance Cognition
Plasma levels of several vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with favorable cognitive and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the brain in older adults, according to a study published in January 2012. Changes in brain volume with aging are associated with declining cognitive function.
The subjects included 104 adults with an average age of 87 years. Researchers assessed plasma levels of 30 dietary biomarkers including:
• B1 (thiamin),
• B2 (riboflavin),
• B6 (pyridoxine),
• B12 (cobalamin),
• folic acid,
• vitamin C,
• vitamin D and
• vitamin E.
Researchers also evaluated plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids and trans fats. In addition, the scientists performed cognitive function testing and MRI imaging to assess brain volume.
The results revealed that two patterns of nutrient biomarkers were associated with favorable cognitive and MRI measures. Specifically, high plasma B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folate and B12) and vitamins C, D and E was one favorable pattern associated with cognitive health. Another favorable pattern: high plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels. High trans fat levels also were associated with less favorable cognitive function and less total cerebral brain volume.
The study authors concluded, “Distinct nutrient biomarker patterns detected in plasma are interpretable and account for a significant degree of variance in both cognitive function and brain volume.”
According to other studies, there are additional ways to enhance cognition and minimize changes in brain volume. A study published in October 2010 in Neurology reported that walking 72 blocks per week—approximately a mile per day—also is associated with enhanced brain volume and cognition in older adults.
References:
Bowman GL, Silbert LC, Howieson D, Dodge HH, Traber MG, Frei B, Kaye JA, Shannon J, Quinn JF. Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging. Neurology. 2012 Jan 24;78(4):241-9.
Erickson KI, Raji CA, Lopez OL, Becker JT, Rosano C, Newman AB, Gach HM, Thompson PM, Ho AJ, Kuller LH. Physical activity predicts gray matter volume in late adulthood: the Cardiovascular Health Study. Neurology. 2010 Oct 19;75(16):1415-22.
