Tag Archives: Acid

Key Vitamins For Brain And Memory Support: B-12 And Folic Acid

A recent Oxford study has shown that B-12, B-6 and folic acid have positive effects for those in need of memory support. Another new study suggests that B-12 could reduce the risk of cognitive disabilities often associated with age. When the body has normal levels of B-12, the negative effects of a compound called homocysteine can be counteracted. Homocysteine at moderately high levels has long been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

In particular, low levels of vitamin B-12 can be of concern for vegetarians:

Vegetarians who do not supplement their diet with vitamin B12 tend to have elevated homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine is associated with early mortality, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and birth defects. At least 14 studies have measured the homocysteine levels in vegetarians. Normal B12 levels are from 200 to 900 pg/ml. Figure 1 shows that vegans had the lowest B12 levels, followed by lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and then non-vegetarians.

Supplementation may be necessary for strict vegetarians. Microlingual tablets hold great promise for high levels of absorption and ease of use for children, the elderly, bariatric patients and other specialized populations.

A Closer Look at Folic Acid

Dutch scientists have reported that increasing folic acid intake improved the memory of older adults. Their study indicates that seniors may benefit from fairly large amounts of folic acid, such as the amount in 2.5 pounds of strawberries.

Lead researcher Jane Durga of Wageningen University announced at a meeting of the Alzheimer’s Association that folic acid protected brain function. On memory texts, folic acid supplement users scored 5.5 years younger than those who did not take supplements.

Best Folic Acid Sources

Leafy Greens
Legumes
Egg Yolks
Baker’s Yeast
Sunflower Seeds
Liver
Fortified Grain Products
Beef Kidneys
Beets

Finding the Right Supplements

Supplements that offer maximum absorption are key for B vitamin supplementation. Combinations of B-12, folic acid and other B vitamins can also help to ensure that all of the key vitamins are present. MicroLingual B-12, B-6 and Folic Acid by Superior Source feature a unique delivery system that eliminates the need for hard-to-swallow pills, messy liquids or sprays.

Superior Source offers a full line of No Shot B-12 and varying strengths of B vitamins to meet the needs of people at varying ages and activity levels. Please visit http://www.lexorhealth.com for more information about our products.

Guigoz Y, Vellas B, Garry PJ. Assessing the nutritional status of the elderly: the Mini Nutritional Assessment as part of the geriatric evaluation. Nutr Rev. 1996; 54(pt 2): S59S65.

Clarke R, Smith AD, Jobst KA, Refsum H, Sutton L, Ueland PM. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol. 1998; 55: 14491455.

Roses AD, Saunders AM. APOE, Alzheimers disease, and recovery from brain stress. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1997; 826: 200212.

Lexor Health offers a unique range of vitamin and health supplements that are beneficial in boosting energy and stamina as well as prevent mineral and vitamin deficiencies, helping maintain overall health of men, women and children.

Brain Vitamins

Photographic Memory : Acid Free Archival Photo Supplies

Article by Susan Slobac

Certain family heirlooms call for careful preservation. Photographs of your family, including baby and wedding pictures, are all to be cherished for many years. Airborne pollutants, along with the deterioration that comes with time, all play a role in the destruction of your valuable family photographs and artwork. This is why many artists and art lovers alike choose photo storage that includes archival storage boxes, archival photo paper and archival fine art paper. These, along with clear bags, can help to preserve the things that matter the most to you.

We can all take a cue from museums and art galleries that display pieces of fine art. It is in both of their best interests to preserve works of art for perpetuity. They know the secrets and tricks for keeping artwork looking its best for years into the future, and these tips are readily available for avid home artists to also use and enjoy on their own artwork.

Photo storage is a primary motivation for using archival storage boxes and archival photo paper when processing photographs. Photographs, which are processed with a variety of chemicals, do not handle exposure to airborne pollutants and ultraviolet rays well at all. Both of these deteriorate the surface of the photograph, and then you are left with nothing but a memory of what was once captured pristinely on film. With framed pictures, acid free mount board is a wise choice to help increase the long life of your artwork. Foamcore mount board, if archival quality, has the ability to take in airborne pollution particles that can have a damaging effect on pictures.

Acids are another major problem that, over time, can cause a great deal of damage to all types of artwork, including photographs. The dyes used in photographs are not improved when exposed to acids. In fact, this is one of the major causes of the deterioration of the images of photographs, and one reason why professional photographers choose to use photo storage that provides an acid-free environment for important photos.

Archival tissue paper also has a place in photo storage. Archival papers are acid free, and thus eliminate the problems associated with papers made from pulp that contain various acids that are harmful to photographs. Separating photos with acid-free papers can keep them free from the damaging effects that are associated with acids in combination with chemicals used in photography. These papers are also useful for other applications, such as wrapping clothing items for storage.

Photo storage takes a prominent place in your consideration when you are talking about pictures from a wedding or a graduation or some other big, once in a lifetime event that cannot be recreated. This is when you will want to use every safe method of photo storage to preserve your photographic memories.

Susan Slobac is an avid photographer. Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it’s a safeguard for something you love.