Studies on ascorbic acid and cholesterol levels in Nigerian nomadic groups

Studies on plasma and leukocyte ascorbic acid and cholesterol concentrations in 102 nomads from rural communities in Oyo State of Nigeria, as well as in 88 controls, showed no significant differences between study group and controls with respect to leukocyte ascorbic acid values; no correlation was found between ascorbic acid and cholesterol levels; no cases of clinical scurvy were observed. These findings are compared with similar results from Kenya and elsewhere. The findings suggest low but acceptable levels of plasma ascorbic acid in nomadic groups; there was no correlation between ascorbic acid and cholesterol concentrations in cases where plasma vitamin C deficiency was mild or moderate with close to normal levels of leukocyte ascorbic acid; prolonged low levels of plasma ascorbic acid may exist without overt clinical manifestations of scurvy.