New research is adding the weight to existing evidence, that there's a link between risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and levels of vitamin B12

In a new study published in the journal Neurology, that involved 271 people from Finland, showed that the people with the highest blood levels of B12 had the lowest risks of developing Alzheimer's.

More research is still needed to fully understand the preventive powers of vitamins like B12, which is found in animal products, and also some super foods including maca powder and wheatgrass powder. It can also be found in milk and dairy products.

It's been established for some years, that there's a connection between Alzheimer's and B vitamins. This is due to a chemical in the body called homocysteine, which can increase risks of dementia and stroke.

Increasing blood levels of Vitamin B12 can lower the levels of homocysteine.

'Brain shrinkage' that has been connected to Alzheimer's, was the subject of a study in Sweden at the Karolinska Institute. It found that 'brain shrinkage' slowed down in older people, when they took more vitamins including B12.

The study which lasted seven years, involved people aged 65 to 79 years, who did not have dementia at the start of the trial. During the course of the study 17 of the subject were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

The study's authors at the Karolinska Institute, tested to see if vitamin B12 levels were a factor. Their findings indicated that those subject that that the highest levels seemed to have a lower risk.

From the University of Oslo, Prof Helga Refsum an expert in B12, gave his comments on this study saying that this was further evidence", that low levels of vitamin B12 had a link to Alzheimer's.

"Though relatively small, with few cases of dementia, it should act as another incentive to start a large scale trial with homocysteine-lowering therapy using B vitamins to see whether such a simple treatment may slow the development of Alzheimer's or other dementia."

The Chief Executive from the Alzheimer's Research Trust, Rebecca Wood, was more cautious in her comments, saying "It might be tempting at this stage to stock up the cupboard with B vitamin in the light of recent findings - it remains too early to do that at this stage.

"The strongest evidence we have for reducing dementia risk is to eat a healthy, balanced diet, take moderate exercise, and keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check, particularly in mid-life."

One of the simplest ways to ensure you get enough B12 is by adding super foods to your diet, this is especially important if you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Maca and wheatgrass powder are good sources.