title: Vitamin C deficiency and depletion in the United States: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to determine prevalence rates of vitamin C deficiency and depletion in the United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess intake of dietary, supplemental, and serum vitamin C.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean intakes and serum levels of vitamin C were normal; however, vitamin C deficiency and depletion were common (occurring among 5%-17% and 13%-23% of respondents, respectively). Smokers, those who did not use supplements, and non-Hispanic Black males had elevated risks of vitamin C deficiency, while Mexican Americans had lower risks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health professionals should recommend consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C and should recommend supplementation for individuals at risk of vitamin C deficiency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Arizona State University, 7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA. Jeff.Hampl@asu.edu
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hampl
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Carol S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology