Vitamin C status of institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly in Central Kentucky

A survey of 139 elderly volunteers between 60 and 90 years of age was conducted to determine their vitamin C status and to investigate possible relationships between the plasma vitamin C level, the participant's age, sex, and institutionalization status. When the participants' vitamin C levels were compared by age groups (60-70, 71-80, 81-90) and sex, no significant differences were found. Higher (P<0.01) mean total and reduced plasma vitamin C levels were found in those subjects living on their own, when compared to nursing home residents. No vitamin C deficiency levels were found in the elderly population studied, although several were considered borderline.