Mind Vitamins: Prevent deterioration of the mind
Boosting the power of one’s mind has been a goal of many people for thousands of years. Now with the recognition of Alzheimer’s disease people are also moving toward trying to prevent deterioration of the mind.
Prevention currently takes several forms. The first is continuing education. As people age, engaging in mental activities, especially new learning has been shown to benefit the brain.
The use of supplements is also being investigated. There are good theoretical basis for the use of certain vitamins and minerals. Long term studies on these , however, have not been completed.
Currently the major supplements include folate, various B vitamins, E,C, and omega -3 fatty acid. Folate, B-6 and B-12 appear to lower the level of homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine are thought to contribute to the development of AD. Low folate levels are known to cause central nervous system defects in newborn babies. As the brain ages, inflammation and oxidative stress appear to contribute to the accumulation of brain damage. Vitamins C and E and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are an integral of the brains defense against such damage. In addition, antioxidant vitamins do seem to improve cogitative function even in undamaged brains.
Certain vitamins accumulate in the body and others are readily excreted. There is some concern over the accumulation of the “fat-soluble” vitamins-A, D, E, and K. The other vitamins, those that are “water soluble,” do not accumulate. Thus there is less concern about taking too much of these vitamins. Therefore be more cautious when taking fat soluble vitamins in large amounts.
It is important to recognize that many of the over the counter supplements are not “pure”. That is, in studies, some do not contain what they say or all of what they day. In addition the availability of the body to use the various vitamins and minerals may be compromised by the various components and the binding powders used in the tablets. If you have any questions about the supplements you are using, please ask your physician.
In the end the best way to protect and enhance one’s brain is to eat properly. Clearly this means a diet filled with fruits, vegetable, whole grains, legumes, nuts seeds and fish. All of these provide the vitamins and anti-oxidants that the brain needs. In addition this type of diet aids in the prevention of other diseases such as diverticulosis, clogged blood vessels, accumulations of unwanted fat, and potentially some types of cancers.
Stephen F. Scholle, M.D., Ph.D practices Family Medicine, Dermatology and in addition has the MEDI WeightLoss program in his office. The office is in the Key Estero Center at 1661 Estero Blvd. (suite 1). For more information, please call 765-0007.
By Stephen F. Scholle, M.D., Ph.D