This vitamin could prevent you from getting this deadly disease

A VITAMIN found in dozens of foods may be protective against Alzheimer’s, scientists say.

The progressively worsening condition is not curable and is being diagnosed in hundreds of thousands of Brits each year.

1

A University of Delaware team, led by Jessica Tanis, has some new insights on how to prevent it.

They used worms for their research, which become completely paralysed when they have Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form dementia, is believed to be caused in part by protein buildup around brain cells.

Amyloid is one of the involved proteins. It forms plaques around brain cells, destroying memory and causing them to become toxic.

Prof Tanis and colleagues discovered that these proteins stopped worms from wriggling in 36 hours.

They used this to work out what changes in the worm’s diet could halt the onset of Alzheimer’s, finding a key vitamin was protective.

While worms are clearly a far stretch from humans, they are useful for Alzheimer’s research.

Prof Tanis stated: “The worms we use all have exactly the same genetic background, they react to amyloid beta like humans do, and we can exactly control what they eat, so we can really get down to the molecular mechanisms at work.”

The research team found that E.coli was the best choice for all worms, but one strain had higher amounts of vitamin B12. This was after years of investigation.

Prof Tanis said: “When we gave vitamin B12 to the worms that were vitamin B12 deficient, paralysis occurred much more slowly, which immediately told us that B12 was beneficial.

“The worms with B12 also had higher energy levels and lower oxidative stress in their cells.”

The study published in stated that adding vitamin D to the diet did not work if the animals were lacking in it. Cell Reports, found.

B12 did not have an effect on the levels of amyloid in the worms, suggesting that it neutralizes its effects.

Prof Tanis said: “We’ve essentially identified this molecular pathway and we’re looking to see what else it activates.

“Can B12 be protective for multiple neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Parkinson’s? We’re looking into it.

“Right now, there is no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

“There are certain factors that you cannot change – you cannot change the fact that you age, and you cannot change a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease.

“But one thing you can control is what you eat. It would be amazing if people could alter their diets to prevent the onset and progression of diseases.

“That’s something my lab is excited to continue to explore.”

B12 is only available in food form, mainly from animals such as milk products, eggs and meat.

B12-rich foods include salmon, beef, fish livers, animal livers, and yoghurt.

Vegans and non-meat eaters are at greatest risk for B12 deficiency or acquired anaemia. They can obtain B12 through supplements or fortified food.

It’s already known that vitamin B12 can lead to complications such as problems with the nervous system, temporary infertility, heart conditions and pregnancy problems, the NHS says.

Researchers have even suggested that Marmite, which is bursting with Vitamin B12, may be able to prevent dementia.

Dr James Connell, Head of Translational Science at Alzheimer’s Research UK, who was not involved in the research, said extensive research has been carried out into whether vitamin B12 without a pre-existing vitamin deficiency can protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

However, studies have shown that they are not the only ones. “vitamin B12 supplements do not offer extra protection”He said.

Dr James told Science Focus: “While research in worms can support wider efforts to identify causes of disease and new treatments, clinical trials in people are the only way to find out if potential new approaches will improve people’s symptoms.

“The human brain is incredible, with more connections in it, known as synapses, than astronomers have estimated there are stars in the galaxy.

“Research like this in worms helps understand the impact of a potential treatment and can help accelerate the development of drugs.”

Regardless of whether B12 can or can’t prevent Alzheimer’s in humans, it remains an important part of a healthy diet.

Experts say one of the only ways that you can help to offset Alzheimer’s is to eat healthily, as well as exercise, stop smoking, keep alcohol to a minimum and have diabetes and blood pressure controlled.