A Younger Brain in 3 Years – The Role of Micronutrients
Three years younger - and not just in appearance, but in the mind. A new study shows: Daily intake of micronutrients can significantly slow down age-related cognitive decline. The findings could fundamentally change our perspective on nutrition and brain health.
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Table of contents
The study: What was examined?
As part of a study at Columbia University, over 3,500 women and men (aged 60 and older) from the so-called COSMOS study were selected and randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a micronutrient supplement for daily intake, while the other received a placebo to be taken daily as well. At the beginning and throughout the study, a series of neuropsychological tests were conducted annually and then analyzed.
The results:
After just one year, a significant improvement in brain function was observed in the group of individuals who took micronutrients daily compared to those in the placebo control group.
Even after the three-year study had ended, the improvements persisted.
Conclusion:
Regular intake of micronutrients could protect cognitive health in a simple way. Based on these results, researchers found that the age-related decline in the brain can be delayed by about three years by taking a micronutrient supplement. At the same time, the results show that the aging brain is significantly more sensitive to nutritional components than previously thought.
What does this mean for us?
By choosing our food, we directly influence our physical and mental health because they either reduce or increase inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. The study shows that micronutrients play a major role in improving cognitive performance and maintaining a younger brain. Instead of just providing isolated vitamins, researchers have decided to increase the intake of all essential micronutrients, leading to better cognitive performance. The crucial factor is the complex interaction of micronutrients in the body.
Micronutrients for the brain - these scientific effects are already proven:
Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function.
Vitamin B6 and B12, biotin, and niacin contribute to the normal function of the nervous system.
Vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Magnesium also contributes to normal nervous system function.
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.
Preventive health often starts with small adjustments. Even small daily steps - such as better nutrient supply - can have a significant impact in the long run. Those who act early can effectively support their brain - not only when the first problems arise.
Study
Lok-Kin Yeung, Daniel M. Alschuler, Melanie Wall, Heike Luttmann-Gibson, Trisha Copeland, Christiane Hale, Richard P. Sloan, Howard D. Sesso, JoAnn E. Manson, Adam M. Brickman: Multivitamin Supplementation Improves Memory in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 118, Issue 1, 2023, Pages 273-282