PEOPLE HAVE been cautioned about rushing out to buy high dose vitamin B3 supplements in an attempt to prevent memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease until research on their effectiveness or otherwise in slowing the progression of the condition in humans is proven.
The warnings came yesterday a day after it was announced that the vitamin pills are to be used in human trials after scientists at the University of California found they protected mice from memory loss associated with Alzheimer's.
High doses of vitamin B3 will now be given to 70 people who have recently been diagnosed with the disease as part of the trial which is due to begin in the new year.
Prof Brian Lawlor, a consultant in old age psychiatry at Dublin's St James's and St Patrick's hospitals with a special interest in Alzheimer's disease, said the findings of the study in mice were "interesting" but a lot more work needed to be done to test the safety and toxicity of using the high dose vitamins in humans.
"I think you are a long way away from saying you should take vitamin B3 to prevent Alzheimer's," he said, adding that vitamins in high doses can be toxic.
He noted that in the past there were studies suggesting taking high doses of vitamin E could delay the institutionalisation of Alzheimer's patients and many people began taking it. But then a later study suggested the pills were associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.
"You have got to be careful and look at long-term toxicity. People should not go out taking high dose vitamins until it's proven they are effective and safe," he said.
Sarah O'Callaghan, spokeswoman for the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, also said it was important to await the results of the clinical trials before people started making changes in their diet or taking supplements.
"But it's an interesting development and if human clinical trials do get started, hopefully it will lead to something," she said.
She added that anyone concerned about memory difficulties should contact their GP because the earlier a person is diagnosed the better. The Alzheimer's Society helpline can be contacted at 1800 341 341.