A dietary modelling approach to examine the impact on vitamin C intakes in the United Kingdom with varying consumption of fruit juice

Abstract

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) has many important roles in maintaining health and preventing disease. As a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be synthesized endogenously or stored, therefore must be obtained regularly in sufficient amounts from the diet. The present study examined vitamin C intakes and contributors in a United Kingdom population and used dietary modelling to examine the impact of adding or replacing fruit juice (FJ) on vitamin C intakes in participants within the United Kingdom National Diet and Nutrition survey (NDNS 2016–2019; n = 3,558). Results indicated that 40% of this population consumed FJ which contributed to 25% of vitamin C intakes across all ages. Vitamin C from foods and drinks typically exceeded Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI) (30–40 mg/day), although <10% of the population fell below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and <2% were below lower RNI (LRNI). Theoretical modelling showed that increasing numbers of FJ consumers would increase mean intakes of vitamin C. However, a greater effect on the proportion meeting Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for vitamin C was observed by broadening FJ consumption rather than by increasing the amounts consumed by existing consumers. This also had a minimal impact on free sugar intakes. Therefore encouraging more people to include a one daily 150 mL serving of FJ in their diet (as opposed to suggesting increased intake within current consumers), would positively impact on vitamin C intakes within the United Kingdom population, whilst also helping to achieve the national “5-a-day” recommendation via a convenient, accessible dietary choice.