In the latest resource published by the International Alliance of Dietary Supplement Associations (IADSA) in its “Mind the Gap” series, which is public-facing, the organization highlighted the discrepancy of vitamin C dosage recommendations issued by national and regional health authorities.
 
Research shows that there is an almost three-fold difference between the lowest and highest recommendations for vitamin C around the globe, despite the science being consistent. Scientists are calling for an alignment of guidance to help people attain optimum vitamin C status, according to IADSA.
 
Full details are outlined in the story, “A world of difference: Why do global recommendations for Vitamin C vary so widely?” which explores the case for reviewing recommendations for specific demographic groups, including pregnant and lactating women, smokers, the elderly, and people who are obese.
 
Vitamin C performs a number of important functions in the body, and is a major scavenger of free radicals, helping to protect cells for oxidative damage. It also helps to maintain healthy skin, bones, and cartilage, and supports immune and nerve function.
 
“The benefits of vitamin C stretch well beyond the prevention of scurvy into a range of other key areas of health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Gerhard Hans, chair of IADSA. “To optimize people’s vitamin C status, IADSA believes that greater consideration needs to be given to the setting of appropriate daily intake recommendations. We agree that aligning the criteria used for establishing these would be a positive step.”