The cause and correction of low blood vitamin C concentrations in the elderly

These findings confirm that low concentrations of vitamin C in the institutionalized and chronically sick elderly are primarily due to poor intake and can be easily corrected by dietary changes.

Abstract

Chronically sick elderly women had low intakes and low blood concentrations of vitamin C. Small dietary supplements of vitamin C increased the concentration of vitamin C in their plasma and leucocytes to those found in both the active elderly and the young. These findings confirm that low concentrations of vitamin C in the institutionalized and chronically sick elderly are primarily due to poor intake and can be easily corrected by dietary changes. The case for increasing the intake of vitamin C in these patients is discussed.