If you include vitamin C supplement in your routine, you might be mostly thinking about its benefits for supporting your immune resilience.* But a new cross-sectional analysis, published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Nutrition explored the link between vitamin C and mental function.*
The link between mental function and vitamin C concentrations.
In essence, the study found a link between vitamin C status (as measured by serum levels in the blood) and mental vitality. According to the paper, supplementing with vitamin C “effectively increased work motivation and attentional focus and contributed to better performance on cognitive tasks requiring sustained attention.”* This was following findings that “inadequate” vitamin C levels were linked to low “mental vitality,” meaning suboptimal mental energy and focus.
The results were drawn based on a population-based cross-sectional investigation of 214 healthy young adults, who were first assessed for vitamin C concentrations in the blood versus their mental and physical energy, attention levels, and their mood.
Participants who had inadequate vitamin C levels then participated in a double-blind randomized control trial where one group was randomized to receive 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day for 4 weeks and the other took a placebo. Following the trial, they were able to conclude that those who took a supplemented with vitamin C saw a significant increase in attention and work absorption, with some improvement in energy levels and engagement—but no change in mood.*
Other potential benefits of supplementing with vitamin C.
Though it’s probably best known for it’s link to supporting the immune system, vitamin C can also help combat oxidative stress, promote natural collagen production, enhance iron absorption, and more—yes, including promoting healthy cognitive function.* That’s one multi-tasking water-soluble vitamin!
Supporting cognition and focus can also include behavior as much as nutrition: practicing meditation, getting moving, and getting enough quality sleep are all other key components of making sure you (and your brain) are able to function at your best.
