Posted on April 8, 2008 in Latest News
We might be surprised to know the range of diseases that a regular, recommended dose of vitamins can keep at bay. It has been found recently that there are certain vitamins which can actually slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s and the rate at which it affects the brain.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland have found vitamins E and C, when taken together, may protect the ageing brain. They published their findings in the journal Archives of Neurology.
Vitamin K when used in conjunction with vitamin D and the mineral magnesium help maintain healthy bones (J Bone Min Metab 2001, 19(3) 146-149). Another vitamin which helps fight against Alzheimer’s is vitamin B.
How the vitamins actually help
Vitamin B: A study of senior citizens says by the National Institute on Aging says that those who eat the daily recommended allowance of folates – B vitamin nutrients found in oranges, legumes, leafy green vegetables and folic acid supplements – “significantly reduce” their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin C and E: “Vitamin C may act to recharge the antioxidant capacities of vitamin E so that the vitamin E can continue doing its job of soaking up free radicals and reducing oxidative stress”, opines Dr.Zandi, lead researcher of the study undertaken to find the combined effects of vitamins C and E on Alzheimer’s.
Vitamin D: Adults with Alzheimer’s disease have increased risk of hip fractures. This may be because many Alzheimer’s patients are homebound, and frequently sunlight deprived. The fact that the ability of skin to convert vitamin D to its active form decreases as we age may contribute to increased risk of hip fractures in this group.
Vitamin K: Excessive calcium deposits results in a process known as calcification. Alzheimer’s patients have an abnormal calcium metabolism in their brains and this is thought to be an important factor in causing the condition. Vitamin K helps regulate and restrict calcium deposits in these organs and reduces your risk of these conditions developing.
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