Interrelation between Plasma Concentrations of Vitamins C and E along the Trajectory of Ageing in Consideration of Lifestyle and Body Composition: A Longitudinal Study over Two Decades

Abstract

Although the interrelation between vitamins C and E has been demonstrated on an experimental level, its impact on biomarkers in community-dwelling subjects along the trajectory of ageing has not yet been shown. The present longitudinal study investigates the determinants and interrelation of vitamins C and E plasma concentrations in 399 subjects aged ≥60 years with a median follow-up time of 12 years. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the influence of age, sex, body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, smoking and supplement/drug use on plasma vitamin C, plasma α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol/total cholesterol ratio. At baseline, median plasma concentrations of vitamin C and α-tocopherol were 74 and 35 µmol/L. Absolute fat-free mass, physical activity, use of supplements, and plasma α-tocopherol were main determinants of plasma vitamin C in the course of ageing. For the α-tocopherol/total cholesterol ratio, age, use of supplements, use of lipid-modifying drugs, and plasma vitamin C were main determinants. The results reveal a stable positive interrelation between plasma concentrations of vitamins C and E along the trajectory of ageing independent of the other identified determinants. The possible regulatory mechanisms that could explain this robust positive interrelation remain to be elucidated.

Antioxidants and Exercise Performance: With a Focus on Vitamin E and C Supplementation

“…For plasma vitamin C concentrations, the use of supplements, physical activity, fat-free mass, and plasma α-tocopherol were the main determinants. Age, the use of supplements, the use of lipid-modifying drugs, and plasma vitamin C were the main determinants for the α-tocopherol/total cholesterol ratio [64]. The results emphasize the idea of an interrelation between plasma levels of vitamin C and E, and also suggest an association between physical activity and fat-free mass with vitamin C and E status.…”

“…This vitamin E recycling requires a supply of vitamin C and is often why these nutrients will be consumed simultaneously via supplementation [ 63 ]. More recently, Jungert et al [ 64 ] investigated the determinants and interrelation between plasma concentrations of vitamin C and E in the elderly. For plasma vitamin C concentrations, the use of supplements, physical activity, fat-free mass, and plasma α-tocopherol were the main determinants.…”

Establishing reference intervals for vitamins A and E in Chinese elderly people using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

“…Furthermore, a recent study revealed a stable positive interrelation between plasma concentrations of vitamins E along the trajectory of ageing independent of the other identified determinants. 16 Therefore, it is essential for clinical laboratories to establish RIs based on their current measurement methods, especially when these values are applied to the elderly population. In this study, vitamin A and E levels in fasting serum samples were measured to reflect the individual's reserve status.…”

“…In our laboratory, we developed an accurate and reliable LC‐MS/MS method for establishing vitamin A and E RIs that can be used in the clinical setting. Furthermore, a recent study revealed a stable positive interrelation between plasma concentrations of vitamins E along the trajectory of ageing independent of the other identified determinants 16 . Therefore, it is essential for clinical laboratories to establish RIs based on their current measurement methods, especially when these values are applied to the elderly population.…”

Dietary Vitamin C and Age-Induced Lipid and Hormonal Metabolic Changes in a Humanized Mouse Model Not Synthesizing Vitamin C and Producing Lipoprotein(a) [Gulo (−/−); Lp(a)+]

“…Furthermore, vitamin C deficiency is more prevalent in older populations [21,22]. Because the older population has higher requirements for vitamin C, it is particularly important for older adults to obtain an adequate daily vitamin C intake [23,24].…”