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Department of Family Resources and Human Development, Arizona State University, Tempe
Address reprint requests to: Carol Johnston, PhD, FACN, Arizona State University, Box 872502, Tempe, AZ 85287-2502
Objective: To determined the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency (plasma vitamin C concentrations less than 11.4 µmol/L) and vitamin C depletion (plasma vitamin C concentrations from 11.4 to less than 28.4 µmol/L) in an outpatient population.
Subjects and Methods: A consecutive sample of patients presenting at a health maintenance organization laboratory for outpatient procedures was utilized. Plasma vitamin C concentrations were determined in 350 females and 144 males, aged 6 to 92 years (mean ± SD: 46.7 ± 18.7 years).
Results: The mean plasma vitamin C concentration for all subjects was 32.4 ± 13.6 µmol/L. Mean plasma vitamin C did not vary by sex, race, or fasted state. Diabetics had a significantly lower mean plasma vitamin C concentration (25.6 ± 10.8 µmol/L) compared to patients presenting for general check-up/gynecological exams (33.5 ± 14.8 µmol/L) or pregnancy exams (32.4 ± 9.7 µmol/L). Six percent of subjects had plasma vitamin C concentrations indicative of vitamin C deficiency (n=31), and 30.4% of the sample were vitamin C depleted (n=150). The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency or vitamin C depletion did not differ by race or visit category.
Conclusions: Surprisingly high rates of vitamin C deficiency and vitamin C depletion were evident among generally healthy, middle class patients visiting a health care facility for routine health exams, gynecological exams, and pregnancy exams.
A large number of men in our army were attacked also by a certain pestilence, against which the doctors could not find any remedy in their art. A sudden pain seized their feet and legs; immediately afterwards the gums and teeth were attacked by a sort of gangrene, and the patient could not eat any more. Then the bones of the legs become horribly black, and so, after having continued pain, during which they showed the greatest patience, a large number of Christians went to rest on the bosom of our Lord.
—Jacques de Vitry, the First Crusade [1]
Key words: ascorbic acid, vitamin C, depletion, deficiency, status
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