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Scientists recommend increase to RDA of vitamin C
Updated: 2012-07-17 13:07:54 CST Category: General Wellness
Researchers from Oregon State University suggest that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C needs to be higher than current guidelines. This conclusion may be relevant to individuals who are identified as deficient in this nutrient by a lab test.
"Significant numbers of people in the U.S. and around the world are deficient in vitamin C, and there's growing evidence that more of this vitamin could help prevent chronic disease," said researcher Balz Frei, who co-authored a paper published in the Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
The current RDA for vitamin C is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men. However, at these levels, up to one-third and 20 percent of people are marginally and severely deficient in this nutrient, respectively. High-risk populations include smokers, college students and the elderly.
Signs of a marginal vitamin C deficiency include malaise and lethargy, according to the researchers. They recommend increasing the RDA to 200 milligrams. According to their reviews of the preexisting literature, higher levels of vitamin C are associated with optimal blood pressure, better immune function and reductions in the risk of inflammatory conditions.
In the meantime, individuals who are worried about whether they are consuming enough vitamin C may benefit from a lab test.
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