The effect of vitamin C supplements on body weight, serum proteins, and general health of an elderly population

Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 May;34(5):871-6. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/34.5.871.

Abstract

A double-blind placebo trial of vitamin C has been undertaken in 94 elderly "long-term" inpatients known to have initially low levels of plasma and leukocyte vitamin C (mean values 0.17 mg/100 ml plasma; 10.1 microgram/10(8) leukocytes). At the end of 2 months treatment, plasma and leukocyte vitamin C had increased considerably in those receiving C supplements, and in this group there were slight but significant increases in the mean values for body weight (0.41 kg), plasma albumin (0.46 g/l), and prealbumin (25.4 mg/l) compared with those receiving placebo therapy where there were decreases of 0.60 kg, 0.53 g/l, and 7.0 mg/l, respectively. There was also some clinical improvement as indicated by reductions in purpura and petechial hemorrhages in those receiving vitamin C, but no changes in mood or mobility were observed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged*
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism*
  • Body Weight / drug effects*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Health*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Placebos
  • Prealbumin / metabolism
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Placebos
  • Prealbumin
  • Serum Albumin
  • Ascorbic Acid