Vitamin C is a key antioxidant in the brain and has been reported to have a variety of functions, including uptake of reactive oxygen species, neuromodulation, and involvement in angiogenesis.
The absence of vitamin C in the brain has been shown to be detrimental to survival in newborn SVCT2(-/-) mice, while perinatal deficiency decreases hippocampal volume and neuron number and causes decreased spatial cognition in guinea pigs, suggesting that maternal vitamin C deficiency could have serious consequences for the offspring.
In addition, it has been suggested that vitamin C deficiency may play a role in age-related cognitive decline and stroke risk and severity.
This review discusses the available literature on the effects of vitamin C deficiency on the developing and aging brain, with particular emphasis on in vivo experiments and clinical trials.
Does Vitamin C Deficiency Affect Cognitive Development and Function?
