Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on haematological response and ascorbic acid status of young female adults

Haematological response and ascorbic acid (AA) status were evaluated in 32 young adult females (age 20-34 years) 8 weeks after supplementation with two levels of AA (50 and 100 mg). Both levels of AA intake produced a similar response marked by significant elevation (p less than 0.01) in Hb concentration, Hct level, RBC count, serum and leucocyte ascorbate concentrations. Ten weeks after withdrawal of the supplements, values for all parameters evaluated decreased significantly (p less than 0.01) to presupplementation levels. Haemoglobin concentration and leucocyte ascorbate remained relatively higher (p less than 0.01) than initial values in subjects who received 100 mg AA. This study showed that AA supplementation improved erythropoietic activity and AA status of our female population. However, the higher dose of AA (100 mg) sustained Hb concentration and tissue ascorbate longer after withdrawal of supplementation.