How B Vitamins & Omega 3s Slow Cognitive Decline

[MBAnderson]

youtube.com/watch?v=unguMlK...(Not working as expected?)

[MBAnderson]

JimCaster

Thanks for sharing. Because of this Science of Parkinsons post, I now take a daily dose of Neuroaspis.

scienceofparkinsons.com/202......

[park_bear in reply to MBAnderson]

Timestamps for the video: 26:34 Nutrient biomarkers 27:57 Flavonoids 34:44 Vitamin D3 39:03 Homocysteine 41:16 Risk factors 47:19 B vitamins vs placebo

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In a comment to the SOPD post Rhyothemis identifies a study that shows after three months with simple omega-3 supplementation from flaxseed oil, test subjects did almost as well as the test subjects in the Neuroaspis study did after 30 months - 5 points net improvement in UPDRS part III versus 5.5 points for Neuroaspis. The omega-3 study:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/283...

"Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil plus 400 IU of vitamin E supplements or placebo (n = 20 each group) for 12 weeks. Subjects were requested to consume supplements or placebo after lunch."

From the omega-3 study fulltext:

UPDRS part III Change: test arm −1.9 ± 5.5, placebo arm 3.1 ± 9.8,

net difference 5.0, p = .05

UPDRS total Change: test arm −3.4 ± 8.1, placebo arm 7.1 ± 14.6

net difference 10.4, p = 0.008

I am a bit concerned that the placebo arm showed so much progression after only three months. That seems excessive. Be that as it may, this is a very encouraging result.

According to the following study omega-3 fatty acids constitute half of flaxseed oil. It is a simple matter to consume a couple grams of flaxseed oil daily. Does not seem like including some Omega-6 and some Omega-9 in whole flaxseed oil should make a difference since these are already present in foodstuffs.

Complete fatty acid analysis data of flaxseed oil using GC-FID method sciencedirect.com/science/a...

Sum of Omega-3 (n-3) ω3FA 51.376 %

Sum of Omega-6 (n-6) ω6FA 15.801 %

Sum of Omega-9 (n-9) ω9FA 20.591 %

[MBAnderson in reply to park_bear]

Thank you p_b.

[Kevin51]

Well worth watching!

My take.

He identifies that low B vitamins (measured via homocysteine levels) and low Omega3 both correlate with cognitive decline. If you have a deficiency in both then correcting any consequent initial cognitive decline requires raising BOTH. Just one is ineffective, B6 and B12 are key. First proper clinical trial to show positive results that I have seen. Why hasn't it had more press? (Could it have something to do with zero patentable material!)

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Kevin51]

I found this trial: karger.com/Article/Pdf/333790

Effects of Exercise and B Vitamins on Homocysteine and Glutathione in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Trial

Background: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have decreased glutathione levels and elevated homocysteine levels. These substances are considered markers of health, and an inverse relationship has been suggested through the transsulfuration pathway. This experiment tested the effects of exercise and B vitamin supplementation on homocysteine and glutathione levels, and if a relationship was present between these two markers in those with PD. Secondary aims included examining the impact of the interventions on aerobic efficiency and strength. Methods: Thirty-six subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The Vit group received vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid daily for 6 weeks. The Ex group received aerobic and strength training twice weekly for 6 weeks. The Vit + Ex group received both interventions. A control group received no intervention. Subjects were tested prior to and after intervention on the following measures: glutathione and homocysteine levels, strength measures and oxygen consumption. Results: Subjects who received 6 weeks of B vitamin supplementation had lowered homocysteine levels. Subjects who received 6 weeks of exercise training had increased glutathione levels, strength and aerobic capacity. The combination of vitamin and exercise did not yield greater changes than the separate intervention. The control subjects did not change on any measures. Conclusion: Positive results were realized with each intervention; however, the expected relationship between glutathione and homocysteine was not found in this sample of subjects with PD. Homocysteine and glutathione levels can be improved independently in individuals with PD with exercise or vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid supplementation.

Sounds like B6 and B12 might be helpful.

[Kevin51 in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Should have said this research not specifically aimed at PD. The name of his trial was VITACOG. Detailed discussion start 42min in.

[MarionP in reply to Kevin51]

You know that's okay. One still has to live and survive, and that takes more than just focusing on PD.

[park_bear in reply to Bolt_Upright]

At minute 47 in the video he cites this paper:

pnas.org/content/110/23/9523

[Bolt_Upright in reply to park_bear]

Thanks park_bear!

[Smittybear7]

Thanks for sharing

[MarionP]

One question would be what is the source of the omega-3 fatty acids, 3 6 and 9? It seems to me to ensure the benefit one may need to resort to pharmaceutical grade oils. What about that?

[MBAnderson in reply to MarionP]

Good question. I don't know. park_bear (above) says from flaxseed oil.

[Despe in reply to MBAnderson]

Krill oil is another good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

[LindaP50]

Happy New Year Everyone! Great Posts to read to start off the New Year with promise. Thanks for the info.

[MBAnderson]

As per this video, I've decided to add a glass of wine to my regimen to help stave off dementia. Can I consider it a supplement?