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DSM Highlights Global Vitamin C Deficiencies at KAVITA International Seminar

SINGAPORE, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DSM Nutritional Products highlighted worldwide deficiencies in vitamin C[1] and proposed that optimal health benefits can be attained with an increased Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 200mg[2]. The KAVITA International Seminar, held on 25th September 2016, brought together leading researchers on vitamin C, and most of the symposium focused on its applications beyond nutrition.

Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, Senior Vice President, Nutrition Science & Advocacy at DSM, showcased the scientific evidence to advocate for a higher daily intake, and encouraged fellow nutritional and clinical professionals to raise awareness and help overcome the global deficiency challenge.

Vitamin C is shown to keep neutrophils fit to protect the body from infection. Neutrophils -- a group of white blood cells that protect the body from infection -- are shown to improve the function of neutrophils in eliminating pathogens in the body[3]. Dr. Eggersdorfer says: "Vitamin C increases the mobility of these neutrophils, and strengthens the function of the neutrophils to migrate and eliminate pathogens. To promote this function of neutrophils, a daily dose of 200mg of vitamin C is required." He also shared a report that finds that vitamin C reduces the duration, incidence and severity of common colds in adults and children, when taken regularly at 200mg/day or more.[4] He continues: "No drug has a similar benefit like vitamin C, yet intake and status remain low in many population groups."

He described how a large part of vitamin C's contribution to disease prevention and therapeutic use lies in its ability to reduce oxidative stress. Scientific studies have shown that a buildup of oxidative stress may increase the risks of cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, neuronal death and cognitive dysfunction, atherosclerosis, thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

Looking beyond nutritive effects, Dr. Eggersdorfer also presented new science that suggests vitamin C may also play a protective role during some cancer treatments. It can act as a chemoprotectant that can be toxic to some cancer cells but non-toxic to normal cells. A study was conducted where high dosage of intravenous vitamin C was given to patients with cancer over an extended period of time, which improved their overall quality of life. This includes improvements in physical, mental and emotional functions, and a reduction of symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain and appetite loss.

Se-Yeon Park, professor of applied chemistry at Dongduk Women's University shared new information on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vitamin C, as well as new data that provided a deeper understanding of the critical aspects of vitamin C's therapeutic effects. Jae Seung Kang, professor of anatomy and cell biology from the Seoul National University College of Medicine then discussed the regulatory effect of vitamin C on the development and progression of inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Mark A. Levine from the National Institute of Health shared some studies on the levels of ascorbic acid plasma concentrations between using intravenous ascorbic acid and oral doses, and its potential in the treatment of cancer. Dr. Levine's research currently focuses on vitamin C, and how specific vitamin C functions related to nutrient concentration in vitro and in vivo. Many countries base, in large part, their RDAs for vitamin C on his work.

Dr. Chang-Hwan Yeom, chairman of the Korean Association for Vitamin Research, said: "The symposium allowed us to take a comprehensive look at vitamin use in therapy, and demonstrated to us how essential it can be in living a longer, healthier life. With all of the studies and clinical data presented, I am certain that this represents a step forward in vitamin therapy being more seriously considered for use in disease prevention and therapeutic use."

[1] Lykkesfeldt og Poulsen, Brit. J. Nutr. (2010)
[2] http://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/pdf/Nutrition_Book_complete508_final.pdf
[3] J Schwager, A Bompard, P Weber, D Raederstorff; Mol Nutr Food Res (2015) 59:1513-1523
[4] Hemila H., Chalker E.: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013

DSM -- Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM's 24,500 employees deliver annual net sales of around €10 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext.

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This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to DSM's future (financial) performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM and information currently available to the company. DSM cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance and position to differ materially from these statements. DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. The English language version of the press release is leading. Although DSM has used diligent care to ensure that the information provided herein is accurate and up to date, this publication does not constitute or provide scientific or medical advice and is distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressly or implied.


Source: DSM Nutritional Products Asia Pacific
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