How common is vitamin C deficiency in the US?

While deficiency is relatively rare in developed countries due to the availability of fresh produce and the addition of vitamin C to certain foods and supplements, it still affects roughly 7% of adults in the US ( 1 ).

What are the 3 top vitamin deficiencies in the United States?

The graph shows prevalence estimates of nutrition deficiencies among people who live in the U.S. (NHANES 2003-2006). Of all the nutrients listed, the most people had vitamin B6, iron, and vitamin D deficiencies, and the fewest people had vitamin A, vitamin E, and folate deficiencies.

Are vitamin deficiencies rare in the United States?

50 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium. More 50 percent of the general population is vitamin D deficient, regardless of age. 90 percent of Americans of color are vitamin D deficient. Approximately 70 percent of elderly Americans are vitamin D deficient.

What is the US RDA for vitamin C?

RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults 19 years and older is 90 mg daily for men and 75 mg for women. For pregnancy and lactation, the amount increases to 85 mg and 120 mg daily, respectively. Smoking can deplete vitamin C levels in the body, so an additional 35 mg beyond the RDA is suggested for smokers.

How prevalent is scurvy today?

Introduction. Scurvy, while uncommon, still occurs in developed countries despite the widespread availability of vitamins and fortified foods. A vitamin C deficiency prevalence of 10 to 14% in adults was reported in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 1994.

Who is most at risk for vitamin C deficiency?

The most likely people include those with an overall poor diet, with kidney disease who get dialysis, heavy drinkers, and smokers. You’ll need an extra 35 milligrams of vitamin C per day to help repair the damage caused by free radicals that form when you smoke.

What mineral do Americans get too little of?

Potassium. The US Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020 highlights potassium as a nutrient of public health concern because it is underconsumed by Americans (1). US national surveys indicate that the vast majority of the US population do not meet intake recommendations for potassium.

Are most Americans Vitamin D deficiency?

Unfortunately, about 42% of the US population is vitamin D deficient with some populations having even higher levels of deficiency, including premenopausal women, those with poor nutrition habits, people over age 65, Caucasians who avoid even minimal sun exposure, and those who take prescription medication long term …

What mineral deficiency is most common in the United States?

Iodine deficiency Iodine deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies, affecting nearly a third of the world’s population ( 9 , 10 , 11 ).

Is scurvy common in the US?

Vitamin C deficiency may be common in third-world countries due to malnutrition, but it is currently rare in the USA. Initially, nonspecific symptoms like exhaustion and depression may make this disease difficult to diagnose until classical dermatological manifestations appear.