We measured plasma vitamin C concentrations related to alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking in male staff members of Saga University at the annual health examinations from 1983-85, 89 and 90. Questionnaries indicated greater intake of alcohol in smokers than in nonsmokers. In smokers mean plasma vitamin C concentrations were 0.49〜0.70 mg/100 ml for moderate drinkers (n = 159) and 0.53〜0.72 mg/100 ml for nondrinkers (n=82), respectively. In nonsmokers the mean values were 0.71〜0.86 mg/lOOml for moderate drinkers (n=233) and 0.70〜0.86 mg/100 ml for nondrinkers, respectively. These indicate that moderate drinking (25〜50 g alcohol/d) does not affect vitamin C status. In heavy drinkers (more than 60 g alcohol/d) the mean values were 0.43 mg/100 ml for smokers (n=10) and 0.58 mg/100 ml for nonsmokers (n=7), respectively, indicating that heavy drinking impaires vitamin C status. Also we measured serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and arteriosclerosis index related to alcohol drinking. In smokers there were little or no differences between moderate drinkers and nondrinkers with respect to both values, while, in nonsmokers higher HDL cholestrol levels and lower arteriosclerosis index were observed in moderate drinkers. These data suggest that moderate alcohol drinking in nonsmokers offers some protection against coronary artery disease. Acute effects of alcohol on plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of vitamin C were assessed in male subjects. The findings indicate an impairment in absorption of vitamin C by alcohol.
