A cross-sectional study to evaluate hypovitaminosis C prevalence and risk factors in an acute geriatric unit in Lyon, France: the HYPO-VIT-C protocol

Introduction Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient playing crucial roles in human biology. Hypovitaminosis C is defined by a plasmatic ascorbemia below 23 µmol/L and is associated with numerous outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers or neurocognitive disorders. Numerous risk factors are common among older adults making them particularly susceptible to hypovitaminosis C. These risk factors include reduced vitamin intakes, higher vitamin metabolism related to polypathology, and iatrogeny because of polypharmacy. However, the precise prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and its risk factors are poorly documented within the geriatric population. A better knowledge of hypovitaminosis C prevalence and risk factor may lead to improving the vitamin C status among older people and prevent its consequences. Method and analysis To answer these questions, we designed a monocentric cross-sectional study in a population of older hospitalised patients in Lyon, France. A sample size of 385 patients was needed to estimate hypovitaminosis C prevalence. The study was proposed to all eligible patient aged more than 75 years old entering the participating acute geriatric unit. The plasmatic vitamin C status was systematically assessed for participating patients, and variables part of the medical and geriatric evaluation were collected. For patients with severe vitamin C depletion, an oral supplementation and a follow-up phone call were organised to ensure treatment completion and tolerance. Ethics and dissemination The protocol has been approved by an independent national ethics committee and meets the methodological requirements. Final outcomes will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through conferences. Trial registration number NCT05668663 .