Vitamin C and Brain Health: Higher Blood Levels Linked to Stronger Ageing Brains
Higher plasma vitamin C levels may play an important role in vitamin C brain health during ageing, according to a study involving more than 2,000 older adults. Researchers found that people with higher blood levels of the nutrient had healthier brain structures and stronger connections between key brain regions. However, the findings do not prove that vitamin C directly protects the brain.
MRI Scans Reveal Important Links
The study analysed data from 2,044 participants with a median age of 69 years. Women made up 61.1% of the group. Each participant underwent advanced 3T MRI scans and blood testing to measure plasma vitamin C levels.
Researchers examined grey matter, white matter, and overall brain volume. They also assessed connectivity within the default mode network, which supports memory and self-reflection. In addition, they adjusted for factors such as age, education, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, alcohol use, and physical activity.
Higher Vitamin C, Healthier Brain Structure
The results showed a clear association between higher plasma vitamin C levels and healthier brain measures. People with lower vitamin C levels had smaller grey matter volume and weaker default mode network connectivity.
Moreover, higher vitamin C levels were linked to better grey and white matter ratios. The strongest grey matter association appeared in the posterior cingulate cortex, an area involved in memory and attention. Diabetes and smoking history also showed negative effects on brain health indicators.
Findings Need Further Confirmation
Researchers described these results as an important step in understanding vitamin C brain health. They noted that this is the first study to connect plasma vitamin C levels with default mode network connectivity.
However, the study used a cross-sectional design. As a result, it cannot establish cause and effect. Clinical trials are therefore necessary before experts recommend vitamin C supplements specifically to support brain health in older adults.
