27 (Xinhuanet) -- Study finds low levels of vitamin B12may speed mental decline in older people, media reports quoting researcher as sayingTuesday.
Dr.
Robert Clarke of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and colleagues followed 1,648 men and women 65 and older whose mental function was tested at least three times over a 10-year period.
They foundlower holotranscobalamin levels and higher methylmalonic acid levels -- both of which are markers for low levels of vitamin B12 -- were each independently linked to faster mental decline.
Higher folate levels along with low B12 levels did not accelerate mental decline.
Doubling a person's vitamin B12 levels by taking oral supplements could slow cognitive decline by one third, according to Clarke and his team.
Based on the findings, low levels of vitamin B12 appear to precede mental decline, the researchers conclude.
"Correction of vitamin B12 deficiency may be appropriate among those with relevant symptoms," said Clarke.(Agencies)
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