A Randomized Steady-State Bioavailability Study of Synthetic versus Natural (Kiwifruit-Derived) Vitamin C

Nutrients

Anitra C. Carr¹  Stephanie M. Bozonet¹  Juliet M. Pullar¹  Jeremy W. Simcock² 

[1] Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology & Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; E-Mails:;Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; E-Mail:

关键词: ascorbate;    ascorbic acid;    human;    plasma;    urine;    semen;    leukocytes;    skeletal muscle;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu5093684

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Whether vitamin C from wholefoods has equivalent bioavailability to a purified supplement remains unclear. We have previously showed that kiwifruit provided significantly higher serum and tissue ascorbate levels than synthetic vitamin C in a genetically vitamin C-deficient mouse model, suggesting a synergistic activity of the whole fruit. To determine if these results are translatable to humans, we carried out a randomized human study comparing the bioavailability of vitamin C from kiwifruit with that of a vitamin C tablet of equivalent dosage. Thirty-six young non-smoking adult males were randomized to receive either half a gold kiwifruit (Actinidia Chinensis var. Hort 16A) per day or a comparable vitamin C dose (50 mg) in a chewable tablet for six weeks. Ascorbate was monitored weekly in fasting venous blood and in urine, semen, leukocytes, and skeletal muscle (vastus lateralis) pre- and post-intervention. Dietary intake of vitamin C was monitored using seven day food and beverage records. Participant ascorbate levels increased in plasma (P < 0.001), urine (P < 0.05), mononuclear cells (P < 0.01), neutrophils (P < 0.01) and muscle tissue (P < 0.001) post intervention. There were no significant differences in vitamin C bioavailability between the two intervention groups in any of the fluid, cell or tissue samples tested. Overall, our study showed comparable bioavailability of synthetic and kiwifruit-derived vitamin C.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.