A study conducted on 2,044 older adults in Japan found an association between lower blood vitamin C levels and reduced brain tissue, as well as altered structural network patterns in the brain. The research, published in PLOS ONE, utilized MRI scans and direct blood measurements of vitamin C, enhancing the reliability of the findings compared to previous studies that relied on dietary estimates.
The study identified that vitamin C levels were linked to all three clusters of the brain's default mode network, which is associated with memory and cognitive function. While the observational nature of the study means it cannot definitively prove that vitamin C protects the brain, it contributes to the body of evidence suggesting that adequate vitamin C intake may be important for brain health in aging individuals.
Participants in the study had a median age of 69, with approximately 61% being women. They underwent blood tests after fasting and MRI scans to assess brain structure. The researchers found that two clusters of the default mode network showed positive associations with vitamin C levels, while one cluster had a negative association that was interpreted as favorable, indicating that higher vitamin C levels may correlate with less abnormal structural change in the aging brain.
The study also noted that vitamin C concentrations in the brain are significantly higher than in the bloodstream, suggesting that the brain actively retains vitamin C for its antioxidant properties and potential influence on brain cell communication. However, the researchers cautioned that the association between vitamin C and cognitive performance is modest and that the study's findings may not be generalizable to other populations.