Why B vitamins only help some older brains
Brain atrophy in cognitively impaired elderly: the importance of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids and B vitamin status in a randomized controlled trial.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
B vitamins only slowed brain shrinkage in people with high omega-3 levels — not in those with low levels, even though both groups had the same diagnosis (mild cognitive impairment).
Most assume B vitamins universally reduce brain atrophy by lowering homocysteine — but this shows the effect is entirely dependent on another nutrient’s presence.
Practical Takeaways
If you're over 70 and worried about memory, get your omega-3 blood levels tested — if they’re low (<390 μmol/L), focus on eating fatty fish or taking omega-3s before adding B vitamins.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
B vitamins only slowed brain shrinkage in people with high omega-3 levels — not in those with low levels, even though both groups had the same diagnosis (mild cognitive impairment).
Most assume B vitamins universally reduce brain atrophy by lowering homocysteine — but this shows the effect is entirely dependent on another nutrient’s presence.
Practical Takeaways
If you're over 70 and worried about memory, get your omega-3 blood levels tested — if they’re low (<390 μmol/L), focus on eating fatty fish or taking omega-3s before adding B vitamins.
Publication
Journal
The American journal of clinical nutrition
Year
2015
Authors
F. Jernerén, A. Elshorbagy, A. Elshorbagy, A. Oulhaj, Stephen M. Smith, Helga Refsum, Helga Refsum, A. Smith
Related Content
Claims (7)
To keep your brain working its best, you need enough omega-3s (found in fish and nuts) and low levels of a substance called homocysteine, which means you're getting enough B vitamins from your diet.
Taking B vitamins might help protect your brain from shrinking, but only if you already have enough omega-3s in your body—like from fish or supplements.
Omega-3s might help slow brain shrinkage in older people with memory problems, but only if they also have enough B vitamins—without enough B vitamins, omega-3s might not help at all.
For older adults with mild memory problems and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, taking B vitamins doesn't seem to slow down brain shrinkage.
For older adults with mild memory problems and high levels of omega-3s in their blood, taking daily B vitamin pills for two years can slow brain shrinkage by 40% compared to taking a placebo — but only if they already have lots of omega-3s in their system.