Abstract
Our objective was to evaluate the effect of regular use of nutritional supplements on serum vitamin C levels in a multivariable regression model, taking into account other dietary and demographic variables which may affect nutritional status. We analyzed NHANES II data for subjects age 3 to 74. Analysis was limited to regular supplement users and nonusers, excluding irregular users. Multivariable regression analysis was performed with SUDAAN, incorporating sample weights and accounting for the complex survey design. Regular supplement users had substantially higher serum vitamin C levels than nonusers (p < 0.001). The magnitude of the effect of supplement use on serum vitamin C was 0.23-0.33 mg/dL in children and teens, and 0.36-0.46 mg/dL in adults. In adults who smoked, bottom quartile vitamin C levels were 0.3 mg/dL in men and 0.4 mg/dL in women who did not use supplements, compared to 0.9 and 1.1 mg/dL in regular supplement users. There was a significant interaction of smoking and supplement use in men (p < 0.001). Regular supplement use has a strong impact on serum vitamin C levels, independent of other dietary and demographic characteristics of supplement users which may favor improved nutritional status.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.