June 20, 2007

Vitamin Supplements and Mental Function in the Elderly

There’s been a few conflicting studies regarding vitamin supplementation in the elderly and its effects on mental function. They’ve been pretty narrowly focused, however: some studies supplemented with only B vitamins, while others focused on antioxidants.

A recent study in Scotland ( http://www.nutritionj.com/content/6/1/10 ) spread the net much wider by using a supplement containing 11 vitamins and 5 minerals. Over 900 men and women over 65 were randomly assigned to receive either the supplement or a placebo daily for 12 months. The participants’ mental status was assessed at the beginning and the end of the study using two standard tests.

Unfortunately, there was no significant difference between the supplemented group and those who received the placebo. Only those over 75 and those who were already nutritionally deficient showed any positive effects, but those were small.

What this means for you

Vitamin supplements are no substitute for healthy eating. Here are some related articles on the effect of eating healthy on your brain:

Eat Fish, Eat Well, Think Better
Mediterranean Diet and Alzheimer's Disease
Avoid Alzheimer's - drink your juice!

Eat well, eat healthy, enjoy life!

Timothy S. Harlan, M.D.
Dr. Gourmet