Vitamin C Status is associated with Physical Fitness and Activity Indices in College Men: a cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Fruit and vegetable consumption has been shown to predict physical activity (PA) in college students. This study examined the specific association between plasma vitamin C, found predominately in fruits and vegetables, and indices of PA in college students. Fifty healthy, non‐smoking men who did not take vitamin supplements or engage in regular vigorous activity were recruited. Participants (23.2±0.6 y; 24.7±0.5 kg/m2) provided a fasting blood sample and a 24‐h recall, and completed PA assessments including a step test. Participants were fitted with a pedometer and recorded steps for three complete days. Vitamin C concentrations ranged from 12 to 50 μmol/L. Diet quality was not correlated with plasma or dietary vitamin C. Participants with inadequate vitamin C status (<28 μmol/L, n=21) had significantly lower fitness levels and daily step counts, and were less likely to engage in moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise compared to vitamin C‐adequate peers. These relationships between vitamin C status and PA were independent of diet quality and fruit and vegetable consumption. These data indicate that college men are at risk for marginal vitamin C status, a condition linked to reduced fitness and PA.