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

AC Carr, SM Bozonet, JM Pullar, JW Simcock…�- Nutrients, 2013 - mdpi.com
AC Carr, SM Bozonet, JM Pullar, JW Simcock, MCM Vissers
Nutrients, 2013mdpi.com
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�…
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.
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