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Estimated prevalence and predictors of vitamin C deficiency within UK's low-income population

Annhild Mosdøl1, Bob Erens, Eric J Brunner

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK.

Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England)
|September 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin C deficiency is common in low-income UK adults, with 25% of men and 16% of women showing low levels. Factors like diet, supplements, and smoking impact vitamin C status.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional science
  • Public health

Background:

  • Scurvy case reports suggest vitamin C deficiency is underestimated.
  • The Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey (2003-05) assessed vitamin C status in the UK's low-income population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in low-income UK adults.
  • To identify factors associated with poor vitamin C status.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma vitamin C levels were measured in 433 men and 876 women from low-income UK households.
  • Data were weighted for sampling probability and non-response.

Main Results:

  • An estimated 25% of men and 16% of women had deficient plasma vitamin C (<11 micromol l(-1)).
  • An additional 20% had depleted vitamin C levels (11-28 micromol l(-1)).
  • Male sex, low dietary intake, no supplement use, and smoking predicted low vitamin C levels.

Conclusions:

  • Poor vitamin C status is prevalent in low-income UK adults.
  • Health professionals should be aware of this public health issue.
Abstract

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