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Article Publish Status: FREE
Abstract Title:

Global Vitamin C Status and Prevalence of Deficiency: A Cause for Concern?

Abstract Source:

Nutrients. 2020 Jul 6 ;12(7). Epub 2020 Jul 6. PMID: 32640674

Abstract Author(s):

Sam Rowe, Anitra C Carr

Article Affiliation:

Sam Rowe

Abstract:

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through the diet in adequate amounts to prevent hypovitaminosis C, deficiency and its consequences-including the potentially fatal deficiency disease scurvy. Global vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency has not previously been reported, despite vitamin C's pleiotropic roles in both non-communicable and communicable disease. This review highlights the global literature on vitamin C status and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and deficiency. Related dietary intake is reported if assessed in the studies. Overall, the review illustrates the shortage of high quality epidemiological studies of vitamin C status in many countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries. The available evidence indicates that vitamin C hypovitaminosis and deficiency is common in low- and middle-income countries and not uncommon in high income settings. Further epidemiological studies are required to confirm these findings, to fully assess the extent of global vitamin C insufficiency, and to understand associations with a range of disease processes. Our findings suggest a need for interventions to prevent deficiency in a range of at risk groups and regions of the world.

Study Type : Human Study

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