# ICMR-NIN study finds vitamin deficiency linked to cognitive decline 2026-08-17T15:00:58+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets A study by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad has found that more than one in three older adults surveyed show signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with deficiencies in key vitamins strongly associated with the condition. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, examined 184 adults aged 55 to 85 from the city. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and blood samples were analysed for vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12. The study found that 36.4% of participants had MCI. Those with MCI had lower blood levels of vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12, with deficiencies in vitamins D, B2 and B9 particularly common. The MCI group also had significantly higher blood glucose levels and higher systolic blood pressure. In contrast, higher levels of vitamins D and B6 were associated with better cognitive performance. NIN director Bharati Kulkarni said maintaining adequate micronutrient status and strengthening early nutritional assessment could help support cognitive health in older adults. The researchers noted that further studies are needed to establish whether correcting vitamin deficiencies can prevent or reduce cognitive decline. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources. Last updated 2026-08-17T21:11:25+00:00. Tags: Hyderabad, ICMR-NIN, vitamin B6, vitamin D Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/icmr-nin-study-links-vitamin-deficiencies-to-cognitive-decline-in-elderly/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/icmr-nin-study-links-vitamin-deficiencies-to-cognitive-decline-in-elderly/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the reports linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. Stance labels are editorial classifications of how each outlet framed this story, assigned by the same model, not ratings of the outlets. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/