Smokers need more vitamin c daily than non-smokers because
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Increased Vitamin C Requirements for Smokers: A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction: Vitamin C and Smoking
Vitamin C, a crucial antioxidant, plays a significant role in neutralizing free radicals and supporting immune function. However, smokers have been found to require higher daily intakes of vitamin C compared to non-smokers due to the oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke.
Lower Serum Vitamin C Levels in Smokers
Dietary Intake and Serum Levels
Research indicates that smokers generally have lower dietary intakes and serum levels of vitamin C compared to non-smokers. For instance, smokers reported a mean daily intake of 53 mg of vitamin C, significantly lower than the 65 mg reported by non-smokers. Consequently, the serum vitamin C levels in smokers were consistently lower by approximately 0.2 mg/dl compared to non-smokers, even when dietary intake was similar . This inverse relationship between smoking and serum vitamin C levels persists independently of age, sex, body weight, and other factors 26.
Increased Risk of Hypovitaminosis C
Smokers are at a higher risk of severe hypovitaminosis C, particularly when not taking vitamin supplements. The risk of having serum vitamin C levels less than or equal to 0.2 mg/dl is significantly higher in smokers, with an odds ratio of 3.0 . This increased risk underscores the need for higher vitamin C intake among smokers to maintain adequate serum levels.
Mechanisms Behind Increased Vitamin C Requirements
Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals
Cigarette smoke induces oxidative stress, leading to the rapid depletion of antioxidants like vitamin C. This oxidative stress accelerates the disappearance of other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in smokers. Supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to normalize the disappearance rates of vitamin E, highlighting the role of vitamin C in combating oxidative stress .
Inflammatory Response
Vitamin C supplementation has been found to downregulate proinflammatory gene expression in smokers. For example, a study showed that a 43% increase in plasma vitamin C concentrations in smokers led to a significant downregulation of proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-beta and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 receptor . This anti-inflammatory effect further supports the need for higher vitamin C intake in smokers.
Recommended Vitamin C Intake for Smokers
Increased Daily Requirements
To achieve serum vitamin C levels comparable to non-smokers, smokers need an additional 59-65 mg/day of dietary vitamin C . Another study suggests that smokers require approximately 165 mg/day of vitamin C, which is about 2.0-fold higher than the intake required by non-smokers to reach adequate serum concentrations .
Benefits of Supplementation
Supplementing with vitamin C not only helps in maintaining adequate serum levels but also reduces oxidative stress biomarkers and improves the functional properties of serum lipoproteins. For instance, daily consumption of high-dose vitamin C (1250 mg) for eight weeks enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced the contents of advanced glycated end products and reactive oxygen species in smokers . Additionally, vitamin C supplementation decreased monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, a marker of atherogenesis, in smokers .
Conclusion
Smokers require significantly higher daily intakes of vitamin C compared to non-smokers due to the increased oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants caused by cigarette smoke. Adequate vitamin C intake is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of smoking, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended that smokers increase their daily vitamin C intake to maintain optimal health and prevent hypovitaminosis C.
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