Does Vitamin C contribute to brain health?

Researchers found that among nearly 1000 elderly in the UK, those who ate the least Vitamin C had the highest risk of cognitive decline. A study out of Utah found that elderly individuals who took Vitamin C and Vitamin E in combination had a reduced risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Professionally Reviewed by Charles Li, MD

Study 1

Vitamin C & Cognitive Decline

Vitamin C reduces risk of cognitive decline

Researchers found that among nearly 1000 elderly in the UK, those who ate the least Vitamin C had the highest risk of cognitive decline.

A study out of the UK found that those who consumed the least Vitamin C had the highest risk of cognitive impairment. They had over twice the odds compared to those who consumed the most Vitamin C (2.2x odds, 95CI 1.8-3.0)

Data Source

"Vitamin C status may be a determinant of cognitive function in elderly people through its effect on atherogenesis. A high vitamin C intake may protect against both cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular disease."

Source: Cognitive impairment and mortality in a cohort of elderly people.

Study 2

Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C Supplements May Reduce Risk of cognitive impairment

Another study out of Australia showed that those who took Vitamin C supplements at a retirement community had a significantly lower risk of developing severe cognitive impairment.

Vitamin C Supplements vs. Cognitive Impairment

A study from Australia found that those who took Vitamin C supplements within a retirement community had a significantly lower risk of cognitive impairment compared to those who did not, after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, education, total energy intake, and use of psychotropic medications.

Data Source

"After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, education, total energy intake, and use of psychotropic medications, consumption of vitamin C supplements was associated with a lower prevalence of more severe cognitive impairment (based on scores on the Mini-Mental State Examinatio"

Source: Cohort study of vitamin C intake and cognitive impairment

What is cognitive impairment?

"Mild cognitive impairment causes cognitive changes that are serious enough to be noticed to the person affected and to family members and friends, but do not affect the individual’s ability to carry out everyday activities. "

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Study 3

Vitamin C & Alzheimer's Disease

Vitamin C may reduce risk of Alzheimer's Disease when combined with Vitamin e

A study out of Utah found that elderly individuals who took Vitamin C and Vitamin E in combination had a reduced risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

A study out of Utah found that those who took Vitamin C and Vitamin E supplements combined had a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease over 3 years.

Data Source

"Use of vitamin E and vitamin C supplements in combination is associated with reduced prevalence and incidence of AD. Antioxidant supplements merit further study as agents for the primary prevention of AD."

Source: Reduced risk of Alzheimer disease in users of antioxidant vitamin supplements: the Cache County Study

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

"Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is not a normal part of aging. "

Conclusion

Vitamin C & the Brain

The studies above show that Vitamin C may play a protective role against Alzheimer's Disease and cognitive impairment. While these data only show correlations, the correlations do point to an encouraging trend.

More Information

Vitamin C & The Brain

What does Vitamin C Do?

"Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters; vitamin C is also involved in protein metabolism"

Is Vitamin C an Antioxidant?

"Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble, non-enzymatic antioxidant in plasma and tissues. Even in small amounts, vitamin C can protect indispensable molecules in the body"

How can we prevent dementia?

"Regular physical exercise may be a beneficial strategy to lower the risk of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the brain. "