Study Links Vitamin C Levels to Healthier Brains in 2,044 Older Adults
Updated
Updated · Prevention Magazine · Jun 22
Study Links Vitamin C Levels to Healthier Brains in 2,044 Older Adults
3 articles · Updated · Prevention Magazine · Jun 22
Summary
Researchers analyzing blood tests and MRI scans from 2,044 older adults found higher vitamin C levels were associated with greater gray matter volume and stronger default mode network connectivity.
The link held after adjusting for age, sex, smoking and drinking, suggesting the association was not explained by several common lifestyle factors.
Gray matter supports memory, attention, language and decision-making, while the default mode network is tied to memory processing and emotional regulation.
The PLOS One study was cross-sectional, so it did not show that vitamin C caused better brain health; experts said supplement evidence has been mixed.
Researchers and clinicians said the findings add to evidence that a vitamin C-rich, plant-forward diet may help support healthy brain aging alongside exercise, sleep, stress control and blood-pressure management.