Vitamin B12 and folate levels in progression of Alzheimer's disease - a short report.

Background: The status of vitamin B12 and folate has been implicated in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.Methods: The study explored this issue through a retrospective case-control study design, with follow up of the case group for 18 months. The case group (n = 136) comprised patients 65 years or older diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and having a Mini-mental State Examination score (MMSE) of ≤ 27. The control group comprised healthy adults 65 years or older (n = 338) with a MMSE score of >27.Results: Vitamin B12 and folate levels were not found to differ between case and control groups. B12 and folate status at baseline was not predictive of disease progression in the case group.Discussion: This lack of association differs from other studies which have shown a protective effect of vitamin B12 and folate on cognitive decline.KEY POINTSThe findings of this study do not confirm evidence suggesting an effect of vitamin B12 and folate levels on development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.Folate and B12 levels were similar in the Alzheimer's group to those of healthy controls.Folate and B12 levels at initial assessment were not predictive of disease progression.

Prevalence of Dietary Supplements Use among Gymnasium Users.

Background. Several studies showed that regular gymnasium users use various dietary supplements without comprehension of their potential risks. Objective. To determine the prevalence and dietary supplement intake and assess the awareness of supplement use among regular gymnasium users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among regular gymnasium users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between April 2015 and June 2015. A validated structured questionnaire was used. Results. The study included 299 participants. Of these 113 (37.8%) were dietary supplements users and this was more common among males than females (44.7% versus 16.4%). Gender based analysis showed that males were exercising more frequently than females and the type of cardiovascular exercise was more among them. The most commonly used supplements were whey protein (22.1%), amino acids (16.8%), multivitamins (16.8%), creatine (11.5%), and omega 3 (11.5%). The reasons for taking dietary supplements were to improve body shape (47.7%), increase health (44.2%), and improve performance (41.5%). Conclusion. Most of the information about supplements was obtained from unreliable sources. More studies are needed to better understand supplements use and their impact on health in Saudi Arabia.