Korean researchers have investigated the link between vitamin C supplementation and the risk of developing senile asthenia, a condition in which the elderly become particularly vulnerable to illness and stress. The cross-sectional study included nearly 3,000 people over 65 years of age, who were assessed for weight loss, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, and low physical activity, which are criteria for asthenia. The results of the study are published in Nutrients.
The analysis showed that those who took vitamin C alone or with other supplements had no different risk of fatigue than those who did not take any supplements. In the raw data, there was a slight trend toward a lower risk, but this disappeared after adjusting for age, lifestyle, and health.
The authors note that the results add to the conflicting evidence on micronutrients and aging. It is likely that overall diet quality and a varied diet, rather than taking individual vitamins, are more important for the prevention of asthenia.
