Vitamin C Deficiency Impairs Early Brain Development

Miami, FL (AHN) – A new study by Swedish researchers warns that vitamin C deficiency early in life can lead to significant impairment in brain development.

Researchers with the University of Copenhagen tested guinea pigs and found that those subjected to even moderate vitamin C deficiency had 30 percent less hippocampal neurons and noticeably worse spatial memory than guinea pigs on a normal, healthy diet.

Lead author Jens Lykkesfeldt said that like guinea pigs, humans depend on getting enough vitamin C through their diets. The findings highlight the importance of pregnant women and those nursing their babies eating a vitamin C-rich diet, Lykkesfedt and his colleagues said in a statement.

The researchers said that the brains of newborns and fetuses are more vulnerable than other tissue to even a slight lowering of vitamin C levels.

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Related posts:

1. Study: Millions of U.S. Kids Vitamin D Deficient
2. Vitamin C May Prevent Skin Damage
3. Fortified Formula Boosts Brain Development
4. Vitamin D Could Significantly Reduce Heart Disease, Stroke Risk
5. Regular Exercise May Lower Risk Of Having Heavy Babies