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Inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on cortisol secretion following adrenal stimulation in children

D Liakakos, N L Doulas, D Ikkos

    Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
    |December 15, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    High-dose ascorbic acid (AA) significantly lowers cortisol levels after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation in children. This suggests excess AA may inhibit cortisol secretion, potentially offering no benefit during stress.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Nutritional Science

    Background:

    • Ascorbic acid (AA), also known as vitamin C, plays a role in various physiological processes.
    • The interaction between AA and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates cortisol secretion, is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of high-dose ascorbic acid administration on plasma cortisol levels following adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation in healthy children.

    Main Methods:

    • Plasma cortisol levels were measured in two groups of healthy children before and after intramuscular ACTH administration.
    • Group B received oral ascorbic acid (1 g t.i.d.) for five days, while Group A did not receive AA.
    • Cortisol levels were compared between groups and within Group B before and during AA administration.

    Main Results:

    • On the fifth day of AA administration, mean cortisol values after ACTH stimulation in Group B were significantly lower compared to Group A (p < 0.02).
    • Post-ACTH cortisol levels in Group B during AA administration were also significantly lower than those observed before AA treatment (p < 0.001).
    • Ascorbic acid administration did not significantly affect fasting plasma cortisol levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Excessive ascorbic acid intake appears to exert an inhibitory effect on cortisol secretion in response to ACTH stimulation.
    • These findings suggest that high-dose AA may not be beneficial in managing conditions involving physiological stress, where adequate cortisol response is crucial.

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