Vitamin C intake and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#ascorbic-acid #cardiovascular-diseases #dietary-supplements #humans #meta-analysis-as-topic

Vitamin C intake and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Xu et al., 2022 | Int J Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Xu Kedi, Peng Rui, ... Song Chunhua. Vitamin C intake and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2022-Aug;73(5):588-599. doi:10.1080/09637486.2022.2048359

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to assess the existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses for the association between vitamin C intake and multiple health outcomes. A total of 76 meta-analyses (51 papers) of randomised controlled trials and observational studies with 63 unique health outcomes were identified. Dose-response analysis showed that vitamin C intake was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer with an increment of 50-100 mg per day. Beneficial associations were also identified for respiratory, neurological, ophthalmologic, musculoskeletal, renal and dental outcomes. Harmful associations were found for breast cancer and kidney stones for vitamin C supplement intake. The benefits of vitamin C intake outweigh the disadvantages for a range of health outcomes. However, the recommendation of vitamin C supplements needs to be cautious. More prospective studies and well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed.

Key Findings

More prospective studies and well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed.

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Nutritional Status
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09