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Single preoperative oral application of ascorbic acid does not affect postoperative plasma levels of ascorbic acid
1Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Germany.
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|October 16, 2002
Summary
Preoperative oral ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation did not prevent the typical postoperative decrease in plasma AA levels. Further research is needed to determine effective strategies for maintaining AA levels after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Nutrition
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Postoperative periods are characterized by decreased ascorbic acid (AA) plasma concentration.
- This reduction is linked to increased radical scavenging activity due to surgical trauma.
- Low AA levels are associated with postoperative complications and multiple organ failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of preoperative oral administration of 1,000 mg ascorbic acid (AA) in maintaining plasma AA concentrations postoperatively.
- To assess the potential of AA substitution to mitigate postoperative complications.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 54 patients divided into two groups.
- Group 1: No preoperative AA. Group 2: 1,000 mg oral AA preoperatively.
- Plasma AA levels were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 1 using HPLC.
Main Results:
- Both groups exhibited normal preoperative AA concentrations.
- A significant reduction in AA plasma concentration was observed in both groups postoperatively.
- Preoperative AA supplementation did not significantly alter the postoperative AA decline.
Conclusions:
- A single preoperative dose of 1,000 mg oral ascorbic acid is insufficient to prevent the decrease in plasma AA concentration after surgery.
- The findings suggest that current AA supplementation protocols may not be adequate for preventing postoperative AA depletion.