NIN Hyderabad Study Links Vitamin Deficiencies to Mild Cognitive Impairment

A study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad has found significant links between low levels of key vitamins and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults.

Mild cognitive impairment is a medical condition in which an individual experiences changes in memory or thinking abilities while remaining largely capable of carrying out daily routines independently. Experts consider it an intermediate stage between typical ageing and dementia.

Published in the journal Nutrients, the study examined 184 adults aged between 55 and 85 years from Hyderabad. During the research, doctors evaluated the cognitive function of the participants and analysed their blood samples for neuronal biomarkers alongside vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12.

The findings revealed that 36.4 percent of the participants had MCI. Those diagnosed with the condition exhibited lower blood levels of vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12. Deficiencies in vitamins D, B2, and B9 were found to be particularly common among the MCI group.

In addition to vitamin deficiencies, participants with MCI also showed significantly higher blood sugar levels and higher systolic blood pressure. On the other hand, higher levels of vitamins D and B6 were associated with better cognitive performance.

Researchers stated that the findings highlight the importance of early nutritional assessments and timely dietary interventions for older adults. However, they noted that further longitudinal studies and controlled trials are needed to firmly establish whether correcting vitamin deficiencies can prevent or slow cognitive decline.

Dr Bharati Kulkarni, Director of NIN, said that maintaining an adequate micronutrient status and strengthening early nutritional assessments could help support cognitive health and promote healthy ageing.