Short-Term Folate, Vitamin B-12 or Vitamin B-6 Supplementation Slightly Affects Memory Performance But Not Mood in Women of Various Ages

Abstract

Based on research demonstrating associations between folate, B-12 and B-6 vitamins and cognition and mood, we investigated the effects of short-term supplementation in 211 healthy younger, middle-aged and older women who took either 750 microg of folate, 15 microg of vitamin B-12, 75 mg of vitamin B-6 or a placebo daily for 35 d. In addition, we examined associations between dietary intake of these vitamins and cognition and mood. Usual dietary intake status was estimated using a retrospective, self-report, quantified food frequency questionnaire. Participants completed alternate forms of standardized tests of cognitive processing resources, memory, executive function, verbal ability and self-report mood measures before and after supplementation. Supplementation had a significant positive effect on some measures of memory performance only, and no effect on mood. Dietary intake status was associated with speed of processing, recall and recognition and verbal ability.

Antioxidative status and lipid peroxidation in kidney tissue of rats fed with vitamin B6-deficient diet

“…[1][2][3] Vitamin B 6 has been shown to be important for normal cognitive function and in lowering the incidence of coronary heart disease among the elderly. [4][5][6] In addition, vitamin B 6 supplementation has been shown to reduce diabetic complications and incidences of neurodegenerative diseases in varying degrees. [4][5][6][7][8] Vitamin B 6 refers to three primary forms of water-soluble vitamins: pyridoxine, pyridoxal phosphate, and pyridoxamine.…”

Folate status and mood: is there a relationship?

“…Previous research provides evidence for a positive relationship between homocysteine and depression 30,31 , a relationship which appears to become stronger as plasma homocysteine levels increase. Contrary to what previous research would suggest, homocysteine was not found to be associated with mood in this sample of healthy males.…”

The role of vitamins in the diet of the elderly II. Water-soluble vitamins

“…A close negative correlation was found in the elderly between cognitive abilities, high homocysteine as well as low vitamin B 6 levels. With doses of vitamin B 6 (20 mg/day) exceeding RDA values (1.7 mg/day), a definite improvement was observed regarding the memory-related abilities of elderly people aged 70-79 years (Bryan et al, 2002).…”