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Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research

April, 2021, Volume 35, 2, pp 27532-27539

Research Article

Research Article

Vitamin C, Anti-Infective Immunity and the Issue of Decreased Vitamin C Levels in Children

Jan Boženský1, František Kopřiva2, Lucie Kotlářová3*, Pavel Kostiuk4, Zdeněk Procházka4 and Jiří Slíva5

Author Affiliations

1Department of Pediatrics, Agel Hospital, Ostrava-Vítkovice, Czech Republic

2Department of Pediatrics, Olomouc University Hospital, Czech Republic

3InPharm Clinic, Jesenice u Prahy, Czech Republic

4Edukafarm, Prague, Czech Republic

5Institute of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Czech Republic

Received: April 14, 2021 | Published: April 22, 2021

Corresponding author: Lucie Kotlářová, InPharm Clinic, Jesenice u Prahy, Czech republic E-mail: kotlarova@inpharmclinic.cz

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2021.35.005679

Abstract

Aim of Study: To determine the incidence of decreased vitamin C levels in children hospitalized in the pediatric departments of two hospitals in the Ostrava and Olomouc regions, Czech Republic.

Methods: Preliminary assessment of tissue vitamin C saturation using test strips to ascertain the levels of ascorbic acid in the urine. The non-invasive technique is based on the reaction of a chelating agent with a polyvalent metal ion. Test strip are dipped in subjects’ urine and results are read by matching any color change on the strip with the provided color chart.

Results: In the Department of Pediatrics of Ostrava-Vítkovice Hospital (Czech Republic), study investigators identified, 23% children with the most severe level of vitamin C deficiency in the urine (1 mg/dL), with the levels of vitamin C deficiency of 10 mg/dL, 20 mg/dL and 50 mg/dL diagnosed in 41%, 11%, and 14% of children, respectively whereas full tissue vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL) was found in only 11% of children. Thus, overall, 75% of children had appreciable vitamin C deficiency with only 25% of children showing relatively adequate tissue vitamin C saturation. On admission and during hospitalization, 59% of pediatric patients were on pharmacotherapy; of these, 18% were diagnosed with severe vitamin C deficiency at a level of 1 mg/dL, with the levels of vitamin C deficiency of 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL determined in 43%, 9% and 16% of children, respectively. Adequate vitamin C saturation was found in only 14% of the children. The same tests performed in the Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital revealed decreased vitamin C levels in 98% of hospitalized pediatric patients.

Conclusion: Our study showed decreased vitamin C levels in the overwhelming majority of children hospitalized in the aforementioned medical centers. Given the crucial importance of vitamin C for the immune and other body systems, our results highlight the need for determining, at least tentatively, (e.g., using urine test strips) vitamin C saturation and, if needed, to provide adequate vitamin C supplementation as a prerequisite for achieving good health in the pediatric population.

Keywords: Vitamin C; Ascorbic Acid; Anti- Infectious Immunity; Vitamin C Deficiency; Screening for Vitamin C Levels in the Urine; Test Strips to Determine Vitamin C Levels in the Urine

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin C and anti-infective immunity

Vitamin C is a substance essential for humans at all stages of their growth and development. It is necessary for physiological development during ontogenesis, as well as for the proper functioning of all body systems in childhood, adolescence and adulthood [1]. The importance of adequate vitamin C supply for the immune system to work properly has long been empirically known. Individuals with inadequate vitamin C intake are not only susceptible to frequent infections, but the course of infectious diseases is more serious, and there is an increased risk of developing a variety of chronic conditions [2]. A critical role in antibacterial immunity is played by the barrier function, primarily that of the mucous membrane. Sufficient vitamin C levels are also critical for adequate functioning of all types of leukocytes (including their migration, ability to destroy pathogens and apoptosis of exhausted cells). Under normal conditions, vitamin C levels in these cells are more than a hundred-fold higher compared with those in plasma. Antimicrobial immunity involves phagocyte migration to the focus of the infection and, once phagocytosis of microbes has occurred, apoptosis of exhausted cells. The local antigen-presenting cells transfer the information about the pathogen to regional memory T cells, which exert cytotoxic action on bacteria followed by activation of B cells transforming to plasma cells to produce antibodies. Other types of cells involved in antibacterial immunity include Th1 cells which activate bacteria-killing macrophages, and Th2 cells, which stimulate B cells to produce antibodies. Proper functioning of these cells requires sufficient levels of vitamin C [2].

Likewise, efficient antiviral immunity requires adequate vitamin C levels., as does the important role played by the barrier function. The cornerstone of innate antiviral immunity is interferon (type I IFN), which most cells begin to produce upon viral invasion. An important component of non-specific antiviral immunity is NK (natural killer) cells. Phagocytosis of viruses is a major function performed primarily by macrophages. An efficient antiviral tool in this respect are antibodies produced by B cells. As to cell type-specific immunity, the most important players are cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. For all these components of antiviral immunity to work properly, sufficient supply of vitamin C is perquisite [2]. Given the significant effect of vitamin C on the immune system, its deficiency results in increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, which worsens the deficiency due to increased vitamin C consumption. As shown by various studies, patients with acute respiratory conditions, such as bronchopneumonia, often develop vitamin C deficiency [3]. Vitamin C supplementation in patients with respiratory tract infections will eliminate the deficiency and help improve the clinical prognosis [4]. Vitamin C deficiency, which frequently precedes the development of infectious diseases, further deteriorates during the course of the disease per se because of the increased vitamin C consumption due to more intensive metabolism in the presence of inflammation. This is also why the demand for vitamin C supplementation as part of management of infectious diseases is substantially higher than preventive doses. For example, several studies have shown that vitamin C reduced the viral load in cells infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) [5] or cytomegalovirus (CMV) [6].

Vitamin C significantly enhances chemotaxis and the phagocytic potential of neutrophils, i.e., oxidative destruction of pathogens in those cells while promoting lymphocyte proliferation and functioning [7,8]. Vitamin C deficiency results – when the body is exposed to the action of a virus – in high viral titers in the lungs and a decrease in the levels of the cytokines with antiviral action, particularly interferons alpha and beta (IFN-α/β) [9]. Moreover, vitamin C deficiency is associated with increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the lungs. Once vitamin C deficiency has been eliminated, these detrimental processes cease. Studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency results in the formation of inflammatory lesions in the lungs when exposed to a viral infection (e.g., influenza), [10] whereas vitamin C supplementation has a beneficial effect on the health status of lungs in individuals with viral pneumonia [11]. The antiviral action of ascorbate has been documented with a host of viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [12-14].

Decreased vitamin C levels and options for their detection and vitamin C supplementation

Worldwide Incidence of Decreased Vitamin C Levels

Normal serum vitamin C levels are commonly defined as values above 28 micromoles/L (μmol/L) with concentrations between 11 and 28 μmol/L considered hypovitaminosis (suboptimal levels); levels lower than 11 μmol/L are referred to as vitamin C deficiency. Given the above, values below 28 μmol/l are considered decreased vitamin C levels [15]. There is a general notion that low vitamin C levels in developed countries are a rare occurrence; regrettably, this is a common misconception. The incidence of decreased tissue vitamin C saturation is certainly not confined to developing regions, such that it affects, for example, 70% of the Ugandan population [16]. Quite surprisingly, vitamin C deficiency is frequently encountered in industrialized nations despite the general awareness and promotion of a healthy diet and the wide availability of vitamin C-containing foods and dietary supplements. Surveys have reported insufficient vitamin C intake in an approximately 20% of the European population [17]. The third Glasgow MONICA population survey documented vitamin C deficiency in 14% of women and 26% men in Scotland [18]. A Canadian survey reported decreased vitamin C levels in almost half of the population, a finding correlating with higher rates of inflammatory diseases [15]. The prevalence of decreased vitamin C levels across Europe has been estimated at 17 and 33% by various studies [19].

The surprisingly high prevalence of decreased vitamin C levels even in developed countries is supported by a survey conducted in the USA and showing decreased (suboptimal) vitamin C levels in about one in five of those surveyed and severe vitamin C deficiency in 10% of the general population, with the implication being that about one in three Americans suffer from vitamin C deficiency. The aforementioned survey again confirmed a correlation between vitamin C deficiency and increased levels of inflammatory markers and other risk factors such as overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome. As an important observation emerging from the survey, its authors suggest that the cause of decreased tissue saturation with vitamin C is not only due to lower dietary intake but, also, diseases involving oxidative stress associated with increased utilization of ascorbate thus causing a decrease in systemic vitamin C levels [20]. Although the rates of decreased plasma vitamin C levels in children in developed regions of the world seem to be lower compared with adults, studies show that a limited intake of this vitamin (e.g., in underprivileged individuals) is associated with increased rates of vitamin C deficiency. This is exemplified by the pediatric population in Mexico where suboptimal vitamin C levels and deficiency were reported in 38% and 23% of children, respectively; hence, decreased vitamin C levels are present in over 60% of the children assessed. And again, a correlation was observed between decreased vitamin C levels and the incidence of overweight and obesity [21,22].

Case reports published in the USA suggest that severe vitamin C deficiency with symptoms of scurvy is not a rare occurrence even in children. Vitamin C deficiency is found most often in children with chronic conditions such as food allergies, malabsorption, renal failure, neurologic and psychiatric (e.g., autism spectrum) disorders or cancers. The cause of the deficiency may be, in some social strata, inadequate intake of vitamin C-rich foods due to excessively permissive education, religious habits, or even incorrectly defined diet composition. Factors potentially contributing to vitamin C (and, hence, its deficiency) may include use of some classes of drugs such as barbiturates [23,24]. The main factor determining tissue saturation with vitamin C is its oral intake, whether that be from the diet itself or from use of dietary supplements. As shown by earlier surveys, individuals of higher social standing who take dietary supplements containing vitamin C have a substantially lower risk of developing vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C content in one´s diet is determined by its composition and processing; thermal processing (e. g. cooking) is known to destroy vitamins. Tissue vitamin C saturation is further affected by environmental factors such as climate, season of the year, and place of residence. Pollution is another important factor which increases oxidative stress and, hence, the need for vitamin C supplementation. Other factors include demographic variables such as age and sex, plus socioeconomic factors such as social standing, education level, lack of access to vitamin C-rich foods and others. In addition, vitamin C levels are impacted by concurrent diseases, primarily chronic conditions associated with inflammation (e.g., infection), which as a consequence, precipitate the development of oxidative stress and increased vitamin C utilization [25,26].

Preliminary Evaluation of Vitamin C Deficiency

Since clinical signs of oxidative stress do not manifest themselves until the deficiency has become severe, it is appropriate to utilize methods which will detect vitamin C deficiency earlier. Identifying at-risk individuals, such as children treated on an out-patient basis or hospitalized, will help determine the extent of vitamin C supplementation necessary. One option to ascertain serum vitamin C levels is to use liquid chromatography, but this and other currently available techniques are relatively accurate, they are costly, time-consuming and require well trained staff and appropriately equipped centers. A technique deemed suitable for preliminary assessment of tissue vitamin C saturation ascertains vitamin C levels in the urine; it is based on the reaction of a chelating agent with a polyvalent metal ion to form a chelate complex. As the dipstick test strip changes color, it is matched to the corresponding color on the provided color chart. The results offer preliminary information about any level of vitamin C deficiency. The values measured in the urine correlate with the plasma vitamin C levels and, by association, its tissue saturation [27].

Options in Oral Supplementation

In healthy children with normal vitamin C saturation, the recommended preventive oral doses are as follows: up to age 4 months, 50 mg; between 4 and 12 months, 55 mg; between 1 and 4 years, 60 mg, 4–7 years, 70 mg; 7–10 years, 80 mg; 10–13 years, 90 mg, from 13 years upward and in adults, 100 mg; in pregnant women, 110 mg; and in breastfeeding women, 150 mg. In adolescence, in situations involving mental, emotional or physical stress, failure to thrive and loss of appetite, during the healing or recovery process, in inflammatory conditions associated with oxidative stress, in smoking (whether active or secondhand), in infectious diseases, in anemia and when taking some medications (e.g., oral contraceptives, corticoids, salicylates), the demand for vitamin C is appreciably increased. An optimal strategy is continuous monitoring of vitamin C saturation using the aforementioned test strips. In newborns and younger toddlers, the main source of vitamin C is breast milk, and in non-breastfed children, it is infant formula fortified with vitamin C. From months 6 onward, the principal source is raw (unprocessed) vegetables and fruits. However, as the vitamin C content in these sources is variable (due to storage conditions and processing), ensuring adequate vitamin C intake depends on dietary supplement use.

The issue with common oral dosage forms of vitamin C (including sustained release products) is that their rate of absorption is limited by the capacity of transport molecules in the intestinal wall (SVCT1, SVCT2); unabsorbed vitamin C is excreted from the body in feces. A suitable dosage form to accommodate the increased demand for vitamin C (e.g., in connection with increased stress or sensitivity to allergies or infectious disease) is one based on liposomal absorption. Unlike conventional absorption in the intestine, liposomal absorption provides for higher bioavailability of vitamin C. With this dosage form, vitamin C gets absorbed via Peyer’s patches and enterocytes to be further transported by the lymphatic system. The substantially higher absorption rates of vitamin C result in its higher bioavailability to all body systems, such as the immune and nerve cells which depend on high intracellular levels for their proper functioning. The advantages of liposomal dosage forms include accelerated and higher rates absorption from the intestine, enhanced stability, protection of the intestine against potentially irritating agents and increased bioavailability of the active substance. These benefits have been documented in clinical and pharmacokinetic studies [28-31]. Comparisons of the plasma levels of ascorbic acid after the administration of a single 1 g dose of the various vitamin C dosage forms (see Figure 1) clearly indicate the benefits of RosaCelip-LD® (InPharm Clinic, Jesenice u Prahy, Czech Republic) with liposomal delivery. (RosaCelip-LD® formulation contains vitamin C with rosehip extract and citrus bioflavonoids) RosaCelip-LD® has a superior effect on plasma vitamin C levels compared to other dosage forms; these higher levels persist for a period of 12 hours, thus ensuring longer bioavailability of the active substance.

Figure 1: Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid after a single oral dose of 1 g of vitamin C in various dosage forms (regular form = non-proprietary vitamin C dosage form, regular retard form = retard vitamin C form, liposome 30: 70 vitC = liposomal vitamin C dosage form containing 30% of phosphatidylcholine and 70% of vitamin C, RosaCelip-LD®= vitamin C with liposomal delivery in combination with a rosehip extract and citrus bioflavonoids.

SCREENING FOR VITAMIN C SATURATION IN CHILDREN

Vitamin C saturation in children living in the Ostrava region

Patients and Methodology

In 2019, a group of 150 children underwent preliminary assessment of urinary vitamin C levels in the Department of Pediatrics of Agel Hospital in Ostrava-Vítkovice. The group included 54% females and 46% males aged less than 18 years. The overwhelming majority of patients were those with acute respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia) followed by (in terms of frequency) children with inflammatory bowel disease (mostly acute gastroenteritis) and kidney disease (acute pyelonephritis). Vitamin C levels were determined using test strips to assess ascorbic acid levels in the urine (Uro C Kontrol, InPharm, Czech Republic). The technique used by the manufacturer is based on the reaction of a chelating agent with a polyvalent metal ion to form a chelate complex and use of a test strip, with the results read by matching any color change in the strip with the color shown on a provided color chart (30 seconds after dipping in a fresh urine sample). Yellow color indicates a normal value (100 mg/dL and greater), whereas decreased levels are indicated by various shades of green to blue-to-green color (50, 20, 10, and 1 mg/dL). The measured concentration of vitamin C in the urine provides preliminary information about any potential ascorbic acid deficiency and its severity. According to the protocol, test strips were evaluated by a physician.

Results

The preliminary assessment of vitamin C levels in the urine identified 23% with the most severe deficiency of vitamin C in the urine (1 mg/dL), 41% with a deficiency at the level of 10 mg/dL; 11% with a deficiency at the level of 20 mg/dL; and 14% with a deficiency at the level of 50 mg/dL. Full saturation (100 mg/dL) was achieved by only 11%. The data suggest marked vitamin C deficiency in 75% of children with only 25% of children showing relatively sufficient saturation (the percentage values are rounded up to the nearest hundred). The process of data collection included recording of current pharmacotherapy, with the most frequently used classes of drugs being inhaled corticoids and antihistamines. Nearly 41% of children were admitted to hospital without any drug therapy. The remaining 59% of children were on pharmacotherapy on admission and during hospitalization. In this subgroup of patients, 18% were diagnosed with severe vitamin C deficiency at the level of 1 mg/dL; 43% at the level of 10 mg/dL; 9% at the level of 20 mg/dL; and 16% at the level of 50 mg/dL. Only 14% had normal tissue vitamin C saturation. Probiotics or vitamin D were taken by a small proportion of children on admission (2.6% and 5.3%, respectively). No correlation was found between treatment with probiotics and vitamin C levels in the urine. Children using vitamin D were invariably on concomitant drug therapy. There was only 1 child with normal vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL) while taking vitamin D (Vigantol) in combination with cough suppressants; the level of tissue saturation with vitamin C in the other 5 children taking vitamin D was only 1 to 10 mg/dL.

The study group was also evaluated by age categories (preschool children and schoolchildren). Pre-school children up to 6 years of age made up 67% of those hospitalized. In this subgroup, 14 patients were found to have full vitamin C saturation (100 mg/ dL, a high proportion given the fact that, in the whole study group of both pre-school children and schoolchildren), full vitamin C saturation was documented in only 16 children. Normal values were identified in only 2 children ages 6 years and above. Another parameter assessed was the relation between obesity and vitamin C saturation. Obese children were identified in the age category of 8–14 years, making up 5.3% of the entire subgroup (4 boys and girls each). None of the obese children achieved full vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL); vitamin C levels in the urine of 1 mg/ dL, 10 mg/dL, 20 mg/dL and 50 mg/dL were determined in 2, 2, 1 and 3 children, respectively. In the subgroup with full tissue vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL), 50% used supplementation with probiotics or vitamin D, either alone, or in combination with other drugs. In this subgroup, only one child used no medication or dietary supplements, and one child was treated with antiepileptic agents.

The most severe deficiency (1 mg/dL) was diagnosed in 34 children, of which half were below 6 years of age. On admission to hospital, these patients were more likely to use antibiotics, or had no medication use at all. Results of assessment of vitamin C levels in the urine using the Uro C Kontrol test strips in children enrolled in the above subgroups are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Results of assessment of vitamin C levels in urine 150 children admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Agel Hospital in Ostrava-Vítkovice.

Discussion

Overall, the above data emerging from the survey can be interpreted as follows: about three in four children hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics (mainly for inflammatory conditions involving the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, or the kidney) have vitamin C deficiency. More than half had measurements consistent with pre-scurvy to scurvy. Only one in four children achieved satisfactory vitamin C levels, and only one in ten children have physiological vitamin C levels. A physiological level of vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL) was determined in 88% of children aged up to 6 years; and only 12% of children aged 6 years and over have normal values of vitamin C saturation. In regard to the relationship between an individual’s level of vitamin C in the urine and instituted therapy (a variable not included in Table 1), our preliminary data indicate that, in the subgroup with physiological vitamin C levels (100 mg/dL), 25% of children were on concomitant therapy with vitamin D, and 38% of children used probiotics, with only 6% of children being on permanent pharmacotherapy. Interestingly, our data showed that obese children did not achieve physiological saturation (100 mg/dL) in a single case.

Vitamin C saturation in children living in the Olomouc region: preliminary results

A similar survey designed to assess urinary vitamin C levels was undertaken in the Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital. While the data are preliminary, we deem it appropriate to present them briefly just for comparison. The survey enrolled a total of 280 children (200 boys, 80 girls), of which 236 were examined in a clinic of allergology and 44 in a clinic of nephrology. Among pediatric patients with an allergy, the urinary test identified 10% of children with the most severe vitamin C deficiency (1 mg/dL); 30% with a deficiency at the level of 10 mg/dL; 35% with a deficiency at the level of 20 mg/dL; and 23% with a deficiency at the level of 50 mg/dL. Full vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL) was observed in only 2% of patients. It follows from the above that a vitamin C deficiency was present in 98% of children (the percentage values are rounded up to the nearest hundred). Among patients with a kidney disease, the most severe vitamin C deficiency (1 mg/ dl) was found in 36%, with deficiency levels of 10 mg/dL, 20 mg/dL, and 50 mg/ dL determined in 41%, 18%, and 5% of the children respectively. Full tissue vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL) was not achieved by a single child in this particular subgroup. Results of the survey using Uro C Kontrol test strips in children assessed in the Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital are shown in Tables 2-4.

Table 2: Results of assessment of vitamin C levels in the urine in 236 children attending the Clinic of Allergology, Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital.

Table 3: Results of assessment of vitamin C levels in the urine in 44 children attending the Clinic of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital.

Table 4: Results of assessment of vitamin C levels in urine 280 children attending the Clinics of Allergology and Nephrology (combined), Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital.

Our survey indicates that the overwhelming majority of children assessed in the Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital (similar to those admitted to the hospital in Ostrava-Vítkovice) showed decreased vitamin C levels. In the subgroup of children with allergies, normal vitamin C levels were detected only exceptionally whereas no child attending the clinic of nephrology had normal levels; all patients exhibited decreased vitamin C levels. In fact, data obtained from children living in the Olomouc region were even more alarming than those obtained in the hospital in Ostrava-Vítkovice and are indicative of absolutely inadequate vitamin C intakes.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin C is a substance indispensable for the human body. It is absolutely necessary for a healthy ontogenetic development and for the functioning of the immune and other systems in childhood and adulthood alike. A variety of studies have shown that – despite the general awareness of the principles of a healthy diet, wide availability of foods containing this vitamin and appropriate dietary supplements – vitamin C deficiency remains to be a relatively frequent occurrence. Numerous studies have suggested that an estimated 20% of the population across Europe has inadequate vitamin C intake. To ensure proper growth and development, and physiological functioning, a child´s body requires sufficient amounts of vitamin C. Before making any decisions about the need for, dosing and type of vitamin C supplementation, it is critical to establish objectively whether or not the pediatric patient indeed suffers from an ascorbic acid deficiency. A potentially helpful option in the decision-making is preliminary assessment of vitamin C levels in the urine using test strips, a technique recently employed in 150 children living in the Ostrava region and 280 children living in the Olomouc region.

Overall, our survey revealed a marked prevalence of children with decreased vitamin C saturation, a condition which increases the risk of improper functioning or a disorder involving the immune, nervous or other systems, which may potentially result in reduced resistance to stress, increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections and, generally, inflammatory conditions associated with oxidative stress. Hence, it is imperative to provide adequate vitamin C supplementation in children with decreased vitamin C saturation to ensure the proper functioning of all body systems. The best source of vitamin C continues to be a varied diet, rich in vegetables and fruits; however, as shown by our study, dietary vitamin C intake, in a big proportion of our pediatric population remains fairly inadequate and below the recommended values.

References

Research Article

Vitamin C, Anti-Infective Immunity and the Issue of Decreased Vitamin C Levels in Children

Jan Boženský1, František Kopřiva2, Lucie Kotlářová3*, Pavel Kostiuk4, Zdeněk Procházka4 and Jiří Slíva5

Author Affiliations

1Department of Pediatrics, Agel Hospital, Ostrava-Vítkovice, Czech Republic

2Department of Pediatrics, Olomouc University Hospital, Czech Republic

3InPharm Clinic, Jesenice u Prahy, Czech Republic

4Edukafarm, Prague, Czech Republic

5Institute of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Czech Republic

Received: April 14, 2021 | Published: April 22, 2021

Corresponding author: Lucie Kotlářová, InPharm Clinic, Jesenice u Prahy, Czech republic E-mail: kotlarova@inpharmclinic.cz

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2021.35.005679

Abstract

Aim of Study: To determine the incidence of decreased vitamin C levels in children hospitalized in the pediatric departments of two hospitals in the Ostrava and Olomouc regions, Czech Republic.

Methods: Preliminary assessment of tissue vitamin C saturation using test strips to ascertain the levels of ascorbic acid in the urine. The non-invasive technique is based on the reaction of a chelating agent with a polyvalent metal ion. Test strip are dipped in subjects’ urine and results are read by matching any color change on the strip with the provided color chart.

Results: In the Department of Pediatrics of Ostrava-Vítkovice Hospital (Czech Republic), study investigators identified, 23% children with the most severe level of vitamin C deficiency in the urine (1 mg/dL), with the levels of vitamin C deficiency of 10 mg/dL, 20 mg/dL and 50 mg/dL diagnosed in 41%, 11%, and 14% of children, respectively whereas full tissue vitamin C saturation (100 mg/dL) was found in only 11% of children. Thus, overall, 75% of children had appreciable vitamin C deficiency with only 25% of children showing relatively adequate tissue vitamin C saturation. On admission and during hospitalization, 59% of pediatric patients were on pharmacotherapy; of these, 18% were diagnosed with severe vitamin C deficiency at a level of 1 mg/dL, with the levels of vitamin C deficiency of 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL determined in 43%, 9% and 16% of children, respectively. Adequate vitamin C saturation was found in only 14% of the children. The same tests performed in the Department of Pediatrics of Olomouc University Hospital revealed decreased vitamin C levels in 98% of hospitalized pediatric patients.

Conclusion: Our study showed decreased vitamin C levels in the overwhelming majority of children hospitalized in the aforementioned medical centers. Given the crucial importance of vitamin C for the immune and other body systems, our results highlight the need for determining, at least tentatively, (e.g., using urine test strips) vitamin C saturation and, if needed, to provide adequate vitamin C supplementation as a prerequisite for achieving good health in the pediatric population.

Keywords: Vitamin C; Ascorbic Acid; Anti- Infectious Immunity; Vitamin C Deficiency; Screening for Vitamin C Levels in the Urine; Test Strips to Determine Vitamin C Levels in the Urine