Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Exploring the association between vitamin C intake and gingival bleeding tendency in healthy, non‑deficient young
Thijs M H de Jong1, Dagmar E Slot1, Cees Valkenburg1
1Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between reported vitamin C intake and gingival bleeding severity.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 336 participants were screened, and 262 (118 females, 144 males) were eligible. Vitamin C intake was derived from the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The body mass index (BMI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP), and bleeding on pocket probing (BOPP) were scored. Means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated overall and by sex. Spearman's correlations assessed links between vitamin C intake and clinical variables. Sex differences were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Generalized regression models evaluated relationships between BOMP/BOPP and vitamin C intake, sex, age, and PI.
Results:
The participants had a mean age of 22.6 years, mean BMI of 22.9 kg/m2, and mean PI of 0.98. Average daily vitamin C intake was 108 mg (SD = 53), ranging from 19 to 425 mg. Mean BOMP and BOPP scores were 0.38 and 0.52, respectively. Regression models revealed no significant associations between vitamin C intake and BOMP or BOPP. However, PI was positively associated with both bleeding indices, while age was negatively associated.
Conclusion:
In this non‑deficient young adult population, vitamin C intake was not significantly associated with gingival bleeding after adjusting for covariates. Gingival bleeding was positively associated with PI and negatively with age.
Related Concept Videos
The Oral Microbiota
Vitamins
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.