•Scurvy is rare and occurs when plasma level
is <3umol/l
•
•Mild deficit,
<11 umol/l, may cause depression and mood change; in the UK 25% of men and 16% of women
with a low income are
deficient – Mosdol A et al J Pub
Hlth 2008;30:456-60
(see
presentation on LIDNS on www.stewartnutrition.co.uk)
•
•Levels >50 umol occur as a result of eating >5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily
•
•Good vitamin C status is associated with a
lower risk of:
- heart
failure - Pfister R et al Am Ht J. 2011:162:246-53
- stroke - Kurl S et al Stroke 2002;33:1568-73
•
•The results of trials of vitamin C
supplements show no reduction
in such diseases but those most at risk of deficit – males, elderly, poor diet, smokers and lower
socio-economic groups
were not especially targeted
•
•Consider assessing status in high risk
individuals