Effect of Vitamin B Supplementation on Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ford AH, Almeida OP
Published in Drugs & Aging
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials of vitamin B supplementation in adults aged 60+ reporting cognitive outcomes, with pooled standardised mean differences.
Key Findings
Meta-analysis pooling over 17,000 older adults found B vitamin supplementation (folic acid, B6, B12) lowered homocysteine but produced no significant benefit on global cognition, memory, executive function or processing speed, and did not reduce progression to dementia.
Conclusions
Vitamin B supplementation does not improve or protect cognitive function in older adults generally, despite its effect on homocysteine.
Limitations
Trials varied in dose, combination and duration; most participants were nutritionally replete; cognitive instruments differed; potential benefit in specific subgroups such as those with elevated homocysteine or low B12 could not be reliably assessed.
Supplements Studied
Available evidence from randomized controlled trials shows no obvious cognitive benefit of lowering homocysteine using B vitamins.
Available evidence from randomized controlled trials shows no obvious cognitive benefit of lowering homocysteine using B vitamins.
Outcomes Measured
Meta-analysis pooling over 17,000 older adults found B vitamin supplementation (folic acid, B6, B12) lowered homocysteine but produced no significant benefit on global cognition, memory, executive function or processing speed, and did not reduce progression to dementia.
Meta-analysis pooling over 17,000 older adults found B vitamin supplementation (folic acid, B6, B12) lowered homocysteine but produced no significant benefit on global cognition, memory, executive function or processing speed, and did not reduce progression to dementia.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic and national research funding (Australia)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.