Research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging (2004;8[4]:226–232) examined the relationship between vitamin intake, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in more than 1,000 middle-aged Australian men and women.
The study focused on dietary intake of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Participants completed detailed questionnaires to assess their intake of these nutrients, along with standardized measures of memory performance and psychological well-being.
The researchers found that higher intakes of vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 were associated with better memory performance in middle-aged men. In women, intakes of these vitamins at approximately the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) were associated with improved memory functioning.
The authors concluded, “Vitamin B-12 and B-6 intakes may be positively related to the memory performance of middle-aged men and intakes at around the RDI are associated with better memory functioning for women. The investigation of the dose–response effects of B vitamin supplementation on cognition and mood in middle-aged men and women using objective measures of cognition and accounting for the influence of confounding factors such as age and education would be informative.”
