HealthNotes

• By Jane Hart, MD

Antioxidants May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that people who eat higher amounts of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, and beta-carotene may lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease by more than 20%.

Fruits and veggies are full of healthy nutrients including antioxidants

Vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene lower Alzheimer’s risk

Certain vitamins and minerals may improve brain health and prevent disease. In this meta-analysis, researchers reviewed seven studies looking at the link between the amount of antioxidants consumed through diet and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

After review of these studies, researchers observed that people who ate higher amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with people who ate the least amount of these antioxidants.

The study authors comment, “Oxidative damage caused by various types of free radicals [which cause damage to cells and organs] has been widely accepted to play a vital important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-associated neurodegenerative diseases.” They add that the results of their meta-analysis suggest that dietary vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and comment that “among the three antioxidants, vitamin E exhibits [the] most significant protective effect.” As the research was observational, these results do not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

The power of diet for brain health

• Eat your fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are full of healthy nutrients, including antioxidants, and while studies have not proven that eating more produce can prevent Alzheimer’s disease, the evidence in favor of such habits continues to increase. An abundance of research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and veggies may improve health and prevent a wide variety of diseases, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
• Eat a balanced diet. Specific nutrients may be especially important for brain health. Many studies show that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and supplement form, are also important for keeping the brain healthy and preventing disease. But remember that single nutrients by themselves are not as important as eating a balanced diet that includes a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other brain-boosting nutrients.
• Limit brain-draining foods. Eating an excess of high-fat or high-sugar foods can hinder the brain’s ability to function at peak performance and increase the risk for disease. Eat a whole-foods diet and limit highly processed foods.
• Talk with a doctor. This study looked at the effects of dietary antioxidants—not supplements—on brain health. If you are considering supplement use, talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits and about ways to optimize your brain health.

(J Alzheimers Dis 2012;30:1–6)