VITAMIN-C LOAD TEST IN ELDERLY SUBJECTS

Ascorbic acid fasting serum levels and levels after a test dose were carried out in a group of elderly subjects: nine men with 70+/- 6 years and six women 74+/- 7 years old. They live in the same old folks home and ate similar food. Their ascorbic acid intake was found to be around 20 mg/day. Fasting serum levels found lower values in the women. A load test showed a small increase in the hourly samples, supporting low tissue reserves of the vitamin. Factors such as low intake, absorption, metabolism, body mass and/or excretion of the vitamin in elderly population could explain these results. A marginal vitamin C deficiency is believed to be present in the group and extra ascorbic acid food supply seems to be recommended for these subjects.