Vitamin C is an essential vitamin with secret superpowers that does more than it’s known for.Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and other plant foods, provides your brain with the support it needs for optimal memory, cognitive function, and mood regulation.
It seems that vitamin C was the first popular vitamin that was quickly ignored when research on vitamin D and other essential nutrients came out.But now is the time to take a look back at this legendary vitamin and appreciate its other lesser-known benefits, not least its surprising link to healthy cognitive function and brain power.
It turns out that vitamin C is found in unusually high concentrations in the brain, the first clue that researchers have discovered that the essential vitamin is important to the central nervous system.Vitamin C reaches the brain through glucose transport and active sodium transport in the blood.Neurons (nerve cells) and glial cells (the network of cells that support the nervous system) depend on adequate and regulated uptake and transfer of vitamin C.
Essentially, our brains crave this nutrient, but our bodies are completely dependent on external sources because the body cannot produce it on its own.Most mammals can do this, but some have lost the ability to do so (eg, humans, bats, guinea pigs, and some primates).
In a 2019 Nutrient Review, blood vitamin C concentrations in adults aged 66 to 90 showed that higher circulating levels of micronutrients were positively associated with cognitive performance.
Interestingly, even though C levels in other parts of the body drop due to insufficient intake (yes, this is definitely a problem with modern vitamin C), the concentration in the brain is still relatively high – meaning this vitamin does its best work What we can do to compensate and protect our brains, even in times of mental hardship.
Adequate vitamin C intake is especially important during aging because of its role as an antioxidant to prevent oxidative stress that can affect cognitive function and memory. Not only is this vitamin a potent antioxidant, but it also helps recycle other key antioxidants in the brain — such as vitamin E and glutathione (aka “master antioxidants”).
Having years of experience isn’t the only time to be concerned about your vitamin C status.A recent study in the European Journal of Nutrition revealed the benefits of vitamin C supplementation for young adults aged 20 to 39.In the study, supplementation “increased work motivation and focus, and contributed to better performance on cognitive tasks that require sustained energy.”
Memory support and improved cognition aren’t the only brain-related benefits of this well-known immune-supporting vitamin.Vitamin C is also important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, which plays a role in mood regulation.Evidence of this?Glad you asked.A 2018 antioxidant study found that people with the highest plasma (i.e. blood levels) vitamin C concentrations were likely to be more emotional. Adequate vitamin C status was also negatively associated with sadness, anger, and confusion. Translation: Higher vitamin C levels are associated with a happier state.(so cool).
Even before our bodies are subjected to work and cognitive demands, vitamin C plays a vital role in healthy neural development and is involved in the formation of myelin (the sheath that protects nerves – including the spinal cord) and neurons.So basically, you need vitamin C at every stage of your life.
The benefits of vitamin C are much more than you might think.This powerful vitamin is essential for healthy cognitive function – including memory, motivation and attention support. Its role as an antioxidant and cofactor in neurotransmitter production makes it essential for healthy aging and restoring mood.
Post time: Jun-13-2022