Brain Abilities Linked to B-12

A new study published in the scientific journal Neurology has found that vitamin B-12 deficiency is associated with lower brain measures. More than 120 participants over the age of 65 had their levels of B-12, cognitive skills, and brain scans analyzed twice, with nearly a five-year difference in between. Researchers found that those who had four of the five B-12 deficiency markers also had lower brain volume and scored lower on cognitive function tests, demonstrating poorer episodic and semantic memory and perceptual speed. While many sources of vitamin B-12 come from animal products, there are vegan alternatives—veganhealth.org has published a guide to veg-friendly B-12 sources, which includes nutritional yeast and supplements.