Higher Vitamin C in the Blood Is Linked to Healthier Brain Structure
Based on: Plasma vitamin C levels are associated with brain structural networks on MRI: A large cohort study.
In older adults, people with more vitamin C in their blood tended to have more gray matter and better connections in a key brain network. This held up even after accounting for age, education, and conditions like diabetes. It's a snapshot in time, so it can't prove vitamin C protects the brain.
Key Insight
This study links higher blood vitamin C to healthier brain structure, but it can't prove cause.
Original Paper
Nagaya H, Watanabe K, Shintaku T, Sasaki M, Kudo J, Kasai S, Ishimoto Y, Saito K, Matsuhashi S, Koshiishi T, Imura M, Ozawa A, Mori S, Watanabe D, Shukunobe S, Sasaki T, Tatsuo S, Kakehata S, Mikami T, Kokubu D, Ushida Y, Kakeda S
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Two authors work for and hold stock in KAGOME, a health-promotion company that funded a department at the university.
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Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.