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Nutritional status in a healthy elderly population: vitamin C
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Elderly men and women have sufficient Vitamin C levels, but optimal intake recommendations may differ by sex. This study assessed dietary intake and plasma levels of ascorbic acid in healthy older adults.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for health, particularly in the elderly population.
- Assessing Vitamin C status involves evaluating both dietary intake and plasma levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the Vitamin C status in free-living, healthy elderly individuals.
- To investigate potential sex-based differences in ascorbic acid requirements.
Main Methods:
- Dietary intake of Vitamin C was assessed through food consumption records.
- Plasma levels of ascorbic acid were measured to gauge nutritional status.
- Data were collected from 270 healthy elderly participants (145 women, 125 men).
Main Results:
- Mean daily dietary intake was 137 mg for women and 142 mg for men.
- Median supplemental intake was 355 mg/day for women and 500 mg/day for men.
- Mean plasma ascorbic acid levels were higher in women (1.30 mg/dl) than in men (1.13 mg/dl).
- Less than 2% of participants were at risk for hypovitaminosis C.
- Estimated daily intake to maintain 1.0 mg/dl plasma ascorbic acid was 75 mg for women and 150 mg for men.
Conclusions:
- Healthy elderly individuals generally maintain adequate Vitamin C status.
- Sex-specific recommended dietary allowances for ascorbic acid may be warranted based on observed differences in plasma levels and estimated requirements.