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Estimating ascorbic acid requirements for cigarette smokers
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|May 28, 1993
Summary
Smoking significantly lowers serum ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels, independent of dietary intake. Smokers need substantially higher vitamin C intake to maintain adequate levels, often requiring supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Smoking is a significant public health concern.
- Ascorbic acid (AA), or vitamin C, is an essential nutrient.
- Hypovitaminosis AA is a potential risk in certain populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between smoking and serum ascorbic acid levels.
- To determine the impact of dietary intake on this association.
- To identify optimal intake levels for smokers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large, population-based, cross-sectional survey.
- Assessment of serum ascorbic acid levels in smokers and non-smokers.
- Evaluation of dietary ascorbic acid intake and vitamin supplement use.
Main Results:
- Smokers exhibit a threefold higher incidence of low serum AA levels (< or = 11 mumol/L).
- This association is independent of reduced dietary AA intake in smokers.
- Smokers require > or = 200 mg AA daily for protection, exceeding the RDA.
Conclusions:
- Smoking cessation is the most effective way to increase low serum vitamin C levels.
- Increased dietary AA intake is recommended for smokers.
- Vitamin supplementation may be necessary if dietary changes are insufficient.