ascorbic-acid and Vitamin-D-Deficiency

Vitamins may play an important role in preventing tuberculosis. The purpose of this work is to associate the vitamin A, C, D and E status with tuberculosis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Web of Science, Pubmed and Scopus were searched from the earliest date of the database to May 2021. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) of blood vitamin concentrations and odds ratios (ORs) of vitamin deficiency between the tuberculosis patients and the control subjects were used as the main effect sizes. The effect sizes were pooled by a random-effects model using the Stata software (Version 11). The vitamin A concentration was significantly lower in the tuberculosis group than in the control group [SMD (95% CI): -0.96 (-1.31, -0.61),

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Tuberculosis; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Pneumonia is a major cause of death in children aged under five years. As children with severe pneumonia have the highest risk of morbidity and mortality, previous studies have evaluated the additional benefit of adjunctive treatments such as oseltamivir, oral steroids, macrolides, and vitamin supplementation that can be added to standard antibiotic management to improve clinical outcomes. The study reviewed the evidence for the role of these additional treatments for children with severe pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).. Four electronic databases were searched for English-language articles between 2000 to 2020. Systematic reviews (SRs) with meta-analyses, comparative cohort studies, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from LMICs that reported clinical outcomes for children with severe pneumonia aged between one month to 9 years who received adjunct treatment in addition to standard care were included. Risk of bias of included SRs was assessed using AMSTAR 2, and of individual studies using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool for quantitative studies.. Overall, the search identified 2147 articles, 32 of which were eligible, including 7 SRs and 25 RCTs. These studies evaluated zinc (4 SRs, 17 RCTs), Vitamin D (1 SR, 4 RCTs), Vitamin A (3 SRs, 1 RCT), Vitamin C (1 SR, 2 RCTs) and micronutrients (1 RCT). Most studies reported clinical outcomes of time to improvement, length of stay, and treatment failure (including mortality). No studies of oseltamivir, steroids, or macrolides fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified. For zinc, pooled analyses from SRs showed no evidence of benefit. Similarly, a Cochrane review and one RCT found that Vitamin A did not improve clinical outcomes. For Vitamin D, an RCT evaluating a single high dose of 100 000 international units (IU) of vitamin D found a reduction in time to improvement, with 38%-40% documented vitamin D deficiency at baseline. However, two other studies of 1000 IU daily did not show any effect, but vitamin D status was not measured. For vitamin C, two studies found a reduction in time to symptom resolution in those with severe disease, with one reporting a shorter length of hospital stay. However, both studies were of weak quality. Most studies excluded malnourished children, and studies which included these children did not report specifically on the effect of micronutrients.. This review found that adjunctive zinc and vitamin A, in addition to standard care, does not improve clinical outcomes in children with severe pneumonia in LMICs (strong evidence). However, a reduction in time to symptom resolution was reported with high dose vitamin D supplementation in children with documented vitamin D deficiency (strong evidence from one study) and vitamin C (weak evidence), although further research is needed, especially in underweight children.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Developing Countries; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Infant; Macrolides; Micronutrients; Oseltamivir; Pneumonia; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins; Zinc

We report three cases of scurvy in previously healthy children referred to us for leg pain and refusal to walk. All children had no significant medical history, symptoms had started months before and subtly advanced. Two of them presented with gingival hyperplasia and petechiae, another one reported night sweats and gingival bleeding in the past few weeks. Two had vitamin D deficiency, and all had microcytic anaemia (in one case requiring transfusional support). A nutritional screening revealed low or undetectable levels of ascorbic acid. This, along with the clinical and radiological findings, led to a diagnosis of scurvy. Vitamin C supplementation was started with rapid improvement of the children's clinical condition. Scurvy is a rare disease in the 'first world', but there are anecdotal reports of scurvy in children without any of the known risk factors for this condition. In our cases, a selective diet was the only risk factor.

Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Male; Movement Disorders; Musculoskeletal Pain; Scurvy; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins; Walking

This article reviews intravenous vitamin C (IV C) in cancer care and offers a rational approach to enable medical oncologists and integrative practitioners to safely provide IV C combined with oral vitamin C to patients. The use of IV C is a safe supportive intervention to decrease inflammation in the patient and to improve symptoms related to antioxidant deficiency, disease processes, and side effects of standard cancer treatments. A proposed rationale, together with relevant clinical safety considerations for the application of IV C in oncologic supportive care, is provided.

Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Administration, Oral; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Quality of Life; Vitamin D Deficiency

Epidemiology of bronchial asthma (BA) indicates a marked paradox: rapid rise in the prevalence.Simultaneous decline in mortality is mostly related to improvement in the diagnosis and therapy. In many economically developed countries the BA affects more than 10 per cent of the population, while mortality related to this respiratory disorder is below 1/100,000. Factors favorably influencing mortality of BA include new more effective medications, decline in smoking and also improved nutrition, based on awareness of protective role of vitamins. Vitamin D deficiency has a number of biological effects that are potentially instrumental in the pathogenesis and severity of BA. Increased number of randomized, controlled, interventional studies is showing positive effects of vitamin D supplementation in pediatric and in adult BA. Oxidative stress is potentially an important pathogenic factor in the progression of BA. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) belongs to the most effective nutritional antioxidants. By counteracting oxidants, reducing generation of reactive oxygen species, vitamin C may inhibit external attacks in the respiratory tract, thus modulating the development of BA (Fig. 2, Ref. 15).

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Asthma; Child; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Smoking; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

The objective of this review was to evaluate the evidence from human studies on the intake of vitamins, either as monotherapies or in combination with other vitamins, as neuroprotective agents that may delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults.. Evidence-based methodologies were used to capture and evaluate the highest levels of evidence.. The current evidence available showed no association for cognitive benefits of vitamins B6 or B12 as a monotherapy, and recent systematic reviews provide no clear evidence that supplementation with vitamin B6, B12 and/or folic acid improves dementia outcomes or slows cognitive decline, even though it may normalise homocysteine levels. Meta-analyses from systematic reviews have shown an association between low vitamin D levels and diminished cognitive function, although causality cannot be confirmed from the available evidence. There is no convincing evidence for an association of vitamin A, vitamin C or vitamin E either as a monotherapy or in combination with other antioxidant vitamins such as β-carotene and the prevention of cognitive decline. The appraisal of nineteen systematic reviews and meta-analyses has highlighted the heterogeneity between studies, and the need for better consensus on definitions of cognitive decline, duration of testing and agreement on which specific endpoints are clinically relevant.. Evaluation of the totality of the currently available evidence indicates that intake of the above vitamins, either as a monotherapy, or in combination with other vitamins, has no clinically-relevant effect on delaying cognitive decline or delaying the onset of dementia in older adults.

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Dementia; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamins

The aim of this review was to evaluate recently published review articles which examine the use of nutritional supplements to prevent preterm birth (PTB) by modifying vaginal bacteria.. Probiotics, vitamin D and vitamin C were all identified as nutritional supplements that have the potential to alter bacterial flora and consequently reduce PTB and treat or prevent genital infections. Evidence shows that probiotics may reduce the incidence of PTB as well as being effective at treating bacterial vaginosis, a known cause for PTB. Low vitamin D levels may be associated with bacterial vaginosis, although no evidence was identified which demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of having bacterial vaginosis or PTB.There is little evidence regarding vitamin C supplementation, although it does suggest a possible benefit with regard to preterm rupture of membranes; however, this did not appear to reduce rates of PTB.. Although there is evidence that taking probiotics in pregnancy may reduce the incidence of PTB, it is mainly derived from small, poor quality studies. Vitamin D and vitamin C may have potential benefits, but these remain to be proven. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to more accurately evaluate the potential benefits of these low-cost interventions for reducing PTB and its consequences.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Dietary Supplements; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Humans; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pregnancy; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Probiotics; Risk; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

As explained in the first part of the article, vitamins and trace elements influence various metabolic functions that are directly related to immune function. In this context, secosteroid vitamin D has met with growing interest. The discussion has focused on whether and, if so, to what extent, vitamin D might contribute to the prevention and possibly the treatment of infections and autoimmune diseases. We know, for instance, that immune cells are capable of synthesizing calcitriol from its precursor calcidiol, whereby the former enhances the synthesis of antibacterial peptides by macrophages while simultaneously inhibiting the (auto)immune response mediated by T helper cells (Th1). Numerous observational studies support the hypothesis that a vitamin D deficit increases the risk of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis; however, there are few reliable interventional studies to date. In general, immune status represents a sensitive indicator of micronutrient supply. Conversely, the activity of the immune system has an effect on the status of and requirements for nutrients.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Autoimmunity; Communicable Diseases; Dietary Supplements; Ergocalciferols; Humans; Immune System; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Signal Transduction; Vitamin D Deficiency

To be efficacious, dietary supplements must either provide a nutrient that is normally undersupplied to cells or exert a pharmacologic effect on cellular processes. In the first case, optimal function is achieved when a nutrient required by the organism reaches a specific concentration within the cell. A supplement has benefit only when the normal intake of a bioavailable form of a nutrient is lower than the amount that would provide maximum benefit as judged from all biological perspectives. Metabolic, environmental, and genetic factors can make individual nutrient requirements differ from the estimated needs calculated from population-based data. For example, under certain circumstances intracellular antioxidants may be depleted and a dietary supplement might restore optimal antioxidant protection. In the second case, the dietary supplement contains a constituent that is normally not required by the cell, but this substance is capable of altering normal cell function. For example, herbal preparations may contain ephedrine (a drug), which might alter heart rate so that the amount of blood pumped by the heart is enhanced. An understanding of how the variation in nutrient requirements comes about and of the pharmacologic actions of nutrient supplements can help to identify which individuals are most likely to benefit from dietary supplements.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Dietary Fats; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Metabolism; Nutritional Requirements; Phytotherapy; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E

The list of vitamins recognized as essential in human nutrition is extensive. Only some of them, however, are attributed an important role in public health. The present paper deals with three of these selected because their deficiencies still prevail in important sectors of population in the Latin American Region: vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D. For each vitamin the paper discusses the scientific bases for their requirements, as well as pragmatic considerations to be taken into account for the derivation of recommended dietary intakes. Reference is made to the logic of applying the concepts of nutrient density when developing guidelines for the design of diets for the family and the community. Adequate nutrient density means that when a diet is consumed in sufficient amounts to satisfy energy requirements, the needs for essential nutrients are also being met. For the above reasons, the principle of expressing the recommended levels of intake of vitamin A and C per 1,000 kilocalories has been followed. This is not the case with vitamin D which, in view of its special feature of being synthesized endogenously, is not really a vitamin in the strict sense of the term and, therefore, a rational and consistent relationship with the energy of the diet cannot be established.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Latin America; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Calcium, Dietary; Female; Humans; Hypocalcemia; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Leg; Milk; Minerals; Muscle Cramp; Nutritional Requirements; Phosphorus; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pyridoxine; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Hypovitaminosis C and D are highly prevalent in acutely hospitalized patients, but the clinical significance of these biochemical abnormalities is not known. Because deficiencies of vitamin C and D have been linked to psychologic abnormalities, vitamin C or D provision could improve the mood state of acutely hospitalized patients.. Double-blind clinical trial of the effect of vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) or vitamin D (1000 IU twice daily) on mood, as assessed with a validated instrument, the Profile of Mood States.. Vitamin C therapy increased plasma (P < 0.0001) and mononuclear leukocyte (P = 0.014) vitamin C concentrations and was associated with a 34% reduction in mood disturbance (P = 0.013). Vitamin D therapy increased plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (P = 0.0004), but had no significant effect on mood.. Treatment of hypovitaminosis C improves the mood state of acutely hospitalized patients.

Topics: Acute Disease; Affect; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Double-Blind Method; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Prevalence; Psychological Tests; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

We aimed to investigate the association between the serum concentrations of Vitamin A and Vitamin C and the severity of the COVID-19.  Methods: Fifty-three consecutive PCR (+) COVID-19 patients admitted to a dedicated ward were enrolled in this study. Blood samples for serum Vitamin A and C measurements were drawn from all participants upon admission. All subjects underwent thoracic CT imaging prior to hospitalization. CT severity score (CT-SS) was then calculated for determining the extent of pulmonary involvement. A group of healthy volunteers, in whom COVID-19 was ruled out, were assigned to the control group (n=26). These groups were compared by demographic features and serum vitamin A and C levels. The relationship between serum concentrations of these vitamins and pre-defined outcome measures, CT-SS and length of hospitalization (LOH), was also assessed.  Results: In COVID-19 patients, serum Vitamin A (ng/ml, 494±96 vs. 698±93; p<0.001) and Vitamin C (ng/ml, 2961 [1991-31718] vs. 3953 [1385-8779]; p=0.007) levels were significantly lower with respect to healthy controls. According to the results of correlation analyses, there was a significant negative association between Vitamin A level and outcome measures (LOH, r=-0.293; p=0.009 and CT-SS, r=-0.289; p=0.010). The negative correlations between Vitamin C level and those measures were even more prominent (LOH, r=-0.478; p<0.001 and CT-SS, r=-0.734: p<0.001).. COVID-19 patients had lower baseline serum Vitamin A and Vitamin C levels as compared to healthy controls. In subjects with COVID-19, Vitamin A and Vitamin C levels were negatively correlated with CT-SS and LOH.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; COVID-19; Humans; Patient Acuity; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Australia; Humans; Prevalence; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are prone to several nutritional deficiencies. However, data are lacking on vitamin C deficiency in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, as well as the impact of clinical, biomarker and endoscopic disease severity on the development of vitamin C deficiency.. To determine proportions and factors associated with vitamin C deficiency in CD and UC patients.. In this retrospective study, we obtained clinical, laboratory and endoscopic data from CD and UC patients presenting to the IBD clinic at a single tertiary care center from 2014 to 2019. All patients had an available plasma vitamin C level. Of 353 subjects who met initial search criteria using a cohort discovery tool, 301 ultimately met criteria for inclusion in the study. The primary aim described vitamin C deficiency (≤ 11.4 μmol/L) rates in IBD. Secondary analyses compared proportions with deficiency between active and inactive IBD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated factors associated with deficiency.. Of 301 IBD patients, 21.6% had deficiency, including 24.4% of CD patients and 16.0% of UC patients. Patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (39.1%. Vitamin C deficiency was common in IBD. Patients with elevated inflammatory markers and penetrating disease had higher rates of vitamin C deficiency.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biological Products; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Chronic Disease; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Scurvy; Vitamin D Deficiency

Postoperative pain after colorectal cancer surgery has a significant impact on postoperative physical and mental health. Vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with both acute pain states, including postoperative and post-traumatic pain, and several chronic pain diseases. The effects of hypovitaminosis D on preoperative pain threshold and perioperative opioid use in colorectal cancer surgery still need to be studied.. To find the relationship between hypovitaminosis D on pain threshold, perioperative opioid use, and postoperative complications in colorectal cancer surgery.. A total of 112 patients, who were enrolled in this prospective, observational trial, were divided into 2 groups based on their preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 [OH] D3) levels: (1) group D: vitamin D-deficient group (< 20 ng/mL); and (2) group S: vitamin D-sufficient group (>= 20 ng/mL).. Primary outcomes were pain threshold indexes, perioperative dosages of opioid use, and postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes were other postoperative complications.. Preoperative serum level of vitamin D was 14.94 ± 3.10 ng/mL in group D and 24.20 ± 4.80 ng/mL in group S. Significant differences were showed in the 3 indexes of pain threshold and analgesic consumption between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). A low 25 (OH) D3 level was associated with a higher opioid dose of sufentanil. There was an association between 25 (OH) D3 and pain enduring threshold (PET), beta coefficient beta = 0.532, 95% confidential interval  (0.440, 0.623), P < 0.001. The history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and vitamin C and vitamin D levels may be risk factors of surgical site infections (SSI), and the binary logistics regression model is statistically significant, chi-squared = 35.028, P < 0.001.. There is room for further expansion in the sample size. Our study lacked objective indicators to measure pain threshold. Intestinal recovery time and total hospital stay were not included in the final analysis. In the follow-up study, the vitamin D supplementation group should be set and the specific site of colorectal cancer surgery also needs to be divided more carefully.. On the basis of the study results, hypovitaminosis D is associated with increased perioperative opioid consumption in colorectal cancer surgery. Sensory perception and pain threshold of patients with insufficient 25 (OH) D3 concentration were more sensitive, and PET was lower. History of DM, vitamin D, and vitamin C may be factors related with SSI. Future studies are needed to investigate their relationship further and discover if postoperative pain and pain threshold can benefit from vitamin D supplementation in these patients.

Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Ascorbic Acid; Calcifediol; Cohort Studies; Colorectal Neoplasms; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Opioid-Related Disorders; Pain Threshold; Pain, Postoperative; Prospective Studies; Sufentanil; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Vitamin C deficiency is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to losses through dialysis and dietary intake below requirement. We investigated prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and impact of vitamin C treatment in deficient/insufficient patients.. A prospective cohort study in patients aged 1-18 years with CKD stages 4 and 5D collected demographic data including underlying disease, treatment, and anthropometric assessment. Vitamin C intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall. Hemoglobin, iron status, serum vitamin C, and serum oxalate were measured at baseline and after treatment. Vitamin C (250 mg/day) was given orally for 3 months to deficient/insufficient patients.. Nineteen patients (mean age 12.00 ± 4.1 years) showed prevalence of 10.6% vitamin C insufficiency and 78.9% deficiency. There were no associations between vitamin C level and daily vitamin C intake (p = 0.64) or nutritional status (p = 0.87). Median serum vitamin C was 1.51 (0.30-1.90) mg/L. In 16 patients receiving treatment, median serum vitamin C increased from 1.30 (0.23-1.78) to 3.22 (1.77-5.96) mg/L (p = 0.008) without increasing serum oxalate (79.92 (56.6-106.84) vs. 80.47 (56.88-102.95) μmol/L, p = 0.82). However, 62.5% failed to achieve normal vitamin C levels. Ordinal regression analysis revealed patients with non-oligoanuric CKD were less likely to achieve normal vitamin C levels (β = - 3.41, p = 0.03).. We describe high prevalence of vitamin C insufficiency/deficiency among pediatric CKD patients. Vitamin C levels could not be solely predicted by nutritional status or daily intake. The treatment regimen raised serum vitamin C without increasing serum oxalate; however, it was largely insufficient to normalize levels, particularly in non-oligoanuric CKD. Graphical abstract .

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Humans; Oxalates; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

In the MITICA (Mother-to-Infant TransmIssion of microbiota in Central-Africa) study, 48 mothers and their 50 infants were followed from delivery to 6 months between December 2017 and June 2019 in Bangui (Central-African Republic). Blood tests and stool analyses were performed in mothers at delivery, and their offspring at birth, 11 weeks and 25 weeks. Stool cultures were performed in specific growth media for Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Enerobacter, Vibrio cholerae, Citrobacter and Klebsiella, as well as rotavirus, yeasts and parasitological exams. The median vitamin C levels in mothers at delivery were 15.3 μmol/L (inter-quartile-range [IQR] 6.2-27.8 μmol/L). In infants, the median vitamin C levels at birth were 35.2 μmol/L (IQR 16.5-63.9 μmol/L). At 11 and 25 weeks, the median vitamin C levels were 41.5 μmol/L (IQR 18.7-71.6 μmol/L) and 18.2 μmol/L (IQR 2.3-46.6 μmol/L), respectively. Hypovitaminosis C was defined as seric vitamin C levels <28 μmol/L and vitamin C deficiency was defined as vitamin C levels <11 μmol/L according to the WHO definition. In mothers, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis-C and vitamin C deficiency at delivery was 34/45 (75.6%) and 19/45 (42.2%), respectively. In infants, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis-C and vitamin C deficiency at 6 months was 18/33 (54.6%) and 11/33 (33.3%), respectively. Vitamin C levels in mothers and infants were correlated at birth (Spearman's rho = 0.5; P value = 0.002), and infants had significantly higher levels of vitamin C (median = 35.2 μmol/L; IQR 16.5-63.9 μmol/L), compared to mothers (median = 15.3 μmol/L; IQR 6.2-27.8 μmol/L; P value <0.001). The offspring of vitamin C-deficient mothers had significantly lower vitamin C levels at delivery (median = 18.7 μmol/L; IQR 13.3-30.7 μmol/L), compared to the offspring of non-deficient mothers (median = 62.2 μmol/L; IQR 34.6-89.2 μmol/L; P value <0.001). Infants with hypovitaminosis-C were at significantly higher risk of having a positive stool culture during the first 6 months of life (adjusted OR = 5.3, 95% CI 1.1; 26.1; P value = 0.038).

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Central African Republic; Escherichia coli; Female; Humans; Infant; Mothers; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

not available.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; COVID-19; Humans; Influenza, Human; Pulmonary Edema; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Scurvy is a rare disease in developed nations. In the field of pediatrics, it primarily is seen in children with developmental and behavioral issues, malabsorptive processes, or diseases involving dysphagia. We present the case of an otherwise developmentally appropriate 4-year-old boy who developed scurvy after gradual self-restriction of his diet. He initially presented with a limp and a rash and was subsequently found to have anemia and hematuria. A serum vitamin C level was undetectable, and after review of the MRI of his lower extremities, the clinical findings supported a diagnosis of scurvy. Although scurvy is rare in developed nations, this diagnosis should be considered in a patient with the clinical constellation of lower-extremity pain or arthralgias, a nonblanching rash, easy bleeding or bruising, fatigue, and anemia. This case highlights the importance of carefully assessing a child's dietary and developmental status at well-child visits, which can help avoid a more invasive workup.

Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Child, Preschool; Diet; Exanthema; Hematuria; Humans; Lower Extremity; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Scurvy; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Critical Illness; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Critical Illness; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

The increasing incidence of metabolic diseases such as obesity or diabetes have made them a major public health problem. Increasing oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species, which initiate the oxidative adverse changes in the cell, is mentioned, among other risk factors, to underlie these diseases. Vitamin A, C and E are listed among the non-enzymatic mechanisms counteracting this phenomenon. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with cardiovascular diseases.. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of vitamin A, C, E and D deficit in the plasma of metabolic syndrome (MS) patients.. The study included 191 patients with MS and 98 subjects without MS. Loglinear analysis was used in the assessment of mutual interactions between the vitamin concentration and the analysis of classification by ROC curves to predict the frequency of vitamin deficiency in MS patients.. A correlation was found between the plasma level of vitamins in the group of MS patients. Vitamin A concentration correlated with that of vitamin C (r = 0.51, p = 0.0000), vitamin D (r = 0.49, p = 0.0000) and E (r = 0.32, p = 0.0001). The plasma level of vitamin D correlated with the level of vitamin E (r = 0.46, p = 0.00000) and vitamin C (r = 0.37, p = 0.0000). Regression analysis showed a correlation between the concentration of the tested vitamins in patients with MS. Interactions were observed between vitamins C and A and between C and D. HDL cholesterol level was lower in patients with vitamin A deficiency compared to patients with its normal level.. The plasma levels of vitamin A, C, E and D were significantly lower in patients with MS than in healthy subjects and they mutually correlated with each other. The normalization of glucose and HDL level may contribute to the regulation of the concentration of vitamin A in patients with MS.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Case-Control Studies; Cholesterol, HDL; Female; Humans; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Middle Aged; Reactive Oxygen Species; Risk; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Most patients attending cancer clinics have hypovitaminosis D. Correcting or preventing this abnormal condition could mitigate the emotional and physical complications of their disease, but clinical trials of vitamin D therapy in this setting are hindered by the unavailability of safe, effective and practical loading dose regimens.. In this single arm open-label pharmacokinetic trial, outpatients with advanced lung cancer consumed 20,000 IU vitamin D daily with the largest meal of the day for 14 days followed by 10,000 IU per day for a further 7 days. Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone, calcium, vitamin C and C-reactive protein were measured on protocol days 0, 14 and 21, and serum vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) concentrations on days 0 and 21. As a secondary objective, preliminary information was obtained regarding clinical effects of rapid vitamin D loading on mood and symptoms by administering appropriate questionnaires two times at baseline and after 14 and 21 days of vitamin D therapy.. Of the 91 patients enrolled in the study, 85 % had hypovitaminosis D and 41 % had hypovitaminosis C. Plasma VDBP concentrations were in the normal range. The vitamin D load increased the average plasma 25(OH)D concentration to 116 ± 34 nmol/L (mean ± SD); the median concentration was 122 nmol/L (interquartile range 103-134); VDBP concentrations did not change. Final plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were subnormal (<75 nmol/L) for 13 % of the patients and sub-target (<120 nmol/L) for 44 % of them. In most cases, subnormal and sub-target 25(OH)D concentrations were attributable to obesity and/or a low baseline 25(OH)D concentration. Mood and symptom scores did not change significantly throughout the 3-week protocol.. Hypovitaminosis D and C are very common in outpatients with advanced lung cancer. A vitamin D load of 20,000 IU per day for 14 days failed to achieve the target concentration in 44 % of the participants in this trial. These results suggest that a loading dose of 30,000 IU per day for 14 days would be safe and effective for patients who are obese or at risk of severe hypovitaminosis D. The preliminary nature of the study design, and the failure to achieve target 25(OH)D concentrations for a large proportion of the patients, do not allow any firm conclusion about the clinical effects of correcting hypovitaminosis D in this patient population. Nevertheless, no evidence was obtained that partial correction of hypovitaminosis D greatly improved mood, reduced distress or relieved cancer-related symptoms. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01631526.

Topics: Affect; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biological Availability; C-Reactive Protein; Calcium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Parathyroid Hormone; Prevalence; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D-Binding Protein

To assess in a population deprived from regular dental care the relationship between alveolar bone loss (ABL) and environmental/systemic conditions.. The study population consisted of subjects from the Purbasari tea estate on West Java, Indonesia. A full set of dental radiographs was obtained of each subject and amount of ABL was assessed. In addition, the following parameters were evaluated: plasma vitamin C, vitamin D3 , HbA1c and CRP, the haptoglobin phenotype, presence of putative periodontopathic bacteria and viruses, dietary habits, smoking and anthropometrics.. In this population 45% showed vitamin C depletion/deficiency, 82% had vitamin D3 insufficiency/deficiency, 70% were in a pre-diabetic state, 6% had untreated diabetes, 21% had elevated CRP values ranging from 3.1 to 16.1 mg/l. Results of the regression analysis, including all above mentioned parameters, showed four significant predictors, explaining 19.8% of the variance of ABL. Number of Porphyromonas gingivalis cells and CRP values showed a positive relationship with ABL, whereas BMI and number of guava fruit servings were negatively related.. Results confirm previous findings that elevated levels of P. gingivalis may be indicative for periodontitis progression. A new finding is that guava fruit consumption may play a protective role in periodontitis in a malnourished population.

Topics: Adult; Alveolar Bone Loss; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein; Cholecalciferol; Diabetes Mellitus; Environment; Feeding Behavior; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin; Haptoglobins; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Indonesia; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontitis; Phenotype; Pilot Projects; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prediabetic State; Psidium; Smoking; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

There have been few studies of whether vitamin D insufficiency is linked with depression in healthy young women despite women׳s high rates of both problems. Female undergraduates (n=185) living in the Pacific Northwest during fall, winter, and spring academic terms completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale weekly for 4 weeks (W1-W5). We measured serum levels of vitamin D3 and C (ascorbate; as a control variable) in blood samples collected at W1 and W5. Vitamin D insufficiency (<30ng/mL) was common at W1 (42%) and W5 (46%), and rates of clinically significant depressive symptoms (CES-D≥16) were 34-42% at W1-W5. Lower W1 vitamin D3 predicted clinically significant depressive symptoms across W1-W5 (β=-0.20, p<0.05), controlling for season, BMI, race/ethnicity, diet, exercise, and time outside. There was some evidence that lower levels of depressive symptoms in Fall participants (vs. Winter and Spring) were explained by their higher levels of vitamin D3. W1 depressive symptoms did not predict change in vitamin D3 levels from W1 to W5. Findings are consistent with a temporal association between low levels of vitamin D and clinically meaningful depressive symptoms. The preventive value of supplementation should be tested further.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Cholecalciferol; Depression; Diet; Female; Humans; Seasons; Vitamin D Deficiency; Young Adult

Dietary vitamin C intake showed significant positive associations with BMD in postmenopausal women, especially with vitamin D deficiency.. Although there is a positive role of vitamin C in osteoblastogenesis, debate remains about the contribution of vitamin C to bone mineral density (BMD) in humans.. Data were derived from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary information was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar and hip.. A total of 1,196 postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older were stratified into tertiles by daily dietary vitamin C intake. After adjusting for traditional confounders, dietary vitamin C intake tertile was significantly positively associated with BMD at all sites (R = 0.513 for lumbar spine (LS) and R = 0.657 for femoral neck (FN), P < 0.05 for each). The subjects with osteoporosis had significantly lower dietary vitamin C intake than did subjects without osteoporosis (74.4 ± 66.2 vs 94.1 ± 78.6 mg/day for LS and 65.5 ± 56.6 vs 94.3 ± 79.2 mg/day for FN, respectively, P < 0.001). The multiple-adjusted odds ratio for osteoporosis for dietary vitamin C <100 mg/day was 1.790 (95 % CI 1.333-2.405, P < 0.001). However, the significant association between vitamin C intake and BMD was only observed in subjects with vitamin D deficiency and aged 50-59 years or >70 years.. Dietary vitamin C intake was positively associated with BMD in postmenopausal women, and inadequate vitamin C intake could increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Bone Density; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Female; Hip Joint; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal; Postmenopause; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Scurvy is the classic and most severe form of vitamin C deficiency. This condition has become extremely rare among children in the industrialized countries.. We report the case of two boys presenting bone pain associated with haemorrhagic gingivitis, with perifollicular purpura of the lower limbs in one boy. The children had an unbalanced diet. Scurvy was associated with vitamin D and iron deficiency. The dermatological and radiological abnormalities seen were characteristic and a favourable outcome was rapidly obtained following supplementation.. The possibility of this forgotten historical illness should not be overlooked in the presence of these dermatological and rheumatologic signs, since this can help avoid unnecessary or excessively aggressive investigations.

Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Lower Extremity; Male; Purpura; Rare Diseases; Risk Factors; Scurvy; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Vitamin D is associated with many health conditions, but optimal blood concentrations are still uncertain.. We examined the prospective relation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations [which comprised 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2] and subsequent mortality by the cause and incident diseases in a prospective population study.. Serum vitamin D concentrations were measured in 14,641 men and women aged 42-82 y in 1997-2000 who were living in Norfolk, United Kingdom, and were followed up to 2012. Participants were categorized into 5 groups according to baseline serum concentrations of total 25(OH)D <30, 30 to <50, 50 to <70, 70 to <90, and ≥ 90 nmol/L.. The mean serum total 25(OH)D was 56.6 nmol/L, which consisted predominantly of 25(OH)D3 (mean: 56.2 nmol/L; 99% of total). The age-, sex-, and month-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality (2776 deaths) for men and women by increasing vitamin D category were 1, 0.84 (0.74, 0.94), 0.72 (0.63, 0.81), 0.71 (0.62, 0.82), and 0.66 (0.55, 0.79) (P-trend < 0.0001). When analyzed as a continuous variable and with additional adjustment for body mass index, smoking, social class, education, physical activity, alcohol intake, plasma vitamin C, history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer, HRs for a 20-nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D were 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) (P < 0.001) for total mortality, 0.96 (0.93, 0.99) (P = 0.014) (4469 events) for cardiovascular disease, 0.89 (0.85, 0.93) (P < 0.0001) (2132 events) for respiratory disease, 0.89 (0.81, 0.98) (P = 0.012) (563 events) for fractures, and 1.02 (0.99, 1.06) (P = 0.21) (3121 events) for incident total cancers.. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations predict subsequent lower 13-y total mortality and incident cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and fractures but not total incident cancers. For mortality, lowest risks were in subjects with concentrations >90 nmol/L, and there was no evidence of increased mortality at high concentrations, suggesting that a moderate increase in population mean concentrations may have potential health benefit, but <1% of the population had concentrations >120 nmol/L.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Female; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Multivariate Analysis; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Socioeconomic Factors; United Kingdom; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Key antioxidants, vitamins C and E, are necessary for normal brain development and neuronal function. In this study, we depleted both of these vitamins in two mouse models to determine if oxidative stress due to combined vitamin C and E dietary deficiency altered their neurological phenotype. The first model lacked both alleles for the Gulonolactone oxidase gene (Gulo(-/-)) and therefore was unable synthesize vitamin C. To obtain an additional cellular deficiency of vitamin C, the second model also lacked one allele for the cellular vitamin C transporter gene (Gulo(-/-)/SVCT2(+/-)).. The experimental treatment was 16 weeks of vitamin E deprivation followed by 3 weeks of vitamin C deprivation. Mice were assessed for motor coordination deficits, vitamin levels, and oxidative stress biomarkers.. In the first model, defects in motor performance were more apparent in both vitamin C-deficient groups (VE+VC-, VE-VC-) compared to vitamin C-supplemented groups (VE+VC+, VE-VC+) regardless of vitamin E level. Analysis of brain cortex and liver confirmed decreases of at least 80% for each vitamin in mice on deficient diets. Vitamin E deficiency doubled oxidative stress biomarkers (F2-isoprostanes and malondialdehyde). In the second model, Gulo(-/-)/SVCT2(+/-) mice on the doubly deficient diets showed deficits in locomotor activity, Rota-rod performance, and other motor tasks, with no concomitant change in anxiety or spatial memory.. Vitamin E deficiency alone caused a modest oxidative stress in brain that did not affect motor performance. Adding a cellular deficit in vitamin C to dietary deprivation of both vitamins significantly impaired motor performance.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Brain; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; F2-Isoprostanes; Female; L-Gulonolactone Oxidase; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxidative Stress; Psychomotor Performance; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs after massive intestinal resection, and parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy may be necessary even after a period of adaptation. The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin status in adults with SBS receiving intermittent PN.. The study was conducted on hospitalized adults with SBS who were receiving intermittent PN therapy (n = 8). Nine healthy volunteers, paired by age and sex, served as controls. Food ingestion, anthropometry, plasma folic acid, and vitamins B(12), C, A, D, E, and K were evaluated.. The levels of vitamins A, D, and B(12) in both groups were similar. SBS patients presented higher values of folic acid (21.3 ± 4.4 vs 14.4 ± 5.2, P = .01) and lower values of vitamin C (0.9 ± 0.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL, P = .03), α-tocopherol (16.3 ± 3.4 vs 24.1 ± 2.7 µmol/L, P < .001), and phylloquinone (0.6 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.5 nmol/L, P < .03). Eight-seven percent of patients had vitamin D deficiency, and all patients presented with serum vitamin E levels below reference values.. Despite all efforts to offer all the nutrients mentioned above, SBS patients had lower serum levels of vitamins C, E, and K, similar to those observed in patients on home PN. These findings suggest that the administered vitamins were not sufficient for the intermittent PN scheme and that individual adjustments are needed depending on the patient's vitamin status.

Topics: Adult; Aged; alpha-Tocopherol; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Parenteral Nutrition; Short Bowel Syndrome; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency; Vitamin K 1; Vitamins

According to results from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition, Canadians get an average of 132 milligrams of vitamin C a day from food. About one adult in five has inadequate dietary intake of vitamin C. A third of Canadians take vitamin C supplements, which add 100 milligrams to total average daily intake. Supplement use lowers the overall percentage of adults with inadequate intake by 5 percentage points to 17%. Smokers, people who eat fruit and vegetables infrequently, and members of households with low income and low educational attainment tend to have relatively low vitamin C intake.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Canada; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Educational Status; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fruit; Humans; Income; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Risk Factors; Smoking; Vegetables; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins; Young Adult

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Glutathione Transferase; Humans; Male; Nutrition Policy; Scurvy; Sex Characteristics; United States; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Calcium; Cholecalciferol; Female; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Hypocalcemia; Osteomalacia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Vitamin D Deficiency

An Ethiopian girl 14 years and 11 months of age presented with bilateral transcervical hip fractures. Workup revealed severe vitamins D and C deficiencies with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Imaging studies showed bilateral radiolucent metaphyseal bands with multiple lytic lesions in long bones. A mass in the right flank was found to be renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Currently, 9 months postsurgery and supplemental therapy, the patient is fully ambulatory and free of pain. This first report of asymptomatic RCC in severely vitamin D deficient child highlights the relation of RCC to vitamin D deficiency and emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation of these children.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Femoral Neck Fractures; Functional Laterality; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

The relations of nutritional factors to lead accumulation in the body were examined cross-sectionally among 747 men aged 49-93 years (mean 67 years) in the Normative Aging Study in 1991-1995. Means (standard deviations) for blood lead, tibia lead, and patella lead were 6.2 (4.1) microg/dl, 21.9 (13.3) microg/g, and 32.0 (19.5) microg/g, respectively. In multiple regression models adjusting for age, education level, smoking, and alcohol consumption, men in the lowest quintile of total dietary intake levels of vitamin D (including vitamin supplements) (<179 i.u./day) had mean tibia and patella lead levels 5.6 microg/g and 6.0 microg/g higher than men with intake in the highest quintile (> or =589 i.u./day). Higher calcium intake was associated with lower bone lead levels, but this relation became insignificant when adjustment was made for vitamin D. The authors also observed inverse associations of blood lead levels with total dietary intake of vitamin C and iron. When analyses were controlled for patella lead, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption, men in the lowest vitamin C intake quintile (<109 mg/day) had a mean blood lead level 1.7 microg/dl higher than men in the highest quintile (> or =339 mg/day), while men in the lowest iron intake quintile (<10.9 mg/day) had a mean blood lead level 1.1 microg/dl higher than men in the highest quintile (> or =23.5 mg/day). This study suggests that low dietary intake of vitamin D may increase lead accumulation in bones, while lower dietary intake of vitamin C and iron may increase lead levels in the blood.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bone and Bones; Diet; Disease Susceptibility; Humans; Lead; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Reference Values; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Male SD rats were fed a vitamin E- and selenium-deficient diet, a diet supplemented with vitamin E and selenium, and diets supplemented with vitamin E, selenium, trolox C, ascorbic acid palmitate, acetylcysteine, beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, coenzyme Q0, coenzyme Q10, and (+)-catechin. Liver slices were incubated at 37 degrees C with and without CBrCl3, t-butyl-hydroperoxide, Fe+2, or Cu+2. The effect of antioxidant nutrients on the oxidative damage to rat liver was studied by measurement of the production of oxidized heme proteins (OHP) during the oxidative reactions. Diet supplemented with vitamin E and selenium showed a strong protection against heme protein oxidation compared to the antioxidant-deficient diet. Furthermore, increasing the diversity and quantity of antioxidants in the diets provided significantly more protection.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Canthaxanthin; Carotenoids; Catechin; Chromans; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Hemeproteins; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Oxidants; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Selenium; Ubiquinone; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E

Seven experiments were conducted to test the influence of dietary supplementary ascorbic acid on the development of tibial dyschondroplasia in broiler chickens. Ascorbic acid supplementation significantly reduced the incidence and number of birds with a large mass of cartilage in the tibia in the first experiment but not in the two subsequent experiments. Because environmental temperature, microbial infection, and vitamin D3 status had been reported in the literature to influence ascorbic acid metabolism in the chicken, experiments were conducted to see if these variables could influence supplemental ascorbic acid effects on development of tibial dyschondroplasia. Results of the experiments indicated that none of these factors influenced the effect of ascorbic acid on the development of tibial dyschondroplasia. The presence of vitamin D3 in the diet significantly influences the incidence of this disorder.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chickens; Chlortetracycline; Cholecalciferol; Male; Osteochondrodysplasias; Poultry Diseases; Temperature; Vitamin D Deficiency; Weight Gain

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Pyridoxine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency; Vitamin K; Vitamin K Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Fetus; Guinea Pigs; Microsomes; Microsomes, Liver; Pregnancy; Spleen; Vitamin D Deficiency

The regulatory functions of vitamins are described with particular reference to their importance in the metabolic processes of ageing. Although clear hypovitaminosis is uncommon, slight vitamin deficiencies are often encountered in the clinical practice. They cause a speed up of the organism deterioration. The nutritional requirement and the effect of vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, are rapidly reviewed. More attention is paid to the data about vitamin C, D and E. Vitamin C deficiency in elderly, especially in the hospitalized ones; whereas a high content of ascorbic acid in necessary in order to extend the life length and to achieve a good self-sufficiency. Also the deficiency of vitamin D and of its metabolites is frequent in the aged due to both a lower uptake and a scarce exposure to the sunlight. Low levels of vitamin D cause a worsening of bone tissue and consequent demineralization (osteomalacia and osteoporosis). Some aspects of ageing can be prevented by the supply of vitamin E, particularly the impaired bone trophism. The anti-oxidant power of tocopherol could also interfere some pathogenetic processes of ageing.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; C-Peptide; Calcifediol; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Hydroxycholecalciferols; Insulin; Middle Aged; Osteomalacia; Osteoporosis; Prediabetic State; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Guinea Pigs; Male; Protein Binding; Protein Deficiency; Rats; Time Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Channel catfish fingerlings fed purified diets devoid of vitamin C showed reduced growth rate, deformed spinal columns, external and internal hemorrhages, erosion of fins, dark skin color and reduced bone collagen content after 8 to 12 weeks, whereas fish fed a diet containing 30 mg/kg of vitamin C had none of these anomalies after 22 weeks. A dietary level of 30 mg of vitamin C per kg was insufficient to prevent distortion of gill filament cartilage, although 60 mg of vitamin C per kg was sufficient. Vertebral collagen percentages of 25 or below and liver ascorbic acid levels of 30 microgram/g or below appeared to be indicative of vitamin C deficiency in channel catfish fingerlings. Epidermis and dermis were almost completely healed and extensive collagen fiber formation had commenced in the somatic muscle, in experimentally inflicted wounds after 10 days in fish fed the vitamin C-free diet. Skin and muscle at the wound site were almost regenerated to normal after 10 days in fish fed 60 mg of vitamin C per kg of diet.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Collagen; Fishes; Gills; Liver; Lordosis; Scoliosis; Skin Pigmentation; Vitamin D Deficiency; Wound Healing

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Rabbits; Radiation Effects; Scattering, Radiation; Time Factors; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

The case is reported of a 29-year-old previously healthy female patient who developed the typical clinical picture of scurvy eight months after changing to a diet exclusively containing cooked cereals. Serum levels of B12, folic acid, and calcium were lowered and the alkaline phosphatase was slightly raised due to the dietary lack of vitamins A, D, B12 and folic acid. No clinical signs of these deficiencies could be observed. Addition of vitamin C to this diet resulted in complete cure in a matter of days. Signs and symptoms of scurvy are discussed in the light of the recent literature. This rare disease is particularly worth considering if one of the following situations is encountered: hemorrhages in the skin, muscles, joints or mucous membranes without apparent cause; therapy-resistant ulcers of mucous membranes in elderly patients; Sicca syndrome and/or wounds exhibiting poor healing.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Diet Fads; Female; Humans; Scurvy; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dietary Proteins; Meat; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional Requirements; Osteogenesis Imperfecta; Plant Proteins, Dietary; Riboflavin Deficiency; Rickets; Thiamine Deficiency; Urinary Calculi; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Burns; Child; Contraceptives, Oral; Depression; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Infections; Leg Ulcer; Pyridoxine; Scurvy; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins; Wound Healing; Zinc

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Food Service, Hospital; Humans; Length of Stay; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Bread; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Deficiency Diseases; Diet; Female; Growth; Humans; Income; Iron; Male; Margarine; New York; Nutrition Surveys; Proteins; Sweden; United Kingdom; United States; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Age Determination by Skeleton; Aged; Alkaline Phosphatase; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Female; Humans; Male; Osteoporosis; Phosphates; Sex Factors; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Diet; Female; Food, Fortified; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nicotinic Acids; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Requirements; Riboflavin; Sweden; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Anemia; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Breast Feeding; Child, Preschool; Environment; Ergocalciferols; Female; Fish Oils; Food Additives; Housing; Humans; Hypercalcemia; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Milk; Rickets; Scotland; Social Conditions; United Kingdom; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Bone and Bones; Chickens; Citrates; Hydroxyproline; Male; Tibia; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bone and Bones; Bone Resorption; Calcium; Cholecalciferol; Glucose; Hydroxyproline; In Vitro Techniques; Lactates; Phosphates; Poultry; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Acidosis, Renal Tubular; Adult; Aluminum; Ascorbic Acid; Bone Diseases; Calcium; Calcium Metabolism Disorders; Female; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica; Osteomalacia; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Breast Feeding; Canada; Citrus; Fruit; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant; Milk; Nutrition Surveys; Toxicology; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Scorbutic guinea pigs injected with CNS and mycobacterium to induce experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) showed no clear-cut neurological signs and failed to show histological evidence of central nervous system damage. The degree of protection afforded by vitamin C deprivation was related directly to the duration of the scorbutogenic diet and inversely to the strength of the CNS challenge. Vitamin C deprivation also abolished tuberculin sensitivity as measured by the PPD skin reaction. Upon restoration of vitamin C, the animals recovered their sensitivity to PPD but did not develop EAE. It was further demonstrated that these effects of vitamin C deprivation were not related to inanition or to the endogenous levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Central Nervous System; Encephalomyelitis; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Guinea Pigs; Hypersensitivity; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Osteomalacia; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins