Does Aging Have an Impact on Vitamin C Status and Requirements? A Scoping Review of Comparative Studies of Aging and Institutionalisation

The global healthcare burden of an aging population continues to increase, with nearly a quarter of the total global burden of disease attributable to people aged >= 60 years. Older people are at greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including immune-supportive vitamin C, which is both a contributor to and a consequence of acute and chronic illnesses. However, whether healthy aging, per se, is associated with depleted vitamin C status and increased requirements for the vitamin is less certain. A systematic scoping review was carried out to assess comparative studies that reported the vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency in older versus younger people and in older people relative to residential status. Furthermore, vitamin C requirements were assessed through comparative studies reporting vitamin C status and pharmacokinetics in older people relative to younger people. Overall, there was limited evidence to suggest that healthy aging, per se, is related to lower vitamin C status or higher requirements for the vitamin. However, institutionalised elderly had lower vitamin C status and enhanced vitamin C requirements, primarily as a result of low intakes and/or chronic illnesses, which were not being met by hospital or residential diets. Because institutionalised elderly are vulnerable to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, it is imperative that appropriate nutritional interventions are instigated to provide optimal micronutrient intake to support healthy aging.

Automated summary

The global healthcare burden of an aging population is increasing, with a significant portion of diseases attributed to older individuals. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin C, are common among older people and can contribute to chronic illnesses. While there is limited evidence suggesting that healthy aging is associated with lower vitamin C levels or increased requirements, institutionalized elderly individuals tend to have lower vitamin C status and enhanced requirements due to poor intake and chronic illness. Appropriate nutritional interventions are necessary to support healthy aging in this vulnerable population.