The effect of high ascorbic acid supplementation on body iron stores

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Human Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Dietary iron absorption significantly influences iron status.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is known to enhance nonheme iron absorption.
• The long-term impact of vitamin C on iron balance requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of enhanced dietary iron availability on iron balance.
• To determine if sustained vitamin C supplementation impacts iron stores.
• To assess potential intestinal adaptation to high-dose vitamin C regarding iron absorption.

Main Methods:

• 17 adult subjects received 2g of ascorbic acid daily for 16 weeks.
• Serum ferritin levels were measured before and after supplementation.
• Radioisotopic measurements assessed nonheme iron absorption over time.
• Long-term supplementation was studied in iron-replete and iron-deficient individuals.

Main Results:

• Serum ferritin levels showed negligible changes, indicating no significant impact on iron stores.
• Prolonged vitamin C supplementation (20 months) did not alter iron reserves.
• High-dose vitamin C did not reduce its own iron absorption-enhancing effect, ruling out intestinal adaptation.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing nonheme dietary iron availability has minimal effect on iron status.
• This effect is likely negligible in individuals consuming diets rich in meat.
• Vitamin C supplementation does not appear to be an effective strategy for improving iron status in this context.