Ascorbic acid, folic acid inter-relationships in geriatric subjects
Loh, H.S.; Dempsey, P.M.
Journal of the Irish Medical Association 67(9): 247-250
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-129X PMID: 4830246 Document Number: 80289
Dietary ascorbic acid intake, leucocyte and plasma ascorbic acid, serum folacin and Hb concentrations were estimated in 39 healthy men and women 68 to 79 years old from a Dublin geriatric hospital. Mean intakes were higher than the recommended 30 mg daily. Plasma ascorbic acid, serum folacin and Hb concentrations were within normal ranges for the age group. There was no sex difference in any of the values when measured alone and no relation between leucocyte ascorbic acid and Hb concentration and serum folacin concentration. Serum folacin was inversely related to ascorbic acid intake and plasma ascorbic acid concentration. A difference in ascorbic acid metabolism between men and women was evident when dietary and plasma ascorbic acid concentrations were related to serum folacin concentration. The macrocytic anaemia of scurvy is discussed with reference to the metabolism of folic and ascorbic acids.