Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Vitamin C consumption is associated with less progression in carotid intima media thickness in elderly men: A 3-year
Ingrid Ellingsen1, Ingebjørg Seljeflot, Harald Arnesen
1Department of Preventive Cardiology, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. ingrid.ellingsen@uus.no
Background And Aim:
Plant foods may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Methods And Results:
We assessed changes in the intima media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery and diet in elderly men. Men (n=563) aged 70+/-5 years were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (dietary intervention, omega-3 supplementation, both or neither) using a 2 x 2 factorial design. B-mode ultrasound of the carotid arteries and calculation of dietary intake were performed at baseline and after 3 years. We previously showed that omega-3 supplementation did not influence the IMT, thus the dietary intervention (n=233) and no dietary intervention (n=231) groups were pooled. The dietary intervention group had less progression in the carotid IMT compared with the controls (0.044+/-0.091 mm versus 0.062+/-0.105 mm; P=0.047). This group increased their daily vitamin C intake (P=0.005) and intake of fruit, berries and vegetables (P
Conclusion:
Vitamin C containing foods may protect against the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in elderly men.
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology