According to a study funded by the National Institute on Aging, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress—damage caused by free radicals generated during normal metabolism and increased by aging. Free radicals can damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, contributing to age-related cognitive decline.
The study followed more than 3,000 adults over the age of 64 living in Cache County, Utah, tracking changes in cognitive function over a six-year period. Participants who took vitamin C supplements or regularly consumed fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids scored higher on cognitive tests than those who did not.
Carotenoids are antioxidant pigments found in colorful fruits and vegetables. Some carotenoids can be converted to vitamin A in the body, while others exert direct antioxidant effects. The findings suggest that diets rich in antioxidant nutrients may help support cognitive function as people age, consistent with the broader view that oxidative stress plays a role in brain aging.
