Marmite may fight dementia

BRITAIN: Marmite may boost brain power and could even help stave off dementia, British research has suggested.

A study has shown that people who ate just a teaspoonful of the yeast extract each day saw changes in the electrical activity of their brain.

Researchers from the University of York said the high concentration of Vitamin B12 in Marmite increases levels of chemicals that are thought to protect against neurological disorders.

It was found that those who consumed a teaspoonful each day for a month had a 30 per cent reduction in their brain’s response to visual stimuli, compared with those who were given peanut butter.

Scientists said the changes appeared to reflect increased levels of a specific neurotransmitter – Gamma-amino Butyric acid (GABA) – in the brain.

The chemical is known to inhibit the excitability of neurons in the brain, acting to ‘‘turn down the volume’’ of neural responses in order to regulate the balance of activity needed to maintain a healthy brain. It is sometimes known as ‘‘nature’s Valium’’.

Researchers said the study was the first to show that dietary changes may affect GABA levels, which are associated with conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

The study found that Marmite contains 116 times more B12 – which makes red blood cells and protects the nervous system – than peanut butter.

Dr Daniel Baker, lecturer in the department of psychology and senior author of the paper, said: ‘‘I suppose you could say it calmed the brain, and we think this is because the B12 vitamin in Marmite fuels production of GABA.

’’Deficiencies in it have been linked with a host of neurological disorders. Even dementia has been suggested.’’ – Telegraph Group