What does this research mean for the field?

Nearly half of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery have low vitamin C levels, highlighting an underrecognized micronutrient vulnerability in this population. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.ESTABLISHES_NEW_DIRECTION.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess perioperative micronutrient status by characterizing the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and hypovitaminosis C among patients undergoing elective major colon resections.

September 8, 2026The American Surgeon

Vitamin C Deficiency: A Nutritional Blind Spot in Colorectal Surgery

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Authors

EMEli Mlaver JGJames Luke Galloway VSVirginia O. Shaffer

Discussion

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Overview

Prospective observational study reveals low vitamin C levels in nearly half of elective colorectal surgery patients, highlighting an overlooked micronutrient vulnerability in recovery pathways.

Key Points

To assess perioperative micronutrient status by characterizing the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and hypovitaminosis C among patients undergoing elective major colon resections.
Conducted a prospective observational study of adults (N=51) undergoing elective major colon resections between June 2023 and May 2025.
Excluded patients taking vitamin C supplements and those undergoing anorectal procedures.
Measured plasma vitamin C concentrations postoperatively.
The mean postoperative plasma vitamin C concentration was 27.8 ± 16.6 μmol/L among 51 patients (mean age 56.8 ± 16.7 years; 84.3% minimally invasive).
Overall, 47.0% (n=24) of patients had low vitamin C status, consisting of 13.7% (n=7) with deficiency and 33.3% (n=17) with hypovitaminosis C.

Cite This Study

Mlaver et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9fd83b58e84d0ff5b479c9 https://doi.org/10.1177/00031348261486934

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September 8, 2026The American Surgeon

Vitamin C Deficiency: A Nutritional Blind Spot in Colorectal Surgery

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

EMEli Mlaver JGJames Luke Galloway VSVirginia O. Shaffer

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Prospective observational study reveals low vitamin C levels in nearly half of elective colorectal surgery patients, highlighting an overlooked micronutrient vulnerability in recovery pathways.

Key Points

To assess perioperative micronutrient status by characterizing the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and hypovitaminosis C among patients undergoing elective major colon resections.
Conducted a prospective observational study of adults (N=51) undergoing elective major colon resections between June 2023 and May 2025.
Excluded patients taking vitamin C supplements and those undergoing anorectal procedures.
Measured plasma vitamin C concentrations postoperatively.
The mean postoperative plasma vitamin C concentration was 27.8 ± 16.6 μmol/L among 51 patients (mean age 56.8 ± 16.7 years; 84.3% minimally invasive).
Overall, 47.0% (n=24) of patients had low vitamin C status, consisting of 13.7% (n=7) with deficiency and 33.3% (n=17) with hypovitaminosis C.

Cite This Study

Mlaver et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9fd83b58e84d0ff5b479c9 https://doi.org/10.1177/00031348261486934

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

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