People with diabetes sometimes complain of forgetfulness, feeling spacey and confused, and of being unable to focus and think clearly. A new study shows that antioxidant vitamins C and E can help prevent this diabetic “brain fog.”
In the study, people with diabetes ate a high-fat meal, which, as expected, worsened their recall ability by reducing oxygen delivery to the brain. But when participants took 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 800 IU of vitamin E along with the meal, they did better on post-meal memory tests.
Researchers say these antioxidants help by reducing oxidative stress, which impairs oxygen delivery to brain cells. High blood sugar increases oxidative stress. People with diabetes are at higher-than-normal risk of developing dementia, in part due to vascular changes in the brain that restrict blood flow and cause inflammation. Other studies have shown that antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins C and E help reduce diabetic damage to eyes and kidneys. Now, it appears, they can also help protect the brain, too (Chui, M.H., et al. Nutrition Research, July 2008 28(7); 423-429.)
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Diabetes can have wide-ranging implications on many aspects of health, including cognitive health. If you are diabetic, make sure you’re getting the high levels of antioxidants needed to protect your brain. The only way to do that is with supplementation.
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