Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid in a cross section of the German population

Hagel A, Albrecht H, Dauth W, Hagel W, Vitali F, Ganzleben I, Schultis HW, Konturek PC, Stein J, Neurath M, Raithel M (2018)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Book Volume: 46

Pages Range: 168-174

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1177/0300060517714387

Abstract

Objectives Vitamin C deficiency is considered extremely rare in modern industrialized countries. This study was performed to assess vitamin C concentrations in the German population. Methods As part of a consultant-patient seminar on nutrition and food intolerances, patients were asked to participate in this study on a voluntary basis. Blood samples were taken for analysis of serum vitamin C concentrations, and all patients were asked to complete a questionnaire. The vitamin C concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Of approximately 300 patients attending the seminar, 188 (62.6%) consented to vitamin C blood sample analysis and 178 (59.3%) answered the questionnaire. The mean vitamin C concentration was 7.98 mg/L (range, 0.50-17.40; reference range, 5-15 mg/L). A low plasma level with vitamin C insufficiency (<5 mg/L) was found in 31 patients (17.4%), and a potential scorbutogenic deficiency (<1.5 mg/L) was found in 6 (3.3%). Conclusions Potential vitamin C insufficiency and deficiency is common. It is therefore possible, even in modern developed populations, that certain individuals may require a higher intake of vitamin C.

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APA:

Hagel, A., Albrecht, H., Dauth, W., Hagel, W., Vitali, F., Ganzleben, I.,... Raithel, M. (2018). Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid in a cross section of the German population. Journal of International Medical Research, 46(1), 168-174. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0300060517714387

MLA:

Hagel, Alexander, et al. "Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid in a cross section of the German population." Journal of International Medical Research 46.1 (2018): 168-174.

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