Lee Swanson Research Update

Vitamins C and E Combination May Lower Alzheimer's Risk

January 2004

There's another glimmer of hope on the horizon for those who may be predisposed to become affected by Alzheimer's disease. A study instigated by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the "use of vitamin E and C (ascorbic acid) supplements in combination was associated with reduced Alzheimer's disease prevalence and incidence."

Cache County, Utah residents who were 65 and older were questioned in the mid-1990s about their use of vitamin supplements. Follow-ups were completed on the subjects for several years. 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 vitamin E and vitamin C 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 only multivitamins, or in those taking only vitamin B-complex supplements.

Researchers stated, "antioxidants may protect the aging brain against oxidative damage associated with pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease." They added, "antioxidant supplements merit further study as agents for the primary prevention of Alzheimer's disease."

Archives of Neurology 61:82-88, 2004

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service