It has been suggested that nutrition may play a role in age-related hearing loss and that it may be associated with poor micronutrient status. For example, Vitamin B-12 or folate deficiencies may negatively influence blood flow to the cochlea, leading to age-related hearing loss. Australian researchers showed that people with hearing loss were more likely to be exposed to workplace noise, be a current smoker, have a doctor-diagnosed history of stroke or type 2 diabetes, and to have Vitamin B-12 (1).
In Finland, two groups of 40-59-year olds were studied, 1) one on a diet high in saturated animal fats, 2) the other on a diet high in polyunsaturated fats. After 5 years of follow up, blood vessel condition was better in the group 2 and the participants hearing ability was also significantly better in all frequencies. After that, the diets in the two groups were reversed. Four years after the diet reversal the hearing in the now low-fat group was improved and the hearing in the now high-fat group was deteriorating. The authors concluded that a diet high in polyunsaturated fats may stop, if not reverse, hearing loss (2).
In a recent Dutch study, 720 participants 50–70 years of age without hearing loss were tested for levels of polyunsaturated fats, very long-chain n-3 PUFA in their plasma. In high sound frequencies, there was no correlation of hearing acuity and PUFA concentrations in plasma. However, in the low frequencies, the higher PUFA levels corresponded to better hearing abilities. The authors found their results “encouraging, but requirig confirmation from future studies.” (3)
Serum Homocysteine and Folate Concentrations Are Associated with Prevalent Age-Related Hearing Loss. Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 140, No. 8, 1469-1474, Aug, 2010
DIETARY PREVENTION OF HEARING LOSS. Acta Otolaryng 70: 242-247, 1970
PLASMA VERY LONG-CHAIN N-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS AND AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS IN OLDER ADULTS. THE JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, HEALTH & AGING Volume 14, Number 5, 347-351, 200
It has been suggested that nutrition may play a role in age-related hearing loss and that it may be associated with poor micronutrient status. For example, Vitamin B-12 or folate deficiencies may negatively influence blood flow to the cochlea, leading to age-related hearing loss. Australian researchers showed that people with hearing loss were more likely to be exposed to workplace noise, be a current smoker, have a doctor-diagnosed history of stroke or type 2 diabetes, and to have Vitamin B-12 (1).
In Finland, two groups of 40-59-year olds were studied, 1) one on a diet high in saturated animal fats, 2) the other on a diet high in polyunsaturated fats. After 5 years of follow up, blood vessel condition was better in the group 2 and the participants hearing ability was also significantly better in all frequencies. After that, the diets in the two groups were reversed. Four years after the diet reversal the hearing in the now low-fat group was improved and the hearing in the now high-fat group was deteriorating. The authors concluded that a diet high in polyunsaturated fats may stop, if not reverse, hearing loss (2).
In a recent Dutch study, 720 participants 50–70 years of age without hearing loss were tested for levels of polyunsaturated fats, very long-chain n-3 PUFA in their plasma. In high sound frequencies, there was no correlation of hearing acuity and PUFA concentrations in plasma. However, in the low frequencies, the higher PUFA levels corresponded to better hearing abilities. The authors found their results “encouraging, but requirig confirmation from future studies.” (3)
- Serum Homocysteine and Folate Concentrations Are Associated with Prevalent Age-Related Hearing Loss. Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 140, No. 8, 1469-1474, Aug, 2010
- DIETARY PREVENTION OF HEARING LOSS. Acta Otolaryng 70: 242-247, 1970
- PLASMA VERY LONG-CHAIN N-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS AND AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS IN OLDER ADULTS. THE JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, HEALTH & AGING Volume 14, Number 5, 347-351, 200
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a supplement naturally formed in the body by an enzymatic reaction. SAMe has been proposed as a treatment major depression and as an agent for improving mood and emotional well-being. SAMe works closely with folic acid and vitamin B-12. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 76, No. 5, 1158S-1161S, November 2002)
Combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation produced significant elevations in mood. (Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 1994;9:199–204.)
Studies suggest that vitamin B9 (folate) may be associated with depression more than any other nutrient. Between 15% and 38% of people with depression have low folate levels in their bodies and those with very low levels tend to be the most depressed .
Many healthcare providers recommend a multivitamin that contains folate. If the multivitamin alone is not enough to improve folate function, the provider may suggest adding vitamins B6 and B12 to improve feelings of depression.
The vitamin B12 increases the probability of recovery from major depression and is though to do its best when taken together with other B-vitamins.
The B-complex include: biotin, choline, folic acid, inositol, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), and the six “numbered” B vitamins–vitamin B-1 (thiamin), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), B-5 (pantothenic acid), B-6 (pyridoxine), and B-12 (cobalamin). Combination products can simplify the process of taking individual B vitamins for a range of ailments including depression and stress.
