The Alzheimer’s disease is linked to vitamin A deficiency, according to the results of a study published in the medical journal Acta Neuropathologica. These conclusions were obtained on mice, then the study was carried out on humans.
Researchers at Chongqing Medical University (China) and the University of British Columbia (Canada) performed a study with mice genetically programmed to have Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists observed that rodents deficient in vitamin A showed warning signs of the disease and their young showed cognitive impairments.
MIND diet: when food influences our brain
Vitamin A deficiency promotes cognitive decline
To confirm these results in humans, the researchers then conducted a study with 330 participants with an average age of 77.
Their cognitive abilities were assessed, as well as their vitamin A level. As with rodents, there is a link between vitamin A deficiency and cognitive decline.
The results of the study showed that:
-61% of participants had normal vitamin A levels
-26% had a slight deficiency and 13% a real lack of vitamin.
Volunteers deficient in vitamin A performed worse on cognitive tests.
How to fill up with vitamin A?
Vitamin A supplementation is only recommended as part of a medical prescription. On the other hand, a diet rich in dairy products, eggs, fatty meat and fish, but also in certain fruits and leafy vegetables with a high level of retinol or beta-carotene (colored, yellow, green and orange) helps prevent vitamin A deficiency. vitamin A for an adult are estimated to be around 0.7 to 1 mg.
Staying young is eating well
Read also:
Alzheimer’s disease: symptoms that loved ones should be aware of
The intestinal microbiota involved in Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s: a quiz to test your knowledge of the disease
