Purpose:A subnormal status of vitamin C has been associated with an increased risk for several malignant diseases and may play a causative role in their development. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this occurs also in neoplasms of the colon.METHODS:We have studied dietary intake and status of vitamin C in a consecutive group of patients with adenomatous colonic polyps (n=31) and compared it with that of patients with no such history and a normal colonic mucosa, as confirmed by colonoscopy (n=54).RESULTS:Dietary intake of this vitamin, as assessed by the dietary recall method, was similar in the two groups, as were the levels of vitamin C in plasma and leukocytes. There were no significant differences in intake of dietary fiber, fat, vitamin A, or calcium between the two groups. Lack of association between vitamin C intake or status and colonic polyps persisted after adjustment for potential confounders.CONCLUSION:We conclude that in this population, a deficient status of vitamin C is not an important factor in colonic neoplasia.