Time: 2024-07-17
A recent international study conducted by the University of Otago , Christchurch , has uncovered a significant connection between inadequate Vitamin C levels and increased body weight , sparking concerns for Public health amidst the global rise in obesity rates . The research , which was published in the UK journal Critical Reviews in Food , Science and Nutrition , indicates that individuals with higher body weights may require a higher recommended daily allowance ( RDA ) of vitamin C to maintain optimal health.
Lead researcher Professor Anitra Carr * , who heads the Nutrition in Medicine Research Group at the Christchurch campus , emphasizes that the current international RDAs for vitamin C are underestimated , with guidelines primarily based on calculations for a healthy , young , 70 - kilogram male . As a result , a substantial portion of the world 's population may not be meeting their required vitamin C intake levels due to the increase in body weight globally.
According to Professor Carr , the current daily recommendation for vitamin C in Aotearoa New Zealand stands at 45 milligrams per day , which is considered one of the lowest RDAs worldwide . The study suggests that an additional 17 mg to 22 mg of vitamin C is necessary per 10 kg of extra body weight to achieve adequate levels , compared to a 70 kg individual . These findings highlight the need for updated vitamin C RDAs to guide future public health initiatives , both domestically and internationally.
The research , conducted in collaboration with experts from the Universities of Copenhagen and Aberdeen , analyzed data from two large international studies the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( NHANES ) and the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer ( EPIC)-Norfolk study . The results revealed that only a fraction of participants reached ' adequate ' vitamin C levels through their regular dietary intake , indicating a potential deficiency among the general population.
Furthermore , the study authors propose that obesity may alter the body 's ability to absorb and retain vitamin C due to low - grade inflammation and increased oxidative stress associated with excess weight . Obesity is also linked to higher risks of type 2 diabetes and non - alcoholic fatty liver disease , both of which are tied to lower vitamin C status . To address this issue , individuals are encouraged to increase their vitamin C intake through dietary sources such as fruits or supplements to mitigate the potential health risks associated with inadequate levels of the vitamin.
In conclusion , the study underscores the importance of maintaining optimal vitamin C levels for overall health and disease prevention , shedding light on the critical role that this essential nutrient plays in reducing the risk of various health conditions . With the ongoing rise in obesity rates worldwide , a reevaluation of vitamin C recommendations is necessary to ensure that individuals are adequately meeting their nutritional needs for optimal well - being.
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