One in four Brits lack protection against colds and flu because they are not consuming enough vitamin C, a study suggests.
Experts blamed increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, including ready meals, frozen desserts and fizzy drinks.
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly oranges, peppers and strawberries. Supplements are also available for as little as 5p per daily pill.
It helps to protect cells and keep them healthy, maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage, and promote wound healing
Researchers at Ulster University analysed data from more than 3,500 participants in the UK’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey.
Vitamin C intakes were below recommended levels for 23% of people aged 15 and over, and 11% of children aged 10 and under.
Study author Dr Emily Royle said: “The findings are a cause for concern, highlighting a gap in the consumption of vitamin C-rich foods.
“Only one in ten teenagers and a third of adults are eating the recommended five-a-day of fruit and vegetables., Instead, they rely on alternative sources for their vitamin C such as fortified foods.
“A small glass of 100% orange juice fulfils the daily recommendation for children and adults and never contains added sugar, yet only a third of adults and half of children drink fruit juice regularly.”
Teenagers and adults are thought to get around 65% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods.
They are often lower in nutrients such as vitamin C which are easily destroyed during food processing and storage.
Other sources of vitamin C include broccoli, with one 80g portion providing more than 100% of an adult’s daily recommended intake.
Dr Royle added: “Given vitamin C’s role in supporting immune health, it’s important that people boost their intakes of vitamin C-rich foods and beverages during winter and spring when colds and flu are rife.”
The findings will be presented at the Nutrition Society’s winter conference in London this week.
