Nutrients

Editorial

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10 pages, 622 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Multi-Level Immune Support by Vitamins C and D during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

by Anitra C. Carr and Adrian F. Gombart

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030689 - 06 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4251

Abstract

Vitamins C and D have well-known immune supportive roles, with deficiencies in both vitamins predisposing to increased risk and severity of respiratory infections. Numerous studies have indicated that administration of these vitamins, particularly to people who are deficient, can decrease the risk and [...] Read more.

Vitamins C and D have well-known immune supportive roles, with deficiencies in both vitamins predisposing to increased risk and severity of respiratory infections. Numerous studies have indicated that administration of these vitamins, particularly to people who are deficient, can decrease the risk and severity of respiratory infections. This has stimulated an interest in the potential efficacy of these vitamins in people with novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its more severe disease (COVID-19). In this overview, we highlight the current research evidence around the multiple levels of immune support provided by vitamins C and D in the context of general respiratory infections and with a focus on the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These include: prevention of infection; attenuating infection symptoms and severity; adjunctive therapy for severe disease; attenuating ongoing sequelae (long COVID); and immunisation support. Although some of these topics have not yet been investigated in great depth concerning SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, extensive research into the role of these vitamins in general respiratory infections has highlighted directions for future research in the current pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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Research

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16 pages, 904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin D, Vitamin D-Binding Proteins, and VDR Polymorphisms in Individuals with Hyperglycaemia

by Rajiv Erasmus, Setjie Maepa, Ian Machingura, Saarah Davids, Shanel Raghubeer and Tandi Matsha

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3147; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153147 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1737

Abstract

Vitamin D reportedly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus; however, this role is unclear and debated. This study investigated the association between 25(OH) vitamin D, vitamin D-binding proteins, and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in healthy individuals and those [...] Read more.

Vitamin D reportedly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus; however, this role is unclear and debated. This study investigated the association between 25(OH) vitamin D, vitamin D-binding proteins, and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in healthy individuals and those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) from South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving subjects of mixed ancestry aged ≥20 years. Males presented with higher mean 25(OH) vitamin D levels than females, while females exhibited significantly higher serum vitamin D-binding protein levels. Significant differences in mean 25(OH) vitamin D levels were observed in normo-glycaemic, prediabetes, screen-detected DM, and known DM individuals. Vitamin D receptor SNPs Fok1 and Taq1 were not associated with glycaemic status. Fok1 was not associated with 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency, while Taq1 was associated with vitamin D insufficiency. This study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in this South African population, with decreased vitamin D levels observed in hyperglycaemic individuals, which was not linked to either vitamin D-binding protein or polymorphisms in Fok1 of the VDR gene. These results may be used as a platform for further research into diagnosis and treatment of hyperglycaemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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8 pages, 2692 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Estimation of Vitamin C Intake Requirements Based on Body Weight: Implications for Obesity

by Anitra C. Carr, Gladys Block and Jens Lykkesfeldt

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071460 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5858

Abstract

Higher body weight is known to negatively impact plasma vitamin C status. However, despite this well-documented inverse association, recommendations on daily vitamin C intakes by health authorities worldwide do not include particular reference values for people of higher body weight. This suggests that [...] Read more.

Higher body weight is known to negatively impact plasma vitamin C status. However, despite this well-documented inverse association, recommendations on daily vitamin C intakes by health authorities worldwide do not include particular reference values for people of higher body weight. This suggests that people of higher body weight and people with obesity may be receiving insufficient vitamin C in spite of ingesting the amounts recommended by their health authorities. The current preliminary investigation sought to estimate how much additional vitamin C people with higher body weights would need to consume in order to attain a comparable vitamin C status to that of a lower weight person consuming an average Western vitamin C intake. Data from two published vitamin C dose-concentration studies were used to generate the relationship: a detailed pharmacokinetic study with seven healthy non-smoking men and a multiple depletion–repletion study with 68 healthy non-smoking men of varying body weights. Our estimates suggest that an additional intake of 10 mg vitamin C/day is required for every 10 kg increase in body weight to attain a comparable plasma concentration to a 60 kg individual with a vitamin C intake of ~110 mg/day, which is the daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Thus, individuals weighing e.g., 80 and 90 kg will need to consume ~130 and 140 mg vitamin C/day, respectively. People with obesity will likely need even higher vitamin C intakes. As poor vitamin C status is associated with increased risk of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, these findings may have important public health implications. As such, dose-finding studies are required to determine optimal vitamin C intakes for overweight and obese people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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24 pages, 6376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin D Status among First-Generation Immigrants from Different Ethnic Groups and Origins: An Observational Study Using the Canadian Health Measures Survey

by Said Yousef, Douglas Manuel, Ian Colman, Manny Papadimitropoulos, Alomgir Hossain, MoezAlIslam Faris and George A. Wells

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082702 - 05 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3279

Abstract

One in five Canadians are first-generation immigrants. Evidence suggests the baseline risk for vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is increased among immigrants who move from equatorial to northern countries. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of vitD deficiency/insufficiency among first-generation immigrants compared with native-born [...] Read more.

One in five Canadians are first-generation immigrants. Evidence suggests the baseline risk for vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is increased among immigrants who move from equatorial to northern countries. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of vitD deficiency/insufficiency among first-generation immigrants compared with native-born Canadians and identified explanatory covariables. We used a cross-sectional design with data from the national Canadian Health Measures Survey (Cycles 3 and 4) (11,579 participants aged 3–79 years). We assessed serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D) levels, sociodemographic and environmental factors, immigration status, length of time in Canada, vitD-rich food intake, ethnicity, and place of birth. Immigrants had lower mean S-25(OH)D than non-immigrants (51.23 vs. 62.72 nmol/L, p < 0.001). Those with younger age at the time of immigration (<18 years) had a high risk for low vitD, and S-25(OH)D levels increased with the length of time they had lived in Canada. The highest deficiency levels were in immigrants born in Morocco, India, and Lebanon compared with native-born Canadians. Ethnicity was the factor most strongly associated with S-25(OH)D. Compared with the white ethnic grouping, the Japanese had the highest level of vitD deficiency, followed by Arabs and Southeast Asians. Ethnic variations, dietary intake, and lifestyle factors are the main predictors of/explanatory factors for vitD status among Canadian immigrants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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11 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis C and its Relationship with Frailty in Older Hospitalised Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Yogesh Sharma, Alexandra Popescu, Chris Horwood, Paul Hakendorf and Campbell Thompson

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062117 - 20 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3492

Abstract

Frailty is common in older hospitalised patients and may be associated with micronutrient malnutrition. Only limited studies have explored the relationship between frailty and vitamin C deficiency. This study investigated the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and its association with frailty severity in [...] Read more.

Frailty is common in older hospitalised patients and may be associated with micronutrient malnutrition. Only limited studies have explored the relationship between frailty and vitamin C deficiency. This study investigated the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and its association with frailty severity in patients ≥75 years admitted under a geriatric unit. Patients (n = 160) with a mean age of 84.4 ± 6.4 years were recruited and underwent frailty assessment by use of the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS). Patients with an EFS score <10 were classified as non-frail/vulnerable/mildly frail and those with ≥10 as moderate–severely frail. Patients with vitamin C levels between 11–28 μmol/L were classified as vitamin C depleted while those with levels <11 μmol/L were classified as vitamin C deficient. A multivariate logistic regression model determined the relationship between vitamin C deficiency and frailty severity after adjustment for various co-variates. Fifty-seven (35.6%) patients were vitamin C depleted, while 42 (26.3%) had vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C levels were significantly lower among patients who were moderate–severely frail when compared to those who were non-frail/vulnerable/mildly frail (p < 0.05). After adjusted analysis, vitamin C deficiency was 4.3-fold more likely to be associated with moderate–severe frailty (aOR 4.30, 95% CI 1.33-13.86, p = 0.015). Vitamin C deficiency is common and is associated with a greater severity of frailty in older hospitalised patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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17 pages, 1524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Initial Evidence of Variation by Ethnicity in the Relationship between Vitamin C Status and Mental States in Young Adults

by Benjamin D. Fletcher, Jayde A. M. Flett, Shay-Ruby Wickham, Juliet M. Pullar, Margreet C. M. Vissers and Tamlin S. Conner

Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030792 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3476

Abstract

Higher fruit and vegetable intake has been associated with improved mood, greater vitality, and lower stress. Although the nutrients driving these benefits are not specifically identified, one potentially important micronutrient is vitamin C, an important co-factor for the production of peptide hormones, carnitine [...] Read more.

Higher fruit and vegetable intake has been associated with improved mood, greater vitality, and lower stress. Although the nutrients driving these benefits are not specifically identified, one potentially important micronutrient is vitamin C, an important co-factor for the production of peptide hormones, carnitine and neurotransmitters that are involved in regulation of physical energy and mood. The aim of our study was to investigate the cross-sectional relationship between blood plasma vitamin C status and mood, vitality and perceived stress. A sample of 419 university students (aged 18 to 35; 67.8% female) of various ethnicities (49.2% European, 16.2% East Asian, 8.1% Southeast/Other Asian, 9.1% Māori/Pasifika, 11.5% Other) provided a fasting blood sample to determine vitamin C status and completed psychological measures consisting of the Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF), the vitality subscale of the Rand 36-Item Short Form (SF-36), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Participants were screened for prescription medication, smoking history, vitamin C supplementation, fruit/juice and vegetable consumption, kiwifruit allergies, excessive alcohol consumption and serious health issues, and provided age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status information, which served as covariates. There were no significant associations between vitamin C status and the psychological measures for the sample overall. However, associations varied by ethnicity. Among Māori/Pasifika participants, higher vitamin C was associated with greater vitality and lower stress, whereas among Southeast Asian participants, higher vitamin C was associated with greater confusion on the POMS-SF subscale. These novel findings demonstrate potential ethnicity-linked differences in the relationship between vitamin C and mental states. Further research is required to determine whether genetic variation or cultural factors are driving these ethnicity differences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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15 pages, 2589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Vitamin C Consumption in the United States: 1999–2018

by Mary Brauchla, Mark J. Dekker and Colin D. Rehm

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020420 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4422

Abstract

Low intakes of fruits and vegetables have resulted in suboptimal intakes of several micronutrients, including vitamin C. This cross-sectional study used data from 84,902 children/adults (≥1 y) who completed a 24-h dietary recall as part of the United States National Health and Nutrition [...] Read more.

Low intakes of fruits and vegetables have resulted in suboptimal intakes of several micronutrients, including vitamin C. This cross-sectional study used data from 84,902 children/adults (≥1 y) who completed a 24-h dietary recall as part of the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018). Mean vitamin C intakes from foods/beverages were calculated as were trends in major food/beverage sources of vitamin C. Percentages below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) were estimated. Overall, mean vitamin C consumption declined by 23% (97–75 mg/d; p-value for trend < 0.001). 100% fruit juice was the leading source of vitamin C (25.6% of total or 21.7mg/d), but this declined by 48% (25–13 mg/d; p-value for trend < 0.001). Whole fruit increased among children/adolescents (+75.8%;10–17 mg/d; p-value for trend < 0.001), but not adults, while the vegetable contribution was generally unchanged. The proportion of the population below the EAR increased by 23.8% on a relative scale or 9 percentage points on an absolute scale (38.3–47.4%). Declines in vitamin C intake is driven largely by decreases in fruit juice coupled with modest increases in whole fruit. Due to associations between vitamin C intake and numerous health outcomes these trends warrant careful monitoring moving forward. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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19 pages, 1557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

KiwiC for Vitality: Results of a Placebo-Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Kiwifruit or Vitamin C Tablets on Vitality in Adults with Low Vitamin C Levels

by Tamlin S. Conner, Benjamin D. Fletcher, Jillian J. Haszard, Juliet M. Pullar, Emma Spencer, Louise A. Mainvil and Margreet C. M. Vissers

Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2898; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092898 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 11802 | Correction

Abstract

Consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables has been associated with greater feelings of vitality. However, these associations have rarely been tested in experimental trials. The aim of the current study was to test the effects of eating a vitamin C-rich food (kiwifruit) [...] Read more.

Consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables has been associated with greater feelings of vitality. However, these associations have rarely been tested in experimental trials. The aim of the current study was to test the effects of eating a vitamin C-rich food (kiwifruit) on subjective vitality and whether effects are driven by vitamin C. Young adults (n = 167, 61.1% female, aged 18–35 years) with plasma vitamin C < 40 µmol/L were allocated to three intervention conditions: kiwifruit (2 SunGold™ kiwifruit/day), vitamin C (250 mg tablet/day), placebo (1 tablet/day). The trial consisted of a two-week lead-in, four-week intervention, and two-week washout. Plasma vitamin C and vitality questionnaires (total mood disturbance, fatigue, and well-being) were measured fortnightly. Self-reported sleep quality and physical activity were measured every second day through smartphone surveys. Nutritional confounds were assessed using a three-day food diary during each study phase. Plasma vitamin C reached saturation levels within two weeks for the kiwifruit and vitamin C groups. Participants consuming kiwifruit showed a trend of improvement in mood disturbance, significantly decreased fatigue, and significantly improved well-being after two weeks of the intervention. Improvements in well-being remained elevated through washout. Consumption of vitamin C tablets alone was associated with improved well-being after two weeks, and additionally improved mood and fatigue for participants with consistently low vitamin C levels during lead-in. Diet records showed that participants consuming kiwifruit reduced their fat intake during the intervention period. Intervention effects remained significant when adjusting for condition allocation groupings, age, and ethnicity, and were not explained by sleep quality, physical activity, BMI, or other dietary patterns, including fat intake. There were no changes in plasma vitamin C status or vitality in the placebo group. Whole-food consumption of kiwifruit was associated with improved subjective vitality in adults with low vitamin C status. Similar, but not identical changes were found for vitamin C tablets, suggesting that additional properties of kiwifruit may contribute to improved vitality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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Review

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11 pages, 548 KiB

Open AccessReview

Feasibility of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Post Viral Fatigue with Focus on Long COVID, Based on a Systematic Review of IV Vitamin C on Fatigue

by Claudia Vollbracht and Karin Kraft

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041154 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 18166

Abstract

Fatigue is common not only in cancer patients but also after viral and other infections. Effective treatment options are still very rare. Therefore, the present knowledge on the pathophysiology of fatigue and the potential positive impact of treatment with vitamin C is illustrated. [...] Read more.

Fatigue is common not only in cancer patients but also after viral and other infections. Effective treatment options are still very rare. Therefore, the present knowledge on the pathophysiology of fatigue and the potential positive impact of treatment with vitamin C is illustrated. Additionally, the effectiveness of high-dose IV vitamin C in fatigue resulting from various diseases was assessed by a systematic literature review in order to assess the feasibility of vitamin C in post-viral, especially in long COVID, fatigue. Nine clinical studies with 720 participants were identified. Three of the four controlled trials observed a significant decrease in fatigue scores in the vitamin C group compared to the control group. Four of the five observational or before-and-after studies observed a significant reduction in pre–post levels of fatigue. Attendant symptoms of fatigue such as sleep disturbances, lack of concentration, depression, and pain were also frequently alleviated. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and circulatory disorders, which are important contributors to fatigue, are also discussed in long COVID fatigue. Thus, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, endothelial-restoring, and immunomodulatory effects of high-dose IV vitamin C might be a suitable treatment option. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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17 pages, 5458 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin C—An Adjunctive Therapy for Respiratory Infection, Sepsis and COVID-19

by Patrick Holford, Anitra C. Carr, Thomas H. Jovic, Stephen R. Ali, Iain S. Whitaker, Paul E. Marik and A. David Smith

Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3760; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123760 - 07 Dec 2020

Cited by 118 | Viewed by 47121

Abstract

There are limited proven therapies for COVID-19. Vitamin C’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects make it a potential therapeutic candidate, both for the prevention and amelioration of COVID-19 infection, and as an adjunctive therapy in the critical care of COVID-19. This literature review [...] Read more.

There are limited proven therapies for COVID-19. Vitamin C’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects make it a potential therapeutic candidate, both for the prevention and amelioration of COVID-19 infection, and as an adjunctive therapy in the critical care of COVID-19. This literature review focuses on vitamin C deficiency in respiratory infections, including COVID-19, and the mechanisms of action in infectious disease, including support of the stress response, its role in preventing and treating colds and pneumonia, and its role in treating sepsis and COVID-19. The evidence to date indicates that oral vitamin C (2–8 g/day) may reduce the incidence and duration of respiratory infections and intravenous vitamin C (6–24 g/day) has been shown to reduce mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, and time on mechanical ventilation for severe respiratory infections. Further trials are urgently warranted. Given the favourable safety profile and low cost of vitamin C, and the frequency of vitamin C deficiency in respiratory infections, it may be worthwhile testing patients’ vitamin C status and treating them accordingly with intravenous administration within ICUs and oral administration in hospitalised persons with COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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21 pages, 1004 KiB

Open AccessReview

Global Vitamin C Status and Prevalence of Deficiency: A Cause for Concern?

by Sam Rowe and Anitra C. Carr

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072008 - 06 Jul 2020

Cited by 109 | Viewed by 15037

Abstract

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through the diet in adequate amounts to prevent hypovitaminosis C, deficiency and its consequences—including the potentially fatal deficiency disease scurvy. Global vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency has not previously been reported, [...] Read more.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through the diet in adequate amounts to prevent hypovitaminosis C, deficiency and its consequences—including the potentially fatal deficiency disease scurvy. Global vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency has not previously been reported, despite vitamin C’s pleiotropic roles in both non-communicable and communicable disease. This review highlights the global literature on vitamin C status and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and deficiency. Related dietary intake is reported if assessed in the studies. Overall, the review illustrates the shortage of high quality epidemiological studies of vitamin C status in many countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries. The available evidence indicates that vitamin C hypovitaminosis and deficiency is common in low- and middle-income countries and not uncommon in high income settings. Further epidemiological studies are required to confirm these findings, to fully assess the extent of global vitamin C insufficiency, and to understand associations with a range of disease processes. Our findings suggest a need for interventions to prevent deficiency in a range of at risk groups and regions of the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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19 pages, 471 KiB

Open AccessReview

Factors Affecting Vitamin C Status and Prevalence of Deficiency: A Global Health Perspective

by Anitra C. Carr and Sam Rowe

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071963 - 01 Jul 2020

Cited by 95 | Viewed by 17161

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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10 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections

by Philip C. Calder, Anitra C. Carr, Adrian F. Gombart and Manfred Eggersdorfer

Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041181 - 23 Apr 2020

Cited by 538 | Viewed by 113543

Abstract

Public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations help reduce the spread and impact of infections. Nevertheless, the global burden of infection is high, and additional measures are necessary. Acute respiratory tract infections, for example, were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in [...] Read more.

Public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations help reduce the spread and impact of infections. Nevertheless, the global burden of infection is high, and additional measures are necessary. Acute respiratory tract infections, for example, were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in 2016. The role nutrition plays in supporting the immune system is well-established. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical data show that vitamins, including vitamins A, B₆, B₁₂, C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake and status of these nutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden. Against this background the following conclusions are made: (1) supplementation with the above micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function; (2) supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C and D is warranted; and (3) public health officials are encouraged to include nutritional strategies in their recommendations to improve public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

Other

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3 pages, 189 KiB

Open AccessReply

Reply to Vorland et al. Mixed Random and Nonrandom Allocation, and Group Randomization Have Been Mislabeled and Misanalysed, Necessitating Reanalysis. Comment on “Conner et al. KiwiC for Vitality: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Kiwifruit or Vitamin C Tablets on Vitality in Adults with Low Vitamin C Levels. Nutrients 2020, 12, 2898”

by Tamlin S. Conner, Benjamin D. Fletcher, Jillian J. Haszard, Juliet M. Pullar, Emma Spencer, Louise A. Mainvil and Margreet C. M. Vissers

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4065; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194065 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1189

Abstract

We have read the Comment article by Vorland et al. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

5 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Conner et al. KiwiC for Vitality: Results of a Placebo-Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Kiwifruit or Vitamin C Tablets on Vitality in Adults with Low Vitamin C Levels. Nutrients 2020, 12, 2898

by Tamlin S. Conner, Benjamin D. Fletcher, Jillian J. Haszard, Juliet M. Pullar, Emma Spencer, Louise A. Mainvil and Margreet C. M. Vissers

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4063; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194063 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1470

Abstract

In the original publication title [...] Full article

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3 pages, 193 KiB

Open AccessComment

Mixed Random and Nonrandom Allocation, and Group Randomization Have Been Mislabeled and Misanalysed, Necessitating Reanalysis. Comment on Conner et al. KiwiC for Vitality: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Kiwifruit or Vitamin C Tablets on Vitality in Adults with Low Vitamin C Levels. Nutrients 2020, 12, 2898

by Colby J. Vorland, Yasaman Jamshidi-Naeini, Lilian Golzarri-Arroyo, Andrew W. Brown and David B. Allison

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4062; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194062 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1914

Abstract

We read the report by Conner and colleagues that tested whether kiwifruit or vitamin C affected measures of vitality [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamins C and D: Global and Population Health Perspectives)

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