ASCORBIC ACID STATUS IN DIFFERENT POPULATION CATEGORIES DURING THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Our study aimed to examine the ascorbic acid (AA) status of the Ukrainian population during wartime conditions. Ascorbic acid is one of the most essential vitamins in human nutrition. It possesses antioxidant properties and plays a vital role in maintaining bodily functions. Materials and methods. A total of 408 individuals were surveyed, including 234 local residents, 66 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 108 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). AA levels were assessed using a lingual assay with the Tillman's reagent. Statistical methods were employed for data analysis. Results. A statistically significant difference was found in AA saturation levels among local residents with normal AA levels compared to local residents with insufficiency and deficiency, IDPs with insufficiency, IDPs with deficiency, and AFU servicemen with insufficiency and deficiency. Significant differences in AA saturation were also observed between local residents with insufficiency and deficiency, IDPs with normal levels versus those with deficiency, and AFU servicemen with insufficiency and deficiency. The prevalence of AA deficiency among local residents was significantly higher compared to IDPs with normal levels or insufficiency and AFU servicemen with insufficiency. The number of IDPs with normal AA levels was significantly greater compared to those with insufficiency and deficiency, as well as AFU servicemen with insufficiency and deficiency. Significant differences were observed in the frequency of insufficiency among IDPs compared to those with deficiency, AFU servicemen with normal AA levels, and those with deficiency. The AA saturation rate in the IDP group with deficiency was significantly lower compared to the group of AFU servicemen with normal levels or deficiency. The prevalence of normal AA levels in AFU servicemen was considerably higher compared to those with insufficiency or deficiency in this category. Conclusions. The results of our study highlight a predominant deficiency of AA among internally displaced persons compared to local residents and AFU servicemen. The AA status of AFU servicemen did not differ significantly from that of residents in the Poltava region.