ICMR-NIN study links vitamin deficiency to cognitive decline in the elderly

Higher levels of vitamins, especially vitamins D and B6, were associated with better cognitive performance in older adults. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES

More than one in three older adults examined in the Hyderabad-based study showed signs of mild cognitive impairment, with researchers finding a strong link between cognitive decline and deficiencies in several key vitamins.

Micronutrient deficiency in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Findings by ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) researchers suggest that improved nutritional status may play an important role in maintaining brain health as people age. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment were more likely to be deficient in several micronutrients, particularly vitamins D, B2, and B9, highlighting the potential role of nutrition in maintaining brain health during aging.

The study – Neuronal Biomarkers and Micronutrient Status in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, published in the international journal ‘Nutrients’, also identified significant associations between blood levels of essential vitamins, neuronal biomarkers and cognitive performance. The findings underscore the importance of early nutritional assessment and intervention in older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia, in which individuals experience measurable changes in memory and thinking skills, but are still able to perform daily activities independently.

What was evaluated?

184 urban adults aged 55 to 85 participated in the community-based cross-sectional study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while blood samples were analyzed for vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12. The researchers also measured neuronal biomarkers, including beta-amyloid, total tau, neurofilament light chain and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood glucose and other biochemical parameters were also assessed to identify factors associated with early cognitive impairment. 36.4% of participants were found to have mild cognitive impairment. Affected individuals had lower blood levels of several micronutrients, including vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12. Deficiencies of vitamins D, B2 and B9 were particularly prevalent in the MCI group.

Better cognitive performance

Participants with MCI also had significantly higher blood glucose levels and elevated systolic blood pressure. In contrast, higher levels of vitamins, especially vitamins D and B6, were associated with better cognitive performance.

“While further studies and tests are needed to establish causality and assess the impact of nutrient supplementation, these findings underscore the value of early nutritional assessment and early interventions as part of healthy aging strategies,” said Scientist and Head of the Biochemistry Division at ICMR-NIN, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, who led the research.

“Healthy aging requires attention not only to disease management but also to nutritional well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining adequate micronutrient status and enhancing early nutritional assessment in older adults to support cognitive health and support healthy aging,” ICMR-NIN Director Bharati Kulkarni said in a press release.

A link between higher levels of nutrition and better cognitive performance was mentioned in the ICMR-NIN study | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Published – 17 Aug 2026 17:35 IST