Awareness of Vitamin-C Rich Foods Among South Indian Population: A Survey
Author(s): Jagadheeswari Ramamoorthy, Vishnu Priya V* and Gayathri R
Abstract
Vitamin-C also known as Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin-C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent our teeth from loosening. People with adequate levels of Vitamin-C are considered to repel infections compared to people with Vitamin-C deficiency as it plays a major role in the immunity of an individual. It is therefore important to include plenty of Vitamin-C-containing foods in your daily diet. The aim of the study is to create awareness on Vitamin-C rich foods and its role in oral cavity among the South Indian population. This is a survey based study and was conducted on an online forum, Survey Planet. A questionnaire with 10 questions was circulated among South Indians. The responses and the demofigureic details of the participants were collected . The data was summarised as percentage using Excel and SPSS. The statistical tests used were Chi square tests and correlation analysis. p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. From the study it is clear that 90% of them are aware of sources of Vitamin-C and only 78% of the population are aware of the health benefits of Vitamin-C. 37% of the participants were aware of the daily requirements of Vitamin-C. The study shows that only 24% of people have taken Vitamin-C supplements. 77% of them consume Vitamin- C foods once daily whereas 18% of them take twice daily. Only 57% of people are aware that deficiency of Vitamin-C causes Scurvy or bleeding gums. 52% of them are aware that Vitamin-C boosts our immunity and 52% of the population are aware that Vitamin-C prevents Cardiovascular disease. Awareness of Vitamin-C among males was slightly higher than that of females. Within the limits of the study we observed that awareness on Vitamin-C rich foods is present among the study population. Knowledge and awareness of Vitamin-C requirements and benefits is essential for a healthy living. As a Dental professional, providing patient education programs that stress the importance of good nutrition and selection of a well-balanced diet, are simple measures that will benefit the community.