Abstract
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for humans that has extensive roles in the body and must be consumed by dietary or supplementary intake to avoid deficiency. It is an antioxidant that acts to neutralise free radicals, thereby decreasing oxidative stress which is implicated in a number of different conditions. Thus, requirements for vitamin C can be increased in smoking, obesity, infection and cancer, among others. Vitamin C requirements are also enhanced during pregnancy and lactation due to the needs of the foetus and growing infant. Nurses have an expectation to be able to provide health education to patients and to do so effectively, must be educated themselves about such matters.
The present study explored the NZ publics' consumption of vitamin C and their perceptions of vitamin C in health and disease via a community-based survey, to apply to future nursing practice. The survey was developed by the researchers through Qualtrics.com and distributed via Facebook, Instagram, email and flyers in the community. Results showed some encouraging responses such as the range of diseases and indications that participants reported to require increased vitamin C intake; and the vitamin C dose that the public think should be consumed daily with the most common response being 200mg+. However, the study also highlighted the need for further education, both among the general population and among healthcare practitioners.
Limitations included the survey design, representation among the population and exclusion of topics such as contraindications of vitamin C intake.