Effects of Vitamin C on High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Vitamin C in disease prevention and cure: an overview

The recognition of vitamin C is associated with a history of an unrelenting search for the cause of the ancient haemorrhagic disease scurvy. Isolated in 1928, vitamin C is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissues. It plays an important role in bone formation, wound healing and the maintenance of healthy gums. Vitamin C plays an important role in a number of metabolic functions including the activation of the B vitamin, folic acid, the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and the conversion of the amino acid, tryptophan, to the neurotransmitter, serotonin. It is an antioxidant that protects body from free radical damage. It is used as therapeutic agent in many diseases and disorders. Vitamin C protects the immune system, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps to fight off infections. However the significance and beneficial effect of vitamin C in respect to human disease such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and metal toxicity however remains equivocal. Thus further continuous uninterrupted efforts may open new vistas to understand its significance in disease management.

Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin C has been shown to be an effective therapeutic for reducing total serum cholesterol, but epidemiologic studies have determined that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are actually better predictive measures of coronary heart disease risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

Thirteen randomized controlled trials published between 1970 and June 2007 were identified using Medline and a manual search. From the 13 trials, 14 separate group populations with hypercholesterolemia and who were supplemented with at least 500 mg/d of vitamin C for between 3 and 24 weeks were entered into the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis used a random-effects model; and the overall effect sizes were calculated for changes in LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as triglyceride concentrations.

RESULTS

The pooled estimate of effect for vitamin C supplementation on LDL and HDL cholesterol was -7.9 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], -12.3 to -3.5; P = .000) and 1.1 mg/dL (95% CI, -0.2 to 2.3; not significant), respectively. The pooled estimate of effect for vitamin C supplementation on triglycerides was -20.1 mg/dL (95% CI, -33.3 to -6.8; P < .003).

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with at least 500 mg/d of vitamin C, for a minimum of 4 weeks, can result in a significant decrease in serum LDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. However, there was a nonsignificant elevation of serum HDL cholesterol.

The Impact of Vitamins and/or Mineral Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The present study designed to assess the effect of Mg+Zn, vitamin C+E, and combination of these micronutrients on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 69 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided into four groups, each group receiving one of the following daily supplement for three months; group M: 200 mg Mg and 30 mg Zn (n = 16), group V: 200 mg vitamin C and 150 mg vitamin E (n = 18), group MV: minerals plus vitamins (n = 17), group P: placebo (n = 18). Blood pressure was measured at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Treatment effects were analyzed by general linear modeling.

RESULTS

Results indicate that after three months of supplementation levels of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure decreased significantly in the MV group by 8 mmHg (122 +/- 16 vs. 130 +/- 19 mmHg), 6 mmHg (77 +/- 9 vs. 83 +/- 11 mmHg), and 7 mmHg (92 +/- 9 vs. 99 +/- 13 mmHg), respectively (p < 0.05). Also combination of vitamin and mineral supplementation had significantly effects in increasing serum potassium (p < 0.05) and in decreasing serum malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in the levels of these parameters in the other three groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that in type 2 diabetic patients a combination of vitamins and minerals, rather than vitamin C and E or Mg and Zn, might decrease blood pressure.

Age-related macular degeneration and nutritional supplementation: a review of randomised controlled trials

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in the developed world. The lack of effective treatment modalities, coupled with evidence supporting an oxidative pathogenesis, has increased interest in the potential preventative role of nutritional supplementation. This article reviews seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that have investigated the role of nutritional supplementation in AMD. Three of these trials reported a positive effect of nutritional supplementation on AMD; the Age-related eye study (AREDS), the Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial (LAST), and the oral zinc trial by Newsome et al. (1988). However, the oral zinc trial by Newsome et al. (1988) was unlikely to detect any difference between treatments smaller than 72%, and the AREDS results were based on a subgroup of their study population. Lutein was considered for the AREDS formulation, but was not commercially available at that time. The findings of the LAST support a possible therapeutic role of lutein in AMD.

La nutrición: un aspecto importante en la calidad de vida de la mujer

La 53ª sesión de la Comisión de Derechos Humanos, incluía en su preámbulo el derecho a un nivel de vida adecuado, incluyendo la alimentación. Desde hace años existe una gran preocupación por los organismos internacionales en relación con la producción de alimentos, por la gravedad y extensión del problema y su impacto económico. La accesibilidad de los alimentos está determinada por la existencia de los mismos y las posibilidades de adquisición. Algunos malos resultados perinatales son producto de una dieta insuficiente y desequilibrada, que puede corregirse utilizando la educación nutricional y la promoción social, analizando los hábitos alimentarios, los alimentos disponibles y su accesibilidad. Los esfuerzos para la solución de este problema están relacionados con la seguridad alimentaria y la presión social que se ejerza para lograr la posibilidad de un desarrollo armónico a escala mundial.

Relationship of serum antioxidant vitamins to serum creatinine in the US population

Several small clinical studies have reported that serum vitamin A levels were higher but serum vitamin C levels were lower among patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the relationship of antioxidant vitamins to renal function has not been studied in the general population. We examined the relationship of serum antioxidant vitamin levels to serum creatinine levels and risk for hypercreatininemia in a representative sample of 6,629 non-Hispanic whites, 4,411 non-Hispanic blacks, and 4,480 Mexican Americans aged 18 years or older who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Serum antioxidant vitamins were measured by isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography, and serum creatinine levels, by the modified kinetic Jaffé method. Serum vitamin A level was positively and significantly associated with serum creatinine level, whereas serum vitamin C level was inversely and significantly associated with serum creatinine level. A one-SD higher level of serum vitamin A (16.9 microg/dL) was associated with a 2.53-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.96 to 3.27; P < 0.001), 2.07-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.84 to 2.33; P < 0.001), and 2.76-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.74 to 4.37; P < 0.001) greater risk for hypercreatininemia among non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans, respectively. A one-SD higher serum vitamin C level (0.45 mg/dL) was associated with a 22% (95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.35; P = 0.01) and 42% (95% confidence interval, 0.08 to 0.62; P = 0.02) lower risk for hypercreatininemia in non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans. Our study provides useful information to support the hypothesis that antioxidant vitamins may have an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic renal failure.

Hyperglycemia-induced ascorbic acid deficiency promotes endothelial dysfunction and the development of atherosclerosis

Dehydroascorbic acid, the oxidized form of vitamin C, is transported into mammalian cells via facilitative glucose transporters and hyperglycemia inhibits this process by competitive inhibition. This inhibited transport may promote oxidative stress and contribute to the increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease observed in patients with diabetes mellitus. This review explores the importance of this proposed mechanism in light of current research. For example, recent reports suggest that administration of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may slow atherogenesis by improving endothelium-dependent vasodilation in individuals with abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, perhaps by preventing the oxidation of nitric oxide, an important regulator of vasomotor tone. Endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis and endothelial cells may be particularly affected by hyperglycemia-induced ascorbic acid deficiency as they line the interior of blood vessels. In addition, we discuss evidence of several other mechanisms by which vitamin C status may affect the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly its inverse relationship to multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors and indicators. Given these factors, vitamin C administration is recommended during periods of both acute and chronic hyperglycemia to help preserve endothelial function.

Natural electrophoresis of norepinephrine and ascorbic acid

The electric field produced by cell membranes, extending only a few nanometers, is 1000 times stronger than the electric fields required to produce dissociation of molecular complexes. Using the complex formed by norepinephrine (NE) and ascorbic acid (AA), we have demonstrated the quantitative binding of AA to NE, the use of capillary electrophoresis to measure quantitative binding of nonelectrolyte complexes, the determination of a dissociation constant (Kd) from electric field-dissociation constants (Ke), and a model for natural dissociation of the NE-AA complex due to the electric field generated by a cell membrane. NE-AA dissociation constants show little effect of NE concentration or pH changes. NE-related compounds also bind AA: epinephrine > norepinephrine > tyrosine > histamine > phenylalanine. Serotonin does not bind AA. Phosphorylated AA and glucose also bind NE at 0.05 and 0.08 of the AA binding, respectively. Natural electrophoresis of molecular complexes allows compounds to travel through the body in a protected state and still be available for physiological activity upon reaching a membrane.

Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans

The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C for adult nonsmoking men and women is 60 mg/d, which is based on a mean requirement of 46 mg/d to prevent the deficiency disease scurvy. However, recent scientific evidence indicates that an increased intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cataract, probably through antioxidant mechanisms. It is likely that the amount of vitamin C required to prevent scurvy is not sufficient to optimally protect against these diseases. Because the RDA is defined as "the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all healthy individuals in a group," it is appropriate to reevaluate the RDA for vitamin C. Therefore, we reviewed the biochemical, clinical, and epidemiologic evidence to date for a role of vitamin C in chronic disease prevention. The totality of the reviewed data suggests that an intake of 90-100 mg vitamin C/d is required for optimum reduction of chronic disease risk in nonsmoking men and women. This amount is about twice the amount on which the current RDA for vitamin C is based, suggesting a new RDA of 120 mg vitamin C/d.

Rationale and design of the Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial (ADMIT) pilot study

The primary objectives of the pilot study were to: (1) evaluate the feasibility of recruiting patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD); (2) measure the efficacy and safety of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-raising treatment, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering therapy, antioxidant therapy, antithrombotic therapy, and their combinations; and (3) assess adherence to a complex multiple drug regimen. Secondary objectives included measurement of the effect of the interventions on prespecified biochemical markers, maintenance of therapy masking (in particular with niacin), and measurement of the intervention's impact on functional status and on quality of life. To date, no secondary prevention trial has been conducted specifically among patients with PAD. Intermittent claudication affects about 0.5% to 1.0% of persons aged >35 years. There is a striking increase in incidence of PAD with age, particularly among those aged >50 years in both sexes, although men are twice as likely as women to develop PAD. The Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial was a double-blind randomized pilot trial of 468 participants with documented PAD. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of 3 interventions. The pilot incorporated several major novel design features: first, the use of a simple noninvasive method (measurement of ankle brachial index) to identify a population with either symptomatic or asymptomatic PAD; and second, a lipid modifying strategy to increase HDL with nicotinic acid in the intervention group while lowering LDL levels equally with an hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor as needed in the intervention and control group. Two other arms, the antioxidant arm (consisting of beta-carotene and vitamins E and C) and the antithrombotic arm (using warfarin) were also added. Adherence to therapy was measured by pill count, and success in treatment was measured by the proportion of values in target range for HDL, LDL, and the international normalized ratio.

Relationships between the development of biological risk factors for coronary heart disease and lifestyle parameters during adolescence: The Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between the longitudinal development of biological risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) (namely, serum lipids, body fatness, blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness) and the development of lifestyles considered to be atherogenic. The study was conducted in a representative sample of adolescents from Northern Ireland, a region of high coronary mortality, and atherogenic aspects of lifestyle such as cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and selected aspects of diet were examined. Repeated measurements were made at 12 and 15 y of age on 229 boys and 230 girls. Longitudinal relations were analysed with generalised estimating equations, and the following longitudinal relations were found: for boys diastolic blood pressure was positively associated with vitamin C intake (P = 0.014), and inversely with energy intake (P = 0.006), and smoking (P = 0.048). Systolic blood pressure was inversely related to physical activity (P = 0.012), and smoking (P = 0.000). Body fatness was also inversely related to smoking (P = 0.006). Total cholesterol (TC) was positively related to physical activity (P = 0.044) and the TC:HDL cholesterol ratio positively to vitamin C intake (P = 0.008). Cardiorespiratory fitness was positively related to physical activity (P = 0.000) and inversely to smoking (P = 0.031). For girls, systolic blood pressure was positively related to vitamin C intake (P = 0.042); HDL cholesterol inversely to carbohydrate intake (P = 0.014), fat intake (P = 0.031), cholesterol intake (P = 0.042) and smoking (P = 0.035) and positively to energy intake (P = 0.035). The TC:HDL cholesterol ratio was inversely related to energy intake (P = 0.038) and finally, cardiorespiratory fitness positively to physical activity (P = 0.001). These results offer additional evidence that changes in lifestyle are associated with changes in biological risk factors in adolescents. Education and intervention at this stage, particularly in relation to cigarette smoking, physical activity and certain aspects of diet appear justified as part of a preventative strategy for CHD.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors are lower in African-American vegans compared to lacto-ovo-vegetarians

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to determine if African-American strict vegetarians (vegans) exhibit lower blood pressure (BP) and a more favorable serum lipid profile than their lacto-ovo vegetarian (LOV) counterparts, and if plasma ascorbic acid (AA) concentrations could explain any group differences in these cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

METHODS

Habitual dietary intake, anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, and blood lipids and ascorbic acid concentrations were determined in African-American study participants (male vegans, n = 14, age = 45.6 years; male LOV, n = 49, age = 49.8; female vegans, n = 31, age = 51.1, female LOV, n = 94, age = 52.1) recruited from Seventh-Day Adventist Churches in several cities in the northeastern United States.

RESULTS

Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the vegans (24.7 +/- 1.9 kg/m2) compared to LOV (26.4 +/- 0.45 kg/m2). There were no diet or gender differences in BP. Serum total cholesterol (3.75 +/- 0.12 vs. 4.51 +/- 0.10 mmol/L), LDL-cholesterol (2.06 +/- 0.13 vs. 2.65 +/- 0.09 mmol/l), and triglycerides (0.94 +/- 0.07 vs. 1.17 +/- 0.04 mmol/L) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in vegans compared to LOV, but there were no dietary group differences in HDL-C. The ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in vegans than in LOV (3.0 +/- 0.13 vs. 3.7 +/- 0.13). There were no dietary group differences in plasma AA concentrations. However, in the entire sample, plasma AA was inversely associated with BP (SBP: r = -0.46, p < 0.001, DBP: r = -0.32, p < 0.001), but unrelated to the serum lipid concentrations.

CONCLUSION

African-American vegans exhibit a more favorable serum lipid profile than lacto-ovo-vegatarians and plasma AA is inversely related to BP in African-American vegetarians but does not explain any of the differences in CVD risk factors between vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians.

The effects of aging and calorie restriction on plasma nutrient levels in male and female Emory mice

We examined the effect of diet, age (4.5, 13 and 23 months), and sex on plasma levels of retinol, tocopherol, ascorbate, cholesterol, glucose and glycohemoglobin in male and female Emory mice which were fed control (C) and 50% calorie restricted (R) diets. Results showed that C fed animals tended to have higher levels of plasma ascorbate (50-71%), cholesterol (23-71%), glucose (38-81%) and glycohemoglobin (50%). However, these diet differences varied with the age and sex of the animals. Plasma retinol levels were lower only in R males vs. C males (50%). Novel sex-related differences in levels of plasma retinol (2-fold higher in C male mice than in C or R female mice) are described. Aging was associated with trends towards lower levels of plasma ascorbate (14-25%), glucose (34-36%) and glycohemoglobin (47-57%) from 4.5 to 23 months of age. However, these age differences depended upon the diet and sex of the animals. These data suggest that lower plasma levels of glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and cholesterol may be causally related to the life extension noted in R animals since elevated levels of these moieties have been related to aging. Since oxidative stress is thought to be causally related to aging it appears unlikely that retinol, tocopherol and ascorbate are causally related to R-induced life-extension.

Hyperglycemia-induced latent scurvy and atherosclerosis: the scorbutic-metaplasia hypothesis

Latent scurvy is characterized by a reversible atherosclerosis that closely resembles the clinical form of this disease. Acute scurvy is characterized by microvascular complications such as widespread capillary hemorrhaging. Vitamin C (ascorbate) is required for the synthesis of collagen, the protein most critical in the maintenance of vascular integrity. We suggest that in latent scurvy, large blood vessels use modified LDL--in particular lipoprotein(a)--in addition to collagen to maintain macrovascular integrity. By this mechanism, collagen is spared for the maintenance of capillaries, the sites of gas and nutrient exchange. The foam-cell phenotype of atherosclerosis is identified as a mesenchymal genetic program, regulated by the availability of ascorbate. When vitamin C is limited, foam cells develop and induce oxidative modification of LDL, thereby stabilizing large blood vessels via the deposition of LDL. The structural similarity between vitamin C and glucose suggests that hyperglycemia will inhibit cellular uptake of ascorbate, inducing local vitamin C deficiency.

Effect of antioxidant-rich foods on plasma ascorbic acid, cardiac enzyme, and lipid peroxide levels in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a fat- and energy-reduced diet rich in antioxidant vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and soluble dietary fiber reduces free-radical stress and cardiac enzyme level and increases plasma ascorbic acid level 1 week after acute myocardial infarction.

DESIGN

Randomized, single blind, controlled study.

SETTING

Primary- and secondary-care research center for patients with myocardial infarction.

SUBJECTS

All subjects with suspected acute myocardial infarction (n = 505) were considered for entry to the study. Subjects with definite or possible acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina (according to World Health Organization criteria) were assigned to either an intervention diet (n = 204) or a control diet (n = 202) within 48 hours of symptoms of infarction.

INTERVENTIONS

Intervention and control groups were advised to consume a fat-reduced, oil-substituted diet. The intervention group was also advised to eat more fruits, vegetable soup, pulses, and crushed almonds and walnuts mixed with skim milk.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reduction in plasma lipid peroxide and lactate dehydrogenase cardiac enzyme levels, increase in plasma ascorbic acid level, and compliance with diet, especially with vitamin C intake as determined by chemical analysis.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

A two-sample t test using one-way analysis of variance for comparison of data.

RESULTS

Plasma lipid peroxide level decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (0.59 pmol/L in the intervention group and 0.10 pmol/L in the control group; 95% confidence interval of difference = 0.19 to 0.83). Lactate dehydrogenase level increased less in the intervention group than in the control group (427.7 vs 561.2 U/L; confidence interval of difference = 82.9 to 184.7). Plasma ascorbic acid level increased more in the intervention group than in the control group (23.38 vs 7.95 mumol/L; confidence interval of difference = 12.85 to 26.13).

APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of an antioxidant-rich diet may reduce the plasma levels of lipid peroxide and cardiac enzyme and increase the plasma level of ascorbic acid. Antioxidant-rich foods may reduce myocardial necrosis and reperfusion injury induced by oxygen free radicals.

Effects of guava intake on serum total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and on systemic blood pressure

There is evidence that inclusion of high fiber foods such as oats, fruits and vegetables in the diet can decrease fat intake and modulate blood lipids. To test this hypothesis, 61 group A and 59 group B patients with essential hypertension were administered guava fruit preferably before meals in a foods-to-eat approach rather than foods-to-restrict, in a randomized and single-blind fashion for 12 weeks. At entry into the study, mean age, male sex, mean body mass index, percentages of risk factors and mean levels of blood lipids were comparable between groups A and B. Adherence to guava consumption was assessed by questionnaires and weighing of guava intake by 24-hour recall after 12 weeks of follow-up. Nutrient intakes including saturated and total fat were significantly decreased; carbohydrates, total and soluble fiber and vitamins and mineral intakes were significantly higher in group A than in group B at 12 weeks. There was a significant net decrease in serum total cholesterol (9.9%), triglycerides (7.7%) and blood pressures (9.0/8.0 mm Hg) with a significant net increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (8.0%) after 12 weeks of guava fruit substitution in group A than in group B. By adding moderate amounts of guava fruit in the usual diet, changes in dietary fatty acids and carbohydrates may occur, providing significant amounts of soluble dietary fiber and antioxidant vitamins and minerals without any adverse effects. There is a greater decrease in lipoprotein metabolism and blood pressures.