The reviewed literature suggests that gender differences in plasma and brain vitamin C may potentially contribute to differences in gender-associated cognitive ability, particularly while females are pre-menopausal. A range of animal studies has demonstrated potential gender and age-related differences in vitamin C brain distribution and utilization. Similarly, aging has been systematically associated with reductions in plasma vitamin C levels.
Epidemiological studies have frequently shown higher vitamin C plasma concentrations in women. The purpose of this review was to examine the evidence for a link between plasma/brain vitamin C and cognition and the impact of gender and age on this relationship. It then assesses whether these age and gender-related differences may affect the relationship between plasma/brain vitamin C and cognition. The present review explores previous literature that has evaluated differences in plasma/brain vitamin C between genders and during aging.
Recent investigations have highlighted the importance of vitamin C in maintaining brain health and its association with cognitive function in both cognitively intact and impaired cohorts. Various explanations may account for these gender-related cognitive differences and age-associated cognitive changes. It is well recognized that the process of aging is associated with a decline in cognitive ability and brain function. Additionally, several risk factors associated with cognitive decline depend on chronological age. Literature has revealed gender dimorphisms in cognitive function between males and females. There is increasing evidence that sex differences in the brain may contribute to gender-related behavioral differences, including cognitive function. 6School of Mathematical and Physical Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.5School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Health, Mathematical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.4Torrens University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.3Discipline of General Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.2The National Institute of Integrative Medicine, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.1Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.Nikolaj Travica 1,2*, Karin Ried 2,3,4, Irene Hudson 1,5,6, Avni Sali 2, Andrew Scholey 1 and Andrew Pipingas 1