Vitamin C Important for Vascular Health

Vitamin C levels are associated with normal inflammatory responses and vascular health, according to a recent study. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as an antioxidant and is important for the formation of collagen, which is found in blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone.

Researchers evaluated the role of vitamin C in vascular function and inflammation. Lean and obese healthy college-age men were evaluated for brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, which is a measurement of vascular endothelial function. The endothelium is the layer of cells that line the blood vessels and regulate vessel dilation. The subjects were also evaluated for plasma antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and thiols. Additionally, the researchers measured inflammatory proteins such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and myeloperoxidase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cellular adhesion molecules. The subjects recorded food intake for the 3 days prior to the vascular testing to assess vitamin C intake.

The study found that obese men had 21 percent lower flow-mediated dilation, indicating endothelial dysfunction. The obese men also had 51 percent lower vitamin C intake and 38 percent lower plasma vitamin C levels and had higher levels of the inflammatory proteins CRP and myeloperoxidase, inflammatory cytokines, and cellular adhesion molecules. Furthermore, the study showed that CRP and myeloperoxidase were each inversely related to flow-mediated dilation and plasma vitamin C, meaning that increased inflammatory proteins correlated to a decrease in vascular function and plasma vitamin C concentrations.

The researchers concluded, “These data suggest that low vitamin C status is associated with pro-inflammatory responses and impaired vascular function in lean and obese men.” They also recommended additional studies to determine whether improving dietary vitamin C intakes from food can enhance vascular function.

Reference:

Mah E, Matos MD, Kawiecki D, Ballard K, Guo Y, Volek JS, Bruno RS. Vitamin C status is related to proinflammatory responses and impaired vascular endothelial function in healthy, college-aged lean and obese men. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 May;111(5):737-43.