Journal of Dental Research, Vol 65, 131-134, Copyright © 1986 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Response of lingual ascorbic acid test and salivary ascorbate levels to changes in ascorbic acid intake
P. J. Leggott, P. B. Robertson, D. L. Rothman, P. A. Murray and R. A. Jacob
This study sought to determine whether the lingual ascorbic acid test
(LAAT) and measurement of salivary ascorbate reflect plasma and leukocyte
ascorbate levels during controlled periods of ascorbic acid depletion and
supplementation. Eleven healthy non-smoking men, aged 19-28 years, ate a
diet that was repeated every seven days and was adequate in all nutrients
except ascorbic acid (AA). This basal diet, which provided less than 5 mg
of AA per day, was supplemented with 60 mg of AA per day for two weeks, 0
mg (placebo) per day for four weeks, 600 mg per day for three weeks, and 0
mg per day for four weeks. Oral examinations, the lingual ascorbic acid
test, and measurement of salivary, plasma, and leukocyte ascorbate
concentrations were conducted throughout the study. Ascorbic acid
concentrations in plasma and leukocytes responded rapidly to changes in
vitamin C intake. LAAT-derived ascorbate values were unrelated to ascorbic
acid intake and plasma and leukocyte ascorbate concentrations. Salivary
ascorbate levels approached the lower limits of detection of the assay and
remained constant throughout the investigation. Oral hygiene was
consistently excellent, and no severe mucosal or periodontal changes were
observed. It was concluded that lingual ascorbic acid test values and
salivary ascorbate levels are not related to changes in ascorbic acid
intake and are not consistent with plasma or leukocyte ascorbate
concentrations.
