How Do Genes Influence Your Vitamin C Needs?
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How Do Genes Influence Your Vitamin C Needs?
Date of Content: November 24, 2023
Written by: Avanthika Nityanand
Reviewed by: Maarit Tiirikainen, PhD
Overview
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble nutrient and powerful antioxidant. It plays a crucial role in several bodily functions:
Immune Function
Vitamin C supports the immune system by stimulating the production and function of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant.
Collagen Synthesis
Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis, healthy skin, wound healing, and maintaining the integrity of connective tissues.
Antioxidant Function
As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps combat free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Iron Absorption
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, the form of iron found in plant-based foods, which is critical for preventing anemia among vegetarians.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 90mg for men and 75 mg per day for women. However, for women, the need increases to 85 mg during pregnancy and 120 mg while breastfeeding.
While vitamin C is generally safe, excessive intake (usually from supplements, not food) can lead to adverse effects like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. The upper limit for adults is 2,000 mg per day. Taking too much over a prolonged period can lead to more health issues.
Vitamin C intake depends on age, sex, and specific health conditions. Adhering to the recommended dietary allowances through a balanced diet or standard supplements is sufficient and safe.
Genetics Of Vitamin C Needs
Before we get into the genetics of vitamin C status, it is essential to understand how the body absorbs it.
Vitamin C absorption in the body primarily occurs in the small intestine through a mechanism involving sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT1 and SVCT2). SVCT1, located in the small intestine, is responsible for the uptake of vitamin C from dietary sources. Once absorbed, vitamin C moves via the bloodstream to various tissues, where SVCT2 aids cell uptake.
The body regulates vitamin C absorption, and its efficiency can decrease as intake increases, meaning that very high doses are not effectively absorbed. Excess vitamin C gets excreted in the urine.
Genetics in Vitamin C Bioavailability
SLC23A1
The SLC23A1 gene encodes the SVCT1 protein. Predominantly located in the epithelial cells of the small intestine and kidneys, SVCT1 plays a vital role in absorbing vitamin C from dietary sources and reabsorbing it from the kidneys, thus regulating its levels in the body.
In 2010, a two-stage study evaluated the connection between genetic variations in the SLC23A1 gene and the levels of l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the bloodstream. The first stage used the British Women’s Heart and Health Study as the discovery cohort, followed by a series of follow-up cohorts. The second stage was a meta-analysis that included a total of 15,087 participants.
The study found that a specific genetic variant, rs33972313 (C/T), located in the SLC23A1 gene (which encodes a vitamin C transporter), is associated with lower levels of l-ascorbic acid in the blood. Each additional copy of the minor allele (T) was linked to a decrease in l-ascorbic acid levels by approximately 5.98 μmol/L.
The significance of the rs33972313 variant in plasma vitamin C levels was further confirmed in a 2021 GWAS.
SLC23A2
The SLC23A2 gene encodes the SVCT2 protein. This transporter is expressed in almost all body tissues, particularly in areas with high metabolic activity, like the brain, eyes, and adrenal glands. SVCT2 ensures the delivery of vitamin C to these essential tissues, supporting its role in antioxidant protection and enzyme function.
In a 2011 case-control study conducted in the Mediterranean population, researchers identified a significant association between the rs1279386 (A>G) SNP in the SLC23A2 gene and the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
In their analysis, individuals homozygous for the G allele (GG) showed a higher risk of developing POAG when compared to other genotypes. Additionally, the study found that POAG patients generally had lower plasma vitamin C levels than control subjects.
Other Genes
In a 2021 GWAS, the researchers found a significant genetic association involving the SLC23A3 gene on chromosome 2. This gene encodes the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 3 (SVCT3), which is part of the same transporter family as SLC23A1. The SNP rs13028225 displayed a strong association with plasma vitamin C levels.
SVCT3 has a largely unknown functional role. However, existing evidence indicates that SVCT3 is primarily expressed in the kidneys. It suggests that genetic variations in SLC23A3 could influence circulating vitamin C levels by impacting renal function and consequently affecting vitamin C reabsorption in the kidneys.
The study also uncovered other candidate SNPs affecting vitamin C levels:
- RER1: The rs6693447 variant in the RER1 gene, encoding the retention in endoplasmic reticulum sorting receptor 1, showed a significant association with vitamin C metabolism.
- GSTA5: The rs7740812 variant in the GSTA5 gene, encoding glutathione S-transferase α 5.
- SNRPF: The rs117885456 variant in the SNRPF gene, encoding small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide F.
- CHPT1: The variant rs2559850 in the CHPT1 gene encodes choline phosphotransferase 1.
- BCAS3: The rs9895661 variant in the BCAS3 gene, encoding microtubule-associated cell migration factor.
Non-Genetic Factors Affecting Vitamin C Levels
Diet: We get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, with some of the richest sources being citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, bell peppers, and dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. Notably, the vitamin C content in food can be reduced by prolonged storage and cooking, as vitamin C is water-soluble and sensitive to heat. Eating fresh and minimally cooked fruits and vegetables maximizes vitamin C intake.
Age and Gender: Vitamin C requirements vary across different ages and genders. For instance, infants have lower needs, while pregnant and breastfeeding women require higher amounts. Men generally require slightly more vitamin C than women. As people age, their ability to absorb vitamin C can decrease, potentially increasing their need for this nutrient.
Lifestyle Habits: Smoking significantly increases oxidative stress and metabolic demand for antioxidants. Hence, smokers require more vitamin C than non-smokers. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can impair the body’s ability to absorb and store vitamin C. It leads to reduced vitamin C levels.
Health Conditions: Certain illnesses, particularly those causing inflammation or fever, can increase the body’s need for vitamin C. Stress, both physical and emotional, elevates cortisol levels, which can deplete vitamin C stores. Chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, may also increase the demand for vitamin C due to heightened oxidative stress.
Medications: Some medications, including certain types of birth control and aspirin, can lower vitamin C levels in the body. Diuretics, used for high blood pressure, increase the excretion of vitamin C, potentially leading to lower levels.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants and toxins, such as cigarette smoke (even second-hand) and heavy metals, can increase oxidative stress in the body, thereby increasing the need for vitamin C. Urban environments with higher pollution levels might contribute to a greater demand for antioxidants, including vitamin C, compared to less polluted areas.
Recommendations To Improve Vitamin C Levels
To improve vitamin C levels, consider these recommendations:
- Increase Dietary Intake: Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C into your diet. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach are excellent sources.
- Opt for Raw or Lightly Cooked Foods: Since vitamin C is sensitive to heat, light, and air, eat fruits and vegetables raw or cook them lightly to preserve their vitamin C content.
- Regular Supplementation: If dietary intake is insufficient, consider vitamin C supplements. It’s essential to stick to the recommended dosages unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly depletes vitamin C levels. Quitting smoking can help improve these levels. Smokers generally require higher amounts of vitamin C.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol can impair vitamin C absorption. Moderating alcohol intake can help maintain adequate vitamin C levels.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can deplete vitamin C levels. Doing stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies can be beneficial.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Some health conditions and medications can affect Vitamin C levels. Regular check-ups can help manage these factors effectively.
- Awareness of Environmental Factors: Be mindful of environmental pollutants and minimize exposure. You may want to consider using air purifiers, face masks, and ensuring adequate ventilation.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932#:~:text=Vitamin%20C%20is%20an%20antioxidant,X%2Drays%20or%20other%20sources.
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/#:~:text=RDA%3A%20The%20Recommended%20Dietary%20Allowance,RDA%20is%20suggested%20for%20smokers.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523019160
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7783939/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3236071/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7783939/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/
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