Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant with an impressive range of well-recognized health benefits. One of the most important of these is in heart health. Many studies have found that vitamin C is effective for reducing cholesterol levels, a primary risk factor for coronary heart disease. Heart disease is a leading cause of premature death and disability.
A recent meta-analysis examined the effect of vitamin C supplementation on LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol) and triglyceride concentrations in patients with high cholesterol levels. Results were analyzed from 13 randomized, controlled trials that were published between 1970 and 2007. The trials used at least 500 mg/day of supplemental vitamin C for a minimum of 4 weeks. A total of 549 subjects were included, ranging in age from 48 to 82 years old.
Overall, the meta-analysis found that vitamin C supplementation leads to a significant reduction in the levels of both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Based on previously determined risk assessments, the analysis suggested that vitamin C supplementation could potentially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 6-11%. The change in HDL cholesterol was not found to be statistically significant. However, even the slight change that was found could possibly translate to a 2.1% decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease.
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, and has been found to significantly reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This preserves the ability of LDL cholesterol to be recognized by receptors in the liver, facilitating its removal from the blood. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties can also protect HDL cholesterol from oxidation, thereby helping to maintain its ability to transport cholesterol back to the liver for processing and excretion. Like many important nutrients, vitamin C concentrations decrease with age. Supplementing with vitamin C may be a useful preventative measure to protect against coronary heart disease.
McRae MP et al. Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 2008;7:48-58.
For more information see Tapioca C or Ascorbic Acid
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