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Vitamin C status in chronic schizophrenia
K Suboticanec1, V Folnegović-Smalc, M Korbar
1School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Yugoslavia.
Biological Psychiatry
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Schizophrenic patients exhibit lower vitamin C levels. Supplementation with high-dose ascorbic acid (vitamin C) normalized plasma levels and improved excretion, suggesting increased requirements in schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is crucial for neurological function.
- Altered vitamin C metabolism has been observed in various psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vitamin C levels in schizophrenic patients.
- To determine the impact of ascorbic acid supplementation on vitamin C status in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Compared fasting plasma vitamin C and urinary excretion after a load test in schizophrenic patients and controls.
- Administered 70 mg and 1 g of ascorbic acid daily for 4 weeks to assess changes.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenic patients showed significantly lower plasma and urinary vitamin C levels.
- 70 mg daily supplementation normalized plasma levels but not urinary excretion.
- 1 g daily supplementation normalized both plasma and urinary vitamin C levels.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenic patients may have increased ascorbic acid requirements.
- Higher doses of vitamin C may be necessary to correct deficiencies in this population.
- Findings support the hypothesis of elevated vitamin C needs in schizophrenia.