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Making Healthy Choices Nutrition |
| Back | Nutrition | Home Health Guidelines Vitamin C in Blood Predicts Mortality Rates Vitamin C has long been recognized
as a key nutrient for good health. Now, a new study by the University of
Cambridge has remarkably found blood levels of vitamin C to be a strong
marker for overall mortality, specifically cardiovascular disease and
cancer.
Researchers found and inverse relationship between vitamin C in the blood and mortality rates. The higher the plasma vitamin C levels, the lower the risk of dying. They found that for every 20 micromol/L of plasma ascorbic acid (the approximate amount of vitamin C in one serving of fruits and vegetables) there was:
The above reductions in mortality
remain after adjusting for other possible confounding risk factors such as
cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, BMI, diabetes, and use of supplements. When people taking supplements of
vitamin C were examined independently, they found no association between
vitamin C supplements and mortality. The researchers thus concluded that
plasma vitamin C is a marker for the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten
in the diet and that the protective affect seen is largely from fruits and
vegetables. Thus for every increase in one serving of fruits and vegetables,
the overall mortality rate drops a remarkable 20%. It’s amazing to see how such a simple and small change in the diet can have such a profound affect on overall risk of mortality. In this study, the change in mortality from the second to the fourth quintile resulted in a 30% decrease in death from all causes. That is equivalent to only an additional 1.5 to 2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The researchers summarized by saying, “Our findings suggest that an increase in dietary intake of foods rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) might have benefits for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in men and women and adds to the large amount of evidence that lends support to the benefit of fruit and vegetable intake."
Reference: The Lancet, Vol 357:657-663, March
3, 2001 | |
Note: All health information and guidelines are intended for healthy populations to encourage healthy lifestyles. They are not intended to take the place of advice by your doctor. If you have health problems or questions ask your doctor for specific guidance. | |
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The prospective study included
19,496 men and women aged 45-79. They examined the relationship of plasma
vitamin C levels and rates of heart disease, cancer, and overall mortality.
Study participants completed a health survey and a seven-day diet history.
Blood samples were collected on all participants.