Vitamins B are frequently used to improve cognitive function, even if strong clinical evidences are lacking. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the available data on vitamin B supplementation and cognitive functions in the elderly.

The authors compiled 31 randomized and placebo-controlled study examining the effects of vitamins B (B6, B9 and/or B12) in older adults with or without cognitive impairment. 10 studies have been conducted in subjects with cognitive impairment (1925 participants, whereas 21 other studies have been conducted in healthy subjects (15,104 participants). All studies except two have failed to highlight any significant effects of vitamins B supplementations. No improvement in the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) score has been noted for subjects with or without cognitive impairment.

Therefore, it seems that, despite their recognition by EFSA as important for normal psychological function, vitamins B supplementations are not effective for improving cognitive functions in elderly with or without cognitive impairment.

Ford AH, Almeida OP. Effect of Vitamin B Supplementation on Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Drugs Aging. 2019 Apr 4.