ICMR-NIN study links low vitamin levels with cognitive impairment in older adults
HYDERABAD: A study by researchers from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) has found associations between lower blood levels of several vitamins and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults in Hyderabad.
The study, published in the journal Nutrients, examined the relationship between vitamin levels, neuronal biomarkers and cognitive function in 184 community-dwelling adults aged 55 to 85 years.
Study finds vitamin deficiencies more common among participants with MCI
The researchers assessed cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and analysed blood samples for vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12.
They also examined neuronal biomarkers including beta-amyloid, total tau, neurofilament light chain and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood glucose and other biochemical parameters were assessed.
The study found that 36.4% of the participants had MCI. Participants with MCI had lower blood levels of vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12.
Deficiencies of vitamins D, B2 and B9 were more common among participants with MCI. The group also had higher blood sugar levels and higher systolic blood pressure.
Higher vitamin D and B6 levels linked to better cognitive performance
Higher levels of some vitamins, particularly vitamins D and B6, were associated with better cognitive performance, the study found.
MCI is an intermediate stage between normal cognitive ageing and dementia in which people experience measurable changes in memory and thinking while continuing to perform daily activities independently.
Dr G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Scientist-G and head of the Biochemistry Division, who led the research team, said further longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials were needed to establish whether nutrient supplementation could affect cognitive outcomes.
“While further longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials demonstrating the impact of nutrient supplementation are needed to establish causality, these findings underscore the value of early nutritional assessment and timely interventions as part of healthy ageing strategies,” he said.
ICMR-NIN Director Dr Bharati Kulkarni said nutritional well-being should be considered alongside disease management as people age.
“Healthy ageing requires attention not only to disease management but also to nutritional well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining adequate micronutrient status and strengthening early nutritional assessment among older adults to support cognitive health and promote healthy ageing,” she said.
The study, titled Neuronal Biomarkers and Micronutrient Status in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, was published on July 24, 2026, in Nutrients.
