Megadosage of ascorbic acid in an Antarctic expedition

• Published in: British Journal of Nutrition
• Main Author: Gormly, P. J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1977
• Subjects: Nutrition and Dietetics; Medicine (miscellaneous); Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/bjn19770028; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0007114577000968

1. No difference in health was observed between men on megadosage of ascorbic acid and controls during the year of an Antarctic expedition. 2. All men appeared to have a satisfactory intake of ascorbic acid throughout the year. 3. There was a statistically significant decrease in excretion of ascorbic acid by men on megadosage over the year, and by the controls. 4. The decline in excretion by the control group may be explained by dietary change, but the decline in those on megadosage may be due to altered handling of ascorbic acid by the body. 5. No complications due to megadosage of ascorbic acid were observed.