3 Potentially Harmful Supplements To Avoid If You’re At Risk For Alzheimer’s Or Dementia: Copper, And More

1. Copper

Some people take copper supplements if they've been told they have a copper deficiency, which can lead to anemia and other issues with their bone health and nerve function. However, studies have shown that over time, copper can affect the function of your brain and create a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.

In his article, "Alzheimer's Disease and Dietary Copper," Michael Greger, M.D., writes that iron and copper "are strongly concentrated within the neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that represent the hallmarks of the [Alzheimer's] brain."

"The higher the levels of copper, the quicker Alzheimer's disease may progress, particularly among people with high cholesterol levels," he continued.

While copper is an essential mineral, taking it in excess via supplements can be harmful to those at risk of or showing early signs of Alzheimer's, as, according to Greger, people living with Alzheimer's disease already have higher levels of copper in their blood.

2. Iron

Iron is a very popular supplement, as many people have been told they have an iron deficiency or are worried about developing one, as having low amounts of iron in your system can lead to anemia, exhaustion, and shortness of breath.

However, studies have found that taking in too much dietary iron or iron supplements can increase your risk of dementia. In a study published in the Nutrients journal, researchers in Australia conducted a series of experiments and concluded that "excessive iron intake is associated with a higher incidence of all-cause dementia."

If you're over a certain age, before taking iron supplements, it may be a good idea to speak to a doctor about your health history. Jacqueline Thielen, M.D, with the Mayo Clinic, wrote that a doctor may recommend testing the iron levels in your blood, and with the results from that test, "can make an informed choice regarding the amount of iron you need and the healthiest way to get it."

Thielen also notes that you can get natural sources of iron by eating more iron-rich foods like dark leafy greens, beef, beans, and more.

3. B-12

Over-the-counter B12 supplements have become a part of many people's daily routine, as they've been known to boost energy levels and strengthen several bodily functions. But be wary of taking too much B12, as some studies have found that having too much of it in your system can cause cognitive issues.

In an article for Medical News Today, which was fact-checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D, scientific editor Katharine Lang wrote that researchers have found that "people with higher B12 levels had increased levels of T-Tau protein, which is associated with neurodegeneration and dementia."

According to Lang, the same researchers noticed that the association between B12 and neurodegeneration was strongest when test subjects had "low levels of active B12 and high levels of holo-HC, or 'inactive' B12."

One of Lang's sources, Clifford Segil, DO, added that for the general public to ensure they're getting the right amount of B12 in their system, it is recommended to take a "multi-vitamin with B12 in it" versus a B12 supplement.

The Bottom Line

One of the best ways to check which supplements you should be taking on a daily basis, especially if you're at risk for Alzheimer's and dementia, is to speak to your doctor.

While these supplements may not seem scary, it's a good idea to be mindful of how much of one supplement you're taking, as the studies above suggest that much higher levels of certain over-the-counter ones can potentially be dangerous to your brain health.