Lee Swanson Research Update

Vitamin C and Dairy Linked to Less Abdominal Weight

December 2007

A new study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition suggests an increased intake of vitamin C and dairy could reduce the accumulation of weight around the abdomen, an area of concern that appears to increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

In the study, over 900 Iranian women aged 40 to 60 years were found to have more central fat accumulation if their intakes of vitamin C, calcium and dairy are low. Low vitamin C intake was associated with a 131% increase in probability of central fat accumulation, while low calcium increased the probability by 30%.

Leila Azadbakht and Ahmad Esmaillzadeh from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran used a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire to evaluate dietary intakes. They report that the possibility of being centrally obese was increased in women with low vitamin C intakes (less than 56 mg), low calcium intakes (less than 398 mg) and low dairy consumption. Other factors found to adversely affect weight around the waist were depression, smoking and menopause.

In terms of the mechanism or mechanisms behind the apparent benefits of the nutrients, the researchers state that both the vitamin and calcium have been reported to reduce fat absorption and may reduce abdominal adiposity.

Public Health Nutrition: Published online ahead of print

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