Discover the Vitamin Deficiency That’s Harming Your Cognitive Abilities

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in maintaining our cognitive abilities, but recent studies suggest that even “healthy” levels may not be enough to prevent cognitive decline. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that older adults with lower concentrations of vitamin B12, though still within the normal range, showed signs of neurological and cognitive deficiency. These individuals experienced slower processing speeds and more damage to the brain’s white matter, which is essential for communication between brain areas.

Vitamin B12 is vital for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and nerve health. It is primarily found in animal-based foods, making vegans and vegetarians more susceptible to deficiency unless they supplement. The study highlights the need to reassess what constitutes an optimal level of vitamin B12 to prevent cognitive decline. This could involve revising deficiency thresholds and considering supplementation for older adults, even if their levels are currently deemed normal.