Vitamin C Might Do More Than Boost Your Immune System
Midjourney
Hi-C: You probably think of vitamin C as an immunity booster that you reach for as a supplement when you feel a cold coming on. However, new research published in PLOS One suggests its impact might extend to a less expected place. Like deep inside your brain, for instance.
The Study: Researchers scanned the brains of and tested blood samples from over 2,000 adults in Japan aged 65 or older. After accounting for differences in age, education, and activity levels, they found that lower vitamin C levels were associated with reduced gray matter and weaker connections within the brain’s default mode network, a system linked to memory and attention.
The Takeaway: The vitamin C levels were linked to changes in brain structure, not just scores on a memory test, so this research adds to the case that everyday diet could affect how your brain ages.
Keep in Mind: This is an observational study and doesn’t prove vitamin C directly protects the brain. More research is needed before this changes anyone’s supplement routine.
