Abstract
Low body levels of vitamin C have been reported in cigarette smokers, but there are no such data on Japanese. Plasma and urine levels of vitamin C were determined using the α,α'-dipyridyl method in male staff members of our university. Samples from those who were taking vitamin C supplement were excluded. The values (M±SD) from smokers (n=96) and nonsmokers (n=100), respectively, were as follows: plasma vitamin C -0.39±0.13 and 0.66±0.21 mg/100ml, and urine vitamin C-4.3±1.6 and 7.6±2.4 mg/100ml. The differences between the two groups are highly significant (p<0.001). No differences between the two groups were observed with respect to age, height, weight, physical standard and general health parameters. However, a higher percentage of abnormal liver function in smokers was observed. The data suggest that a different recommended dietary allowance should be considered for smokers and nonsmokers.
