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Vitamin C intake and plasma ascorbic acid concentration in adolescents
P M Finglas1, A Bailey, A Walker
1AFRC Institute of Food Research, Norwich Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Colney.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|March 1, 1993
Summary
This study found that while average vitamin C intake estimates were accurate for adolescents, individual calculations varied. Vitamin C status remained adequate across the board, with a stronger intake-status link observed in males.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Accurate assessment of dietary intake is crucial for understanding nutrient status.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for numerous physiological functions.
- Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, requiring adequate nutrient intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vitamin C intake and vitamin C status in adolescents.
- To compare calculated dietary vitamin C intake with directly analyzed values.
- To examine the correlation between vitamin C intake and plasma ascorbic acid levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 7-day weighted dietary record and duplicate diet analysis for intake assessment.
- Measured plasma ascorbic acid concentration via blood samples after fasting for vitamin C status.
- Employed statistical analysis to compare calculated vs. analyzed intakes and assess intake-status relationships.
Main Results:
- Average calculated vitamin C intake closely estimated group intake but showed significant individual discrepancies.
- Plasma ascorbic acid levels were generally well above deficiency risk indicators for all participants.
- A positive correlation between vitamin C intake and plasma ascorbic acid was found, stronger in males.
Conclusions:
- Dietary assessment methods for vitamin C require careful consideration at the individual level.
- Adolescents in this cohort generally maintained sufficient vitamin C status.
- Sex-based differences may influence the relationship between vitamin C intake and status in adolescents.