Evidence of a Positive Link Between Consumption and Supplementation of Ascorbic Acid and Bone Mineral Density

Overview

Journal Nutrients

Date 2021 Apr 3

PMID 33801019

Citations 12

Authors

Mariangela Rondanelli

Gabriella Peroni

Federica Fossari

Viviana Vecchio

Milena Anna Faliva

Maurizio Naso

Simone Perna

Enrica Di Paolo

Antonella Riva

Giovanna Petrangolini

Mara Nichetti

Alice Tartara

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

In animal models it has been shown that ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential cofactor for the hydroxylation of proline in collagen synthesis. However, there are still no precise indications regarding the role of AA in maintaining bone health in humans, so the aim of this narrative review was to consider state of the art on correlation between bone mineral density (BMD), AA dietary intake and AA blood levels, and on the effectiveness of AA supplement in humans. This review included 25 eligible studies. Fifteen studies evaluated correlations between AA intake and BMD: eight studies demonstrated a positive correlation between AA dietary intake and BMD in 9664 menopausal women and one significant interaction between effects of AA intake and hormone therapy. These data were also confirmed starting from adolescence (14,566 subjects). Considering studies on AA blood concentration and BMD, there are four (337 patients) that confirm a positive correlation. Regarding studies on supplementation, there were six (2671 subjects), of which one was carried out with AA supplementation exclusively in 994 postmenopausal women with a daily average dose of 745 mg (average period: 12.4 years). BMD values were found to be approximately 3% higher in women who took supplements.

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