1
|
Coker SJ, Dyson RM, Smith-Díaz CC, Vissers MCM, Berry MJ. Effects of Low Vitamin C Intake on Fertility Parameters and Pregnancy Outcomes in Guinea Pigs. Nutrients 2023; 15:4107. [PMID: 37836389 PMCID: PMC10574174 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying how specific nutrients can impact fertility, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes will yield important insights into the biological mechanisms linking diet and reproductive health. Our study investigates how dietary vitamin C intake affects various fertility parameters and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in the guinea pig, a natural model of vitamin C dependency. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were fed an optimal (900 mg/kg feed) or low (100 mg/kg feed) vitamin C diet ad libitum for at least three weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. We found that animals receiving the low vitamin C diet had an increased number of unsuccessful matings, a higher incidence of foetal reabsorption, and, among pregnancies resulting in delivery at term, produced fewer offspring. Neonates from mothers on the low vitamin C diet had significantly decreased plasma vitamin C concentrations at birth and exhibited mild growth impairments in a sex-dependent manner. We conclude that a diet low of vitamin C induces a state of subfertility, reduces overall fecundity, and adversely impacts both pregnancy outcomes and growth in the offspring. Our study provides an essential foundation for future investigations to determine whether these findings translate to humans. If so, they could have important clinical implications for assisted reproductive technologies and nutritional recommendations for couples trying to conceive, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Carlos C. Smith-Díaz
- Mātai Hāora—Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Mātai Hāora—Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Maurya VK, Shakya A, McClements DJ, Srinivasan R, Bashir K, Ramesh T, Lee J, Sathiyamoorthi E. Vitamin C fortification: need and recent trends in encapsulation technologies. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1229243. [PMID: 37743910 PMCID: PMC10517877 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1229243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted role of vitamin C in human health intrudes several biochemical functions that are but not limited to antioxidant activity, homoeostasis, amino acid synthesis, collagen synthesis, osteogenesis, neurotransmitter production and several yet to be explored functions. In absence of an innate biosynthetic pathway, humans are obligated to attain vitamin C from dietary sources to maintain its optimal serum level (28 μmol/L). However, a significant amount of naturally occurring vitamin C may deteriorate due to food processing, storage and distribution before reaching to the human gastrointestinal tract, thus limiting or mitigating its disease combating activity. Literature acknowledges the growing prevalence of vitamin C deficiency across the globe irrespective of geographic, economic and population variations. Several tools have been tested to address vitamin C deficiency, which are primarily diet diversification, biofortification, supplementation and food fortification. These strategies inherit their own advantages and limitations. Opportunely, nanotechnology promises an array of delivery systems providing encapsulation, protection and delivery of susceptible compounds against environmental factors. Lack of clear understanding of the suitability of the delivery system for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification; growing prevalence of its deficiency, it is a need of the hour to develop and design vitamin C fortified food ensuring homogeneous distribution, improved stability and enhanced bioavailability. This article is intended to review the importance of vitamin C in human health, its recommended daily allowance, its dietary sources, factors donating to its stability and degradation. The emphasis also given to review the strategies adopted to address vitamin c deficiency, delivery systems adopted for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Kumar Maurya
- Field Application Specialist, PerkinElmer, New Delhi, India
- National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Amita Shakya
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - David Julian McClements
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Department of Food Science & Bioengineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ramachandran Srinivasan
- Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre), MoES-Earth Science and Technology Cell (Marine Biotechnological Studies), Sathyabama Research Park, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khalid Bashir
- Department of Food Technology, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
| | - Thiyagarajan Ramesh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Podolska K, Mazankova D, Goboova M, Vano I. Ascorbic acid intake during pregnancy. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2023; 167:213-218. [PMID: 37691531 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2023.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuing global increase in allergic conditions and diseases in children is now a serious public health and scientific issue. Amongst other concerns is the maternal antenatal diet as intake of essential nutrients. Even small deficits in essential vitamin C can permanently impair the developing brain for example. In this article, we first review ascorbic acid deficiency in different organs of both mother and foetus. However, major emphasis is on the importance of vitamin C in foetal immunity with studies showing an inverse relationship between maternal intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and allergic conditions in childhood, inter alia. Other review results are included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Podolska
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Mazankova
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Goboova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teaching Hospital Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Ivan Vano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teaching Hospital Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovak Republic
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mazaheri-Tehrani S, Yazdi M, Heidari-Beni M, Yazdani Z, Kelishadi R. The association between vitamin C dietary intake and its serum levels with anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 51:101733. [PMID: 36774847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND studies showed inflammatory background of overweight and obesity. Prevalence of weight disorders has dramatically increased over the past few decades. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may be associated with weight disorders. This study aims to systematically review the relationship between dietary and serum vitamin C levels with anthropometric indices. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar up to the end of August 2021. All observational studies that assessed the relationship between dietary or circulating vitamin C levels and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) on adults were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool. RESULTS Among 11,689 studies, 47 and 37 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. There was an inverse significant correlation between WC and serum vitamin C levels (r = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.35,-0.21, I2 = 14.2%) and between BMI and serum vitamin C levels (r = -0.17, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.09, I2 = 72.8%). Higher vitamin C consumption was significantly associated with lower BMI. There were no significant differences in serum vitamin C levels between normal-weight and overweight subjects, but serum vitamin C levels were significantly higher in obese subjects in comparison with normal-weight subjects. CONCLUSION Results showed that both dietary and serum vitamin C levels were inversely associated with BMI and WC. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to assess the effect of vitamin C supplementation in prevention and treatment of obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Mazaheri-Tehrani
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Yazdi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Motahar Heidari-Beni
- Department of Nutrition, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Zahra Yazdani
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coker SJ, Smith-Díaz CC, Dyson RM, Vissers MCM, Berry MJ. The Epigenetic Role of Vitamin C in Neurodevelopment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031208. [PMID: 35163133 PMCID: PMC8836017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal diet during pregnancy is a key determinant of offspring health. Early studies have linked poor maternal nutrition during gestation with a propensity for the development of chronic conditions in offspring. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even compromised mental health. While multiple factors may contribute to these outcomes, disturbed epigenetic programming during early development is one potential biological mechanism. The epigenome is programmed primarily in utero, and during this time, the developing fetus is highly susceptible to environmental factors such as nutritional insults. During neurodevelopment, epigenetic programming coordinates the formation of primitive central nervous system structures, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity. Dysregulated epigenetic programming has been implicated in the aetiology of several neurodevelopmental disorders such as Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome. Accordingly, there is great interest in determining how maternal nutrient availability in pregnancy might affect the epigenetic status of offspring, and how such influences may present phenotypically. In recent years, a number of epigenetic enzymes that are active during embryonic development have been found to require vitamin C as a cofactor. These enzymes include the ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) and the Jumonji C domain-containing histone lysine demethylases that catalyse the oxidative removal of methyl groups on cytosines and histone lysine residues, respectively. These enzymes are integral to epigenetic regulation and have fundamental roles in cellular differentiation, the maintenance of pluripotency and development. The dependence of these enzymes on vitamin C for optimal catalytic activity illustrates a potentially critical contribution of the nutrient during mammalian development. These insights also highlight a potential risk associated with vitamin C insufficiency during pregnancy. The link between vitamin C insufficiency and development is particularly apparent in the context of neurodevelopment and high vitamin C concentrations in the brain are indicative of important functional requirements in this organ. Accordingly, this review considers the evidence for the potential impact of maternal vitamin C status on neurodevelopmental epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Carlos C. Smith-Díaz
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.V.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.V.); (M.J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Crook J, Horgas A, Yoon SJ, Grundmann O, Johnson-Mallard V. Insufficient Vitamin C Levels among Adults in the United States: Results from the NHANES Surveys, 2003-2006. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113910. [PMID: 34836166 PMCID: PMC8625707 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, well-established in immune function and a key factor in epigenetic inflammatory modifications, is only obtained through consistent dietary intake. Identifying individuals at risk for Vitamin C insufficiency may guide prevention and treatment, however, national surveillance has not been evaluated in the United States since 2006. A descriptive, cross-sectional secondary analysis was performed utilizing data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) assessing non-institutionalized adults. Five categories of plasma Vitamin C were delineated: deficiency (<11 μmol/L), hypovitaminosis (11–23 μmol/L), inadequate (23–49 μmol/L), adequate (50–69 μmol/L), and saturating (≥70 μmol/L). Results indicated 41.8% of the population possessed insufficient levels (deficiency, hypovitaminosis, and inadequate) of Vitamin C. Males, adults aged 20–59, Black and Mexican Americans, smokers, individuals with increased BMI, middle and high poverty to income ratio and food insecurity were significantly associated with insufficient Vitamin C plasma levels. Plasma Vitamin C levels reveal a large proportion of the population still at risk for inflammatory driven disease with little to no symptoms of Vitamin C hypovitaminosis. Recognition and regulation of the health impact of Vitamin C support the goal of Nutrition and Healthy Eating as part of the Healthy People 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Crook
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Ann Horgas
- Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (A.H.); (S.-J.Y.)
| | - Saun-Joo Yoon
- Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (A.H.); (S.-J.Y.)
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Entrepreneurial Programs in Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perry MA, Edwards E. Differential diagnosis of metabolic disease in a commingled sample from 19th century Hisban, Jordan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2021; 33:220-233. [PMID: 34004547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research attempts a differential diagnosis of skeletal lesions in a commingled sample from Hisban, Jordan, focusing on non-adults in the assemblage. MATERIALS 2,883 well-preserved skeletal elements and 9 relatively complete skulls representing an MNI of 32 non-adults (<18 years old). METHODS All skeletal elements were observed macroscopically and pathophysiological processes underlying any lesions or other anomalies were assessed, followed by a comparative approach to rule out potential diagnoses. RESULTS The skeletal lesions observed were caused by inflammation due to chronic hemorrhaging, marrow hyperplasia due to an increase in hemopoiesis, rapid bone growth, and the impact of biomechanical strain on poorly mineralized elements. Rickets, scurvy, and acquired anemias best fit this pattern of lesions, although inflammation from other sources such as trauma or infection could not be definitively ruled out. CONCLUSIONS The in utero and postnatal environments at Hisban were conducive to the development of vitamin C and D deficiencies from birth until 2 years of age. The analysis of commingled remains requires an ontological shift in the importance of the individual to the population in paleopathology. SIGNIFICANCE This investigation demonstrates the efficacy of a combined biological and comparative approach in differential diagnosis in complicated commingled collections. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of the mother-infant dyad in understanding metabolic disease. LIMITATIONS Histological and radiographic analyses were not included in this diagnostic study due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Isotopic analysis to investigate childhood diet and histological and radiographic analyses to assess survival of deficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Perry
- Department of Anthropology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
| | - Emily Edwards
- Department of Anthropology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carr AC, Rowe S. Factors Affecting Vitamin C Status and Prevalence of Deficiency: A Global Health Perspective. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1963. [PMID: 32630245 PMCID: PMC7400679 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent review of global vitamin C status has indicated a high prevalence of deficiency, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as well as in specific subgroups within high-income countries. Here, we provide a narrative review of potential factors influencing vitamin C status globally. The in vivo status of vitamin C is primarily affected by dietary intake and supplement use, with those who supplement having a higher mean status and a lower prevalence of deficiency. Dietary intake can be influenced by cultural aspects such as traditional cooking practices and staple foods, with many staple foods, such as grains, contributing negligible vitamin C to the diet. Environmental factors can also affect vitamin C intake and status; these include geographic region, season, and climate, as well as pollution, the latter partly due to enhanced oxidative stress. Demographic factors such as sex, age, and race are known to affect vitamin C status, as do socioeconomic factors such as deprivation, education and social class, and institutionalization. Various health aspects can affect vitamin C status; these include body weight, pregnancy and lactation, genetic variants, smoking, and disease states, including severe infections as well as various noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Some of these factors have changed over time; therefore, we also explore if vitamin C status has shown temporal changes. Overall, there are numerous factors that can affect vitamin C status to different extents in various regions of the world. Many of these factors are not taken into consideration during the setting of global dietary intake recommendations for vitamin C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anitra C. Carr
- Nutrition in Medicine Research Group, Department of Pathology & Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Sam Rowe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L35QA, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carr AC, Lykkesfeldt J. Discrepancies in global vitamin C recommendations: a review of RDA criteria and underlying health perspectives. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:742-755. [PMID: 32223303 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1744513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The concept of a 'recommended dietary allowance' (RDA) and similar terms describing the daily intake of essential nutrients recommended for healthy individuals is widely used by various health authorities around the world. For vitamin C, however, there remain significant discrepancies in the criteria used to establish dietary recommendations and consequently, global recommendations for daily vitamin C intake vary by more than five fold. While it appears that the scientific data underlying the recommendations are more or less the same, the interpretation differs considerably. Moreover, although a number of the assumptions used in e.g. the body pool estimates of the 1960s and 1970s have later been proven wrong and give rise to significant underestimations, these data are still used as the main support of several recommendations. Aspects that modify vitamin C requirements, such as gender, age, pregnancy, lactation, and smoking, have been taken into consideration by many but not all regulatory authorities, and are thus subject of debate. In contrast, body weight, a significant predictor of vitamin C status and requirement, has not been taken into consideration with respect to vitamin C recommendations, even in the face of the looming global obesity pandemic. The present review examines the discrepancies in vitamin C dietary recommendations of international authorities and critically discusses representative examples of criteria and the underlying health perspectives used to derive current recommended intakes of vitamin C. New biological signatures of vitamin C nutriture are also explored with regard to their potential use for future updates of dietary recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anitra C Carr
- Nutrition in Medicine Research Group, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Pharmacokinetics of Vitamin C. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102412. [PMID: 31601028 PMCID: PMC6835439 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of vitamin C (vitC) is indeed complex. Regulated primarily by a family of saturable sodium dependent vitC transporters (SVCTs), the absorption and elimination are highly dose-dependent. Moreover, the tissue specific expression levels and subtypes of these SVCTs result in a compartmentalized distribution pattern with a diverse range of organ concentrations of vitC at homeostasis ranging from about 0.2 mM in the muscle and heart, and up to 10 mM in the brain and adrenal gland. The homeostasis of vitC is influenced by several factors, including genetic polymorphisms and environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet, as well as diseases. Going from physiological to pharmacological doses, vitC pharmacokinetics change from zero to first order, rendering the precise calculation of dosing regimens in, for example, cancer and sepsis treatment possible. Unfortunately, the complex pharmacokinetics of vitC has often been overlooked in the design of intervention studies, giving rise to misinterpretations and erroneous conclusions. The present review outlines the diverse aspects of vitC pharmacokinetics and examines how they affect vitC homeostasis under a variety of conditions.
Collapse
|
11
|
Juhl B, Lauszus FF, Lykkesfeldt J. Glycemic Control during Pregnancy-A Predictor of Vitamin C Status at Labor in Type 1 Diabetic Women? Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8060153. [PMID: 31159250 PMCID: PMC6617071 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8060153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Several experimental studies have suggested that vitamin C (vitC) deficiency during pregnancy may be detrimental to fetal development, and observational studies have shown that vitC status is lower during pregnancy and in people with diabetes. A cross-sectional study in pregnant type 1 diabetic women found that poor maternal vitC status was a significant predictor for obstetric complications of pregnancy when measured within four weeks before labor. The plasma vitC concentration was significantly negatively correlated to HbA1c, the biomarker of glycemic control well-known to be associated with the outcome of the diabetic pregnancy. Here, we evaluated HbA1c during pregnancy in relation to the measured vitC levels in late pregnancy based on data from 46 women from the same cohort. Regression analysis showed that HbA1c of first trimester, the combined mean HbA1c of first and second trimester, mean HbA1c of the whole pregnancy (first, second and third trimester combined), and HbA1c of third trimester alone were all associated with vitC in late pregnancy (p = 0.03, n = 45; p = 0.034, n = 43; p = 0.017, n = 42; and p = 0.008, n = 46, respectively). In third trimester, when adjusted for creatinine clearance, the association between vitC and HbA1c persisted (p = 0.029). Women in third trimester with HbA1c above 7.0% had an increased risk of having poor vitC status compared to women with HbA1c below this level (11 out of 21 vs. 2 out of 25 women, p < 0.001). The results suggest that high HbA1c is associated with poor maternal vitC status and potentially inadequate supply of vitC for the neonate. HbA1c may thus be a relevant substitute biomarker for identifying pregnant women who might benefit from vitC supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bente Juhl
- Medical Department, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Finn F Lauszus
- Gynecology & Obstetrics Department, Herning Hospital, 7400 Herning, Denmark.
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 København N, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hansen SN, Jørgensen JMB, Nyengaard JR, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. Early Life Vitamin C Deficiency Does Not Alter Morphology of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons or Markers of Synaptic Plasticity in a Guinea Pig Model. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10060749. [PMID: 29890692 PMCID: PMC6024653 DOI: 10.3390/nu10060749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of the Western world population, including pregnant women and their children, is characterized as vitamin C (vitC) deficient. In guinea pigs, early life vitC deficiency causes spatial memory deficits, decreased hippocampal volume and neuron numbers, in otherwise clinically healthy animals. We hypothesized that vitC deficiency leads to decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and synaptic plasticity markers in selected brain areas (frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum) and cause morphological changes in cornu ammonis 1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus either through a direct effect or indirectly by increased oxidative stress. Fifty-seven female guinea pigs were allocated to three groups receiving either 1390, 100 or 0–50 mg vitC/kg feed for 11 weeks. Dietary vitC levels were reflected in the plasma, cortical and adrenal gland levels, however, redox imbalance was only present in the adrenal glands allowing for the investigation of a direct influence of vitC deficiency on the chosen parameters in the brain. Synaptic plasticity markers were not affected in the investigated brain areas and no differences in isolated pyramidal neuron morphology was recorded. Based on our findings, it appears that vitC deficiency may primarily elicit impaired neuronal function through increased levels of oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stine N Hansen
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jane M Bjørn Jørgensen
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jens R Nyengaard
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
- Core Center of Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Noerrebrogade 44, Building 10G, 3rd Floor, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|