Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jul 2
Study Links Higher Vitamin C to Healthier Brain Structure in 2,044 Older Adults
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jul 2

Study Links Higher Vitamin C to Healthier Brain Structure in 2,044 Older Adults

3 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Jul 2

Summary

  • MRI scans and blood tests from 2,044 Japanese adults over 64 showed lower plasma vitamin C was associated with less gray matter and weaker connectivity in the brain’s default mode network.
  • After adjusting for age, education and physical activity, researchers still found the same pattern, tying higher vitamin C levels to better-preserved brain structure linked to memory and attention.
  • PLOS One published the observational study on June 10, but the authors said it does not prove vitamin C directly protects the brain or slows cognitive decline.
  • Future work will need repeated vitamin C measurements and broader populations to test whether diet rich in vitamin C can help support healthy brain aging.

Insights

If vitamin C protects brain structure, what is the optimal daily dose for fighting cognitive decline?
Is vitamin C the hero for brain health, or just a marker of a healthier lifestyle?