The influence of smoking in vitamin C status in adults
The influence of smoking on vitamin C status in adults
It is known that vitamin C status is compromised in smokers. Nicotine and the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke have a huge impact on the detoxification process of the body.
Smoking causes cell damage, which leads to diseases such as cancer, high cholesterol levels, coronary and circulatory problems, respiratory disorders and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Smoking drains the body of many essential vitamins and minerals, affecting your ability to absorb these vital nutrients.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. The body cannot store it, so we must get it daily from the foods we eat.
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, a protein responsible for growing and repairing cells in our bodies that produce everything from skin to muscle, ligaments and blood vessels. It helps keep our immune system strong and reduces blood sugar. It also has the unique quality of being able to help regenerate vitamin E.
Vitamin C can be found in all fruits and vegetables.
The upper limit of intake (UL) should avoid exceeding 2,000 milligrams daily in men or women more than 18 years old. For antioxidant effects, 200-1,000 milligrams of vitamin C has been given daily for four weeks to a year. For breast cancer prevention, 500 milligramsof vitamin C has been taken by mouth daily.For cancer prevention, 120-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C has been taken by mouth daily for six to eight years. For preventing the common cold in people in extreme environments, 200 milligrams or more of vitamin C has been taken by mouth daily for up to 14 days. For preventing the common cold in general, 30-3,000 mg of vitamin C has been taken by mouth daily for two weeks to eight winters. For treating the common cold, 200 mg - 3 g have been taken by mouth daily for three to five days or longer. For skin aging, preparations containing 5-10% vitamin C were applied on the skin daily. For life extension,60-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C has been taken by mouth daily for one month to 9.5 years.
Vitamin C inadequacy can occur with intakes that fall below the RDA but are above the amount required to prevent overt deficiency (approximately 10 mg/day).
Smokers and passive “smokers” Studies consistently show that smokers have lower plasma and leukocyte vitamin C levels than nonsmokers, due in part to increased oxidative stress. For this reason, the IOM concluded that smokers need 35 mg more vitamin C per day than nonsmokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke also decreases vitamin C levels. Although the IOM was unable to establish a specific vitamin C requirement for nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, these individuals should ensure that they meet the RDA for vitamin C.