Vitamin C Supplements Improve Endothelial Functioning

Clinical Study Title:
Long-term ascorbic acid administration reverses endothelial vasomotor dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease.

Plain English Summary:

There are many risk factors associated with coronary artery disease, including abnormalities in endothelium-derived nitric oxide. There has been some evidence that the use of vitamin C supplements can help to improve endothelial functioning and thus lower risk of coronary artery disease. Participants who already have coronary artery disease were given a one time dose of vitamin C, a daily supplement of vitamin C or a placebo. The function of the endothelial and brachial systems was then measured. The use of the daily vitamin C supplementation may help to maintain healthy functioning of the heart, especially for people who already have coronary artery disease.

Authors:
Gokce N. Keaney JF Jr. Frei B. Holbrook M. Olesiak M. Zachariah BJ. Leeuwenburgh C. Heinecke JW. Vita JA.

Institution:
Evans Memorial Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.

Country of Publication:

Source:
Circulation. 99(25):3234-40, 1999 Jun 29.