Which factors can contribute to vitamin C deficiency?

Which factors can contribute to vitamin C deficiency?

• A. Smoking
• B. Poor nutrition
• C. Alcohol abuse
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Vitamin C deficiency occurs when intake falls short of what the body needs or when its use is increased or its absorption is compromised. Smoking raises oxidative stress in the body, which drives up the demand for vitamin C and leads to faster depletion of its stores; as a result, smokers tend to have lower vitamin C levels and often require a higher intake to maintain adequate status. Poor nutrition directly reduces intake because foods rich in vitamin C, like fruits and vegetables, may be limited, increasing the risk of deficiency. Alcohol abuse is frequently linked to poor overall dietary quality and can affect digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients, including vitamin C, further lowering its availability in the body. Since each scenario can contribute to insufficient vitamin C, all of the factors listed can lead to deficiency.

Vitamin C deficiency occurs when intake falls short of what the body needs or when its use is increased or its absorption is compromised. Smoking raises oxidative stress in the body, which drives up the demand for vitamin C and leads to faster depletion of its stores; as a result, smokers tend to have lower vitamin C levels and often require a higher intake to maintain adequate status. Poor nutrition directly reduces intake because foods rich in vitamin C, like fruits and vegetables, may be limited, increasing the risk of deficiency. Alcohol abuse is frequently linked to poor overall dietary quality and can affect digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients, including vitamin C, further lowering its availability in the body. Since each scenario can contribute to insufficient vitamin C, all of the factors listed can lead to deficiency.