Vitamin C linked to better brain health in older adults

Scientists from Japan have found that higher levels of vitamin C in the blood are associated with better brain health in older adults. The study results were published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The work involved 2044 people with an average age of 69 years. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and measured levels of vitamin C in the blood plasma. The researchers then assessed the volume of gray and white matter, as well as the state of the so-called passive mode network of the brain - a system of interconnected regions that is involved in memory, thinking and self-reflection.

The analysis found that people with lower levels of vitamin C were more likely to have lower gray matter volume. In addition, they had weaker connections between parts of the brain's passive mode network. These patterns persisted even after controlling for age, gender, education level, physical activity, and the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and other risk factors.

The authors emphasize that the study does not prove cause and effect, but the results indicate a possible role for vitamin C in maintaining brain structure and preserving neural connections.