A large observational study involving over 2,000 older adults in Japan suggests a link between vitamin C and the aging brain. Individuals with lower blood vitamin C levels exhibited less gray matter and weaker connections in a key brain network.
The research team, led by Haruka Nagaya from Hirosaki University, analyzed magnetic resonance imaging scans and blood samples from 2,044 participants over the age of 64. They examined the volume of gray and white matter, as well as connectivity within the so-called Default Mode Network, which is involved in memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. After adjusting for factors such as age, education, and physical activity, a clear pattern emerged: lower vitamin C levels correlated with reduced gray matter volume and weaker connectivity in this network.
The study, published on June 10, 2026, in the journal PLOS One, confirms previous indications that a vitamin C-rich diet could support the brain in old age. However, as this is an observational study, a direct causal relationship cannot be inferred. Further research is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms.
Source: Nagaya H. et al., PLOS One, June 10, 2026 (Hirosaki University, Japan)
