Vitamin C helps the heart

According to the medical director for complementary and alternative medicine for the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, Patrick B. Massey, M.D., Ph.D, is the answer is yes. Costs for treating Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) exceed $36 billion nationally, and, when severe, significantly reduces the quality of life for many people. One of the causes is believed to be excessive oxidative stress on the heart muscles. Oxidation damages the heart muscles and reduces the ability of the heart to pump blood through the body. It has been suggested that the use of antioxidants could reduce oxidative stress and ultimately help the heart to work better.

In patients with mild to moderate CHF, patients underwent heart catheterization and heart function were measured. One important measure was contractility, or how strongly the heart pumps blood. Contractility was measured before and after 2 grams of vitamin C were infused into the heart. After the infusion, the heart was able to work 20 percent better than before the vitamin C. For someone with CHF, such an increase is a remarkable improvement in function.

In another study published in the May Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers examined the relationship between vitamin C status and vascular dysfunction in healthy, college-aged lean and obese men with no history of dietary supplementation. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured to determine vascular endothelial function. Plasma antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, and thiols), inflammatory proteins (C-reactive protein [CRP], myeloperoxidase [MPO], and cytokines), and cellular adhesion molecules were measured. FMD was 21% lower in obese men. They also had 51% lower vitamin C intakes and 38% lower plasma vitamin C concentrations. Obese men had greater plasma concentrations of CRP, MPO, inflammatory cytokines, and cellular adhesion molecules.

The data suggest that low vitamin C status is associated with proinflammatory responses and impaired vascular function in lean and obese men. Additional study is warranted to determine whether improving dietary vitamin C intakes from food attenuate vascular dysfunction.

Bonnie - while the ADA is slow to suggest supplementation, in young, obese men, adding vitamin C supplements would definitely be warranted.