# Higher Vitamin C in the Blood Is Linked to Healthier Brain Structure

*Plasma vitamin C levels are associated with brain structural networks on MRI: A large cohort study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: PloS one
- **Sample Size**: 2,044 older adults, median age 69
- **Authors**: 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
- **Published**: 2026-06-10
- **Topics**: vitamin C, brain health, cognition
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348504
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42268794/

## Summary

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.

## Practical Takeaway

This study links higher blood vitamin C to healthier brain structure, but it can't prove cause.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/research/higher-vitamin-c-in-the-blood-is-linked-to-healthier-brain-structure · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-10_