Effects of oral vitamin C supplement on the serum lipid profile

  Purpose: Ascorbic acid has protective effects against coronary heart disease. These effects are   attributed to its antioxidant properties and its relation to plasma lipids. This study investigated the   effects of supplementing one gram of vitamin C per day on the serum serum lipoproteins of   healthy 18 to 55 years old individuals in Iran.   Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 55 healthy individuals aged 18 to   55 years old at a medical center of Iran’s Army. None of the participants had taken vitamin   supplements three months before participating in the study. Their diet patterns were evaluated by   estimating the energy and nutrients intake. At the beginning of the study, serum triglyceride,   high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and   total cholesterol levels of the participants were measured. Then, the participants received one gram   of vitamin C on a daily basis for 30 days. Blood parameters were measured on the 15th and 30th   days of supplementation and were compared with each other. The findings were analyzed with   Student’s t-test test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test using Statistical Package for Social   Sciences (SPSS) software version 18.   Results: After receiving vitamin C supplement for 30 days, a significant reduction was seen in   the participants’ total cholesterol level (12.2%) and average plasma triglyceride concentration   level (8.09%). HDL cholesterol level significantly increased (14.5%) after one month of vitamin   C supplementation (P =.032).   Conclusion: Taking one gram of vitamin C daily may significantly reduce serum lipoprotein   levels in healthy individuals.