Is Low-Carb Eating Increasing Scurvy?

The Study Details continued...

Seniors are most likely to purchase and use vitamin supplements, notes Johnston. "Vitamin C consistently ranks as one of the most frequently purchased supplements," she writes.

"We showed that individuals who did not use supplements in the previous month had a greatly increased risk of vitamin C deficiency," she notes. "For many years, physicians, dietitians, and other health professionals have hesitated to discuss vitamin supplements with patients."

Seniors are also more likely to take their medicine with orange juice," says Zanecosky. "A lot of seniors buy fortified orange juice, which has vitamins C, E, D, and calcium added. Children are getting juices fortified with vitamin C."

How often does she have to say it? "Eat fruits and vegetables! We always encourage people to eat a variety. If all you eat is an apple, you won't get vitamin C."

Potatoes are low in fat and calories. "The problem is what people put on top of the potato," Zanecosky tells WebMD. "Salsa adds vitamin C, and is a low-fat, low-cal alternative to sour cream, margarine, or butter. Salsa even counts as an extra vegetable! Broccoli also has vitamin C. Broccoli with cheddar cheese over a potato -- you get calcium, vitamin C -- a lunchtime meal."

Also, ample amounts of vitamin C are found in:

• Guava
• Papaya
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Orange juice
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Cantaloupe
• Grapefruit
• Pineapple
• Potatoes
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Peppers

Zanecosky advises eating foods rather than relying on supplements. "The foods have many more other vitamins and minerals that you don't get in a pill," she notes. "They're low in calories, low in fat, and fill you up. Don't tell me you can't find food on this list that's good."