US Vitamin C RDA to Increase?

Researchers from the U.S National Institutes of Health have suggested that the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C for young women be increased from 75mg to 90mg. The study suggested the current men's RDA of 90mg is also too low.

In order to make the recommendations, researchers studied 15 healthy women who agreed to a 6 month stay in hospital. The women's diets were carefully controlled and their Vitamin C blood levels monitored.

Many health experts believe the revised RDAs would still be too low.

Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management commented:

"RDAs are worked out under controlled conditions. These women were all fit and well. If you have a cold, the body needs extra Vitamin C to recover. With more serious illnesses, we need even more Vitamin C to fight off the disease. Smoking and drinking both cause cell damage and can deplete levels of Vitamin C".

Basically, RDAs fail to take into account three things:

1. Everybody's needs are not the same. Sometimes the body needs more Vitamin C to cope with environmental stress.
2. Consuming the correct RDA of Vitamin C doesn't guarantee the correct intake. If the body doesn't break down foods and supplements properly, it won't absorb all the nutrients.
3. Today's western diets are generally lacking in nutrients.

The way food is processed today destroys many of the nutrients we need. Even cooking can break down vitamins in food. The RDA on the packet isn't necessarily the same level of nutrients the food contains after it's been cooked.

For more information on Nutrition and screening for vitamin and mineral levels, contact Bromley Health Management.

Monday, 10 September 2001