B Vitamins Good For Memory

While not necessarily giving your average Joe a photographic memory, results from a new Australian study indicate taking folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements over the course of several years may enhance the memory in a number of aging adults. The study examined more than 700 individuals aged 60 to 74 years who showed mild signs of depression. Participants were provided with pills containing either 400 micrograms of folic acid and 100 micrograms of vitamin B12, or a placebo pill containing no B vitamins or active ingredients. Participants were never informed which pills they were receiving. After one year no differences were detected between the two groups in various mental test scores. However, after two years those taking the pills containing the B vitamins began showing larger improvements in their memory test scores. Although more research is needed, this study seems to suggest there may be some cognitive related benefits for certain individuals who take B vitamin supplements longer term.