| New research suggests that the vitamins act synergistically to prevent age-related dementia Jan. 20, 2004 -- Taking supplements of the antioxidant vitamins E and C in combination may help elderly people lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. New research suggests that the vitamins act synergistically to prevent age-related dementia. Though the study findings are far from conclusive, experts agree that there is little risk to taking the vitamins at dosage levels believed to be beneficial. "There is certainly a suggestion of a benefit in this and other vitamin E studies, even though a suggestion is not the same as proof," Alzheimer's Association spokeswoman Marilyn Albert, PhD, tells WebMD. "I do recommend taking vitamin E, though, because the downside is so small." Memory Problems? Take the Alzheimer's Quiz. More than 60% Decline Earlier studies suggested that antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin E, slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by limiting the damage caused by free radicals. Such damage is believed to be a leading cause of Alzheimer's. In the newly reported study, Johns Hopkins University researchers examined the relationship between antioxidant supplement use and Alzheimer's risk in a closely followed population living in Cache County, Utah. County residents who were 65 and older were questioned in the mid-1990s about their use of vitamin supplements. They were then followed for several years. The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 22 international units (IU) and 75 to 90 mg for vitamin C. Multivitamins typically contain amounts of the two antioxidants that are in this range, while individual supplements may contain up to 1,000 IU of vitamin E and even more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C. The 4,740 study participants were categorized as vitamin E users if they reported taking an individual supplement or multivitamin daily containing more than 400 IU of the vitamin. People who took at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily were considered vitamin C users. The greatest reduction in Alzheimer's disease incidence occurred among study subjects who took individual supplements of the two vitamins in combination, with or without an additional multivitamin. No evidence of a protective effect was seen for people taking either of the vitamins alone or in people taking multivitamins. The findings are published in the January issue of the journal Archives of Neurology. According to lead researcher Peter P. Zandi, PhD, Alzheimer's risk declined by just over 60% in people taking the two supplements together. He says C, which is a water-soluble vitamin, may help boost the antioxidant effect of vitamin E, which is stored in fat. |
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