[Distribution of the serum concentration of vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B12 in a representative sample of the adult population of Catalonia (Spain)].
BACKGROUND
The subclinical deficiency of certain micronutrients (vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B12) has been associated with disorders as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, cataracts, immunodepression and fetal neural tube defects. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum concentration of vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B12 in the Catalan population and to examine the prevalence of deficits of these micronutrients.


METHODS
We studied a subsample of individuals (n = 378) from a representative sample of people aged 18 to 75 years who had participated in the study of the Nutritional Status of the Catalan Population (1992-93). Serum concentrations of vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B12 were determined.


RESULTS
The serum concentration of vitamin C was lower in men than in women. 4.6 and 0.5% subjects were found to have marginal and severe deficits of vitamin C, respectively. 4 and 1.6% subjects had marginal and severe deficits of folic acid, respectively. Folic acid deficit involved up to 12.9% women aged 18-34 years and up to 9.1% men within the same age group. Subjects who had a severe deficit of folic acid consumed more than 20 g/day of alcohol. The serum concentration of vitamin B12 was greater in women than in men. 1.9% individuals had a marginal deficit of this vitamin.


CONCLUSIONS
The sample of individuals studied were found to have a correct nutritional status with regard to vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B12. This may explain the lower incidence of cancer and ischemic heart disease associated with the Mediterranean diet.
García Closas
Reina
R
Universitat de Barcelona, Spain. lserra@cicei.ulpgc.es
Serra Majem
Lluís
L
Sabater Sales
Gloria
G
Olmos Castellvell
Marta
M
Ribas Barba
Lourdes
L
Salleras Sanmartí
Lluís
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*
D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12; D001205:Ascorbic Acid