Ascorbic acid and the brain: Rationale for the use against cognitive decline

Fiona E. Harrison, Gene L. Bowman, Maria Cristina Polidori

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

This review is focused upon the role of ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) in the promotion of healthy brain aging. Particular attention is attributed to the biochemistry and neuronal metabolism interface, transport across tissues, animal models that are useful for this area of research, and the human studies that implicate AA in the continuum between normal cognitive aging and age-related cognitive decline up to Alzheimer's disease. Vascular risk factors and comorbidity relationships with cognitive decline and AA are discussed to facilitate strategies for advancing AA research in the area of brain health and neurodegeneration.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1752-1781
Number of pages30
JournalNutrients
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 24 2014

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Blood-brain barrier
  • Brain
  • Cognitive function
  • Dementia
  • Elderly
  • Endothelial function
  • SVCT (sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter)
  • Vitamin C

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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