An evaluation of plasma vitamin C concentrations in individuals requiring home parenteral nutrition

Ascorbic acid (VitC) is an essential coenzyme to maintain health, but there are minimal data on the adequacy of VitC supply in patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN).

A prospective pilot study was carried out measuring plasma VitC, serum vitamins A, D and E, and the minerals zinc, copper, selenium and magnesium in 28 adult HPN-dependent (≥6 months) patients.

Fifty-seven percent of patients had insufficient VitC status. There was a strong, positive correlation between HPN provision of VitC and plasma VitC concentrations (r_s  = 0.663, p = 0.00) with an 83% insufficiency rate below a provision of 800 mg week^-1 . There was no association seen between plasma VitC and number of HPN days week^-1 (p = 0.539), number of months on HPN (p = 0.773) or dependency on HPN (86% ± 31% of energy requirements met via HPN (77% ± 23%, p = 0.39).

VitC insufficiency is prevalent in HPN-dependent patients. Our data highlight the need for regular monitoring of VitC in those living with type III intestinal failure.