Hirosaki Study Links Higher Vitamin C to Stronger Brain Networks in 2,044 Older Adults
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Jun 15
Hirosaki Study Links Higher Vitamin C to Stronger Brain Networks in 2,044 Older Adults
3 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Jun 15
Summary
Blood samples and brain scans from 2,044 volunteers with a median age of 69 showed higher vitamin C levels were associated with greater gray matter volume and stronger default mode network connectivity.
Hirosaki University researchers focused on the default mode network because weaker connections in that circuit have been tied to cognitive decline and disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and depression.
The analysis adjusted for age, sex and conditions such as high blood pressure, but the one-time study could not prove vitamin C directly improved brain structure or connectivity.
Researchers called it the first study to link plasma vitamin C with default mode network connectivity and said longer-term, more diverse studies are needed to test whether the finding holds across populations.