Vitamin C Status Correlates with Markers of Metabolic and Cognitive Health in 50-Year-Olds: Findings of the CHALICE Cohort Study

John F Pearson, Juliet M Pullar, Renee Wilson, Janet K Spittlehouse, Margreet C M Vissers, Paula M L Skidmore, Jinny Willis, Vicky A Cameron, Anitra C Carr, John F Pearson, Juliet M Pullar, Renee Wilson, Janet K Spittlehouse, Margreet C M Vissers, Paula M L Skidmore, Jinny Willis, Vicky A Cameron, Anitra C Carr

Abstract

A cohort of 50-year-olds from Canterbury, New Zealand (N = 404), representative of midlife adults, undertook comprehensive health and dietary assessments. Fasting plasma vitamin C concentrations (N = 369) and dietary vitamin C intake (N = 250) were determined. The mean plasma vitamin C concentration was 44.2 µmol/L (95% CI 42.4, 46.0); 62% of the cohort had inadequate plasma vitamin C concentrations (i.e., <50 µmol/L), 13% of the cohort had hypovitaminosis C (i.e., <23 µmol/L), and 2.4% had plasma vitamin C concentrations indicating deficiency (i.e., <11 µmol/L). Men had a lower mean plasma vitamin C concentration than women, and a higher percentage of vitamin C inadequacy and deficiency. A higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and deficiency was observed in those of lower socio-economic status and in current smokers. Adults with higher vitamin C levels exhibited lower weight, BMI and waist circumference, and better measures of metabolic health, including HbA1c, insulin and triglycerides, all risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Lower levels of mild cognitive impairment were observed in those with the highest plasma vitamin C concentrations. Plasma vitamin C showed a stronger correlation with markers of metabolic health and cognitive impairment than dietary vitamin C.

Keywords: HbA1c; ascorbate; cognition; glucose; hypovitaminosis C; insulin.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Density plot of plasma vitamin C. Proportion of sample at given vitamin C level; n = 369.

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