Brain levels of vitamin B12 decrease with age and are prematurely low in people with autism and schizophrenia

shutterstock_174200618A study found that brain levels of vitamin B12 are significantly lower in elderly people and are even lower in people with autism or schizophrenia, compared to peers at similar ages. The authors explain that these findings are interesting, because the levels of B12 in the blood do not show these differences. This lack of vitamin B12 in the brain could explain why patients with autism and schizophrenia experience neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Autism and schizophrenia, as well as the process of aging, are linked with oxidative stress, which could explain the decrease in vitamin B12 levels.

This article is interesting for healthcare workers who are concerned with the care of patients with autism and schizophrenia, as well as for anyone who is interested in neurology or neurobiology.

Read the full article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160122144730.htm