Impact of Serum Vitamin C Levels on Kidney Function in Older Adults

In recent years, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a significant public health concern, with growing evidence linking inflammation and oxidative stress to its development. This study, Serum vitamin C levels and their correlation with chronic kidney disease in adults: a nationwide study, explores the potential role of vitamin C in mitigating renal damage among older individuals.

Introduction to the Research

The study was conducted to investigate the correlation between serum vitamin C levels and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Given the recognized antioxidant properties of vitamin C, the researchers aimed to understand whether maintaining adequate levels of this vitamin could protect against CKD.

Methodology

Data for this study were collected from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants under 18, pregnant women, individuals lacking essential data for CKD diagnosis, and those with incomplete serum vitamin C data were excluded from the study. Subgroup and weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin C levels and CKD.

Study Results

The study included 4,969 participants, of whom 15.0% had CKD. The results indicated that individuals with lower serum vitamin C levels were more likely to be male, have lower educational attainment, a diminished poverty-income ratio, engage in heavy drinking, and be current smokers. Additionally, these participants exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes.

Significantly, participants in the third quartile group experienced a reduction in the risk of developing albuminuria, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and CKD by 37.0%, 47.0%, and 46.6% respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals aged 65-80 years showed a statistically reduced risk of developing CKD and low eGFR when their serum vitamin C levels fell in the third and fourth quartile groups.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest a correlation between elevated serum vitamin C levels and a decreased risk of developing albuminuria, low eGFR, and CKD. These results hold promise for older individuals, indicating that increasing serum vitamin C levels could protect renal function and potentially reduce the risk of kidney disease.

References:

Wang C, Zhao J, Zhou Q, Li J. Serum vitamin C levels and their correlation with chronic kidney disease in adults: a nationwide study. Ren Fail. 2024 461:2298079.

Keywords: Serum Vitamin C, Chronic Kidney Disease, Elderly Individuals