Does Aging Have an Impact on Vitamin C Status and Requirements? A Scoping Review of Comparative Studies of Aging and Institutionalisation

Abstract

The global healthcare burden of an aging population continues to increase, with nearly a quarter of the total global burden of disease attributable to people aged ≥60 years. Older people are at greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including immune-supportive vitamin C, which is both a contributor to and a consequence of acute and chronic illnesses. However, whether healthy aging, per se, is associated with depleted vitamin C status and increased requirements for the vitamin is less certain. A systematic scoping review was carried out to assess comparative studies that reported the vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency in older versus younger people and in older people relative to residential status. Furthermore, vitamin C requirements were assessed through comparative studies reporting vitamin C status and pharmacokinetics in older people relative to younger people. Overall, there was limited evidence to suggest that healthy aging, per se, is related to lower vitamin C status or higher requirements for the vitamin. However, institutionalised elderly had lower vitamin C status and enhanced vitamin C requirements, primarily as a result of low intakes and/or chronic illnesses, which were not being met by hospital or residential diets. Because institutionalised elderly are vulnerable to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, it is imperative that appropriate nutritional interventions are instigated to provide optimal micronutrient intake to support healthy aging.

Factors Affecting the Vitamin C Dose-Concentration Relationship: Implications for Global Vitamin C Dietary Recommendations

“…The effect of age on vitamin C requirements is less clear. Many studies have shown either no change or a decrease in vitamin C status in non-supplementing older people [ 10 , 11 ]. However, we recently reported that older people with lower vitamin C intakes may be at higher risk of insufficiency than younger people with similar intakes [ 12 ].…”

Factors Affecting the Vitamin C Dose-Concentration Relationship: Implications for Global Vitamin C Dietary Recommendations

“…The effect of age on vitamin C requirements is less clear. Many studies have shown either no change or a decrease in vitamin C status in non-supplementing older people [10,11]. However, we recently reported that older people with lower vitamin C intakes may be at higher risk of deficiency than younger people with similar intakes [12].…”

Micronutrient status and protein-energy malnutrition in free-living older adults: a current perspective

“…Water-soluble vitamin deficiencies in older adults are common and present a significant health concern. Deficiencies in specific vitamins can result in various health issues, including megaloblastic anemia, mental status changes, and neurologic issues, and are related to rates of disorders common in older adults including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline [16][17][18][19][20].…”

“…Numerous studies have shown a lower vitamin C status and a higher prevalence of deficiency in individuals with various acute and chronic conditions, which are common among older people [19]. Although there is limited up-to-date information on the vitamin C status in older adults, data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2003– 2006 and 2017–2018) indicate a higher vitamin C status and a lower or comparable prevalence of deficiency (<11 μmol/l) in people aged ≥60 compared to younger individuals.…”