Eating More Vitamin B2 May Help Prevent Dementia

Lesson made on October 8, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

A new study from Japan suggests that eating foods rich in vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, might lower a person’s chances of developing dementia. Dementia is a condition that affects memory and thinking skills, especially in elderly people. Researchers followed over 4,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 69 for about 15 years to see how their diets might relate to brain health.

The scientists discovered that people who ate the most riboflavin had about half the risk of developing serious dementia compared to those who ate the least. They also noticed that a higher intake of vitamin B6 and folate (another B vitamin) seemed to help, although the link was not as strong. However, vitamin B12 didn’t appear to make much difference in this study.

It’s important to remember that the research only shows a connection; it doesn’t prove that vitamin B2 directly prevents dementia. The study also didn’t include vitamin pills, so it’s unclear if taking pills would have the same effect.

Even so, the results support the idea that a healthy, balanced diet is good for the brain. Foods high in riboflavin include milk, yogurt, eggs, lean meats, fish, mushrooms, almonds, and spinach. B6 and folate are found in poultry, salmon, bananas, beans, leafy greens, and fortified grains. Experts say that rather than focusing on a single vitamin, people should try to eat a variety of nutritious foods to help protect their brains as they age.

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2025)

Comprehension Quiz:

1. Dementia is a condition that affects memory and thinking skills. What does “condition” mean?

a) A weather situation
b) A health problem or disease
c) A type of vitamin
d) A mood or emotion

2. Higher intake of vitamin B6 and folate might also help prevent dementia. What does “intake” mean?

a) The time when a person eats
b) The type of vitamin pill someone buys
c) A kind of medical test
d) The amount of food or nutrients a person eats

3. People who ate the most riboflavin had what kind of result?

a) They gained more weight.
b) They had a lower risk of serious dementia.
c) They became younger.
d) They slept better.

4. Why do you think the researchers studied adults between 40 and 69 years old?

a) Dementia usually affects younger children.
b) Middle-aged adults are at risk of changes in brain health.
c) Only this age group eats vitamins.
d) Older adults refuse to join studies.

5. Why might experts tell people not to focus on one vitamin?

a) Because vitamins are not real.
b) Because pills taste bad and are hard to swallow.
c) Because a mix of many nutrients is better for overall health.
d) Because focusing on one vitamin makes the other vitamins jealous.

6. Which of these statements is false?

a) The study proved that vitamin B2 is a cure for dementia.
b) The researchers studied people for about 15 years.
c) Eating foods with vitamin B2 was linked to a lower risk of dementia.
d) Milk and eggs are examples of foods that contain riboflavin.

7. Which is the correct order of events according to the study?

a) People took vitamin pills, then they were studied for 15 years, then they showed no dementia.
b) Researchers measured people’s diets, then watched their health for many years, then found a connection.
c) People got dementia first, then the scientists asked them what they used to eat.
d) Scientists proved vitamin B2 prevents dementia, then they told people to change their diets.

8. A 40-year-old person reads this article. What is the most logical thing for them to do?

a) Immediately start taking high doses of riboflavin pills.
b) Believe that they are too young for this information to be important.
c) Consider eating more foods like eggs, spinach, and almonds.
d) Stop eating all foods that do not contain vitamin B2.

9. What was the role of the researchers in this study?

a) They told people exactly what to eat every day.
b) They sold vitamin pills to the people in the study.
c) They observed the people’s diets and health over a long period.
d) They only studied people who already had dementia.

10. What overall message can readers take from this article?

a) A balanced diet keeps your brain strong as you age.
b) Vitamins work instantly.
c) Vitamin pills are the only solution.
d) Food has no effect on brain health.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. Have you eaten any foods today that contain B vitamins?

2. Why do many people find it hard to eat a balanced diet even if they know it’s good for them?

3. Imagine you are an elderly person. What kinds of things would you do to keep your memory strong?

More Reading Practice:

B Vitamins

B vitamins are a group of nutrients that help your body stay healthy and full of energy. They work together to turn the food you eat (like bread, meat, and vegetables) into energy your body can use. B vitamins also help keep your brain, skin, and blood healthy.

Each B vitamin has a special job. Some help your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body. Others help your nerves work properly or help your body use fats and proteins from food.

You can find B vitamins in many foods, such as eggs, milk, fish, meat, leafy greens, beans, and whole grains. Because they are water-soluble, your body does not store them for long, so you need to eat foods with B vitamins regularly.

Having enough B vitamins helps you feel alert and strong. Not getting enough can make you feel tired, weak, or forgetful.

Dementia

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain. It makes it harder for a person to remember things, think clearly, or make good decisions. People with dementia may forget names, dates, or where they put things. They might have trouble speaking, understanding others, or doing daily activities like cooking or getting dressed.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging, even though it is more common in older adults. It happens when brain cells are damaged and cannot communicate well with each other. Over time, this damage gets worse, and the person needs more help from others.

There are different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, but they all affect memory and thinking. Although there is no cure yet, doctors and caregivers can help people with dementia live more comfortably and stay active for as long as possible.

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