Vitamin C for DNA damage prevention.

Area of Science:

• Molecular epidemiology
• Nutritional science
• Genetics

Background:

• Genetic damage can arise from environmental exposures and oxidative stress.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant with potential protective roles against DNA damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review human studies on vitamin C's effects on genetic damage using molecular epidemiology.
• To identify specific types of DNA damage influenced by vitamin C and effective plasma concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of DNA adducts, DNA strand breakage (Comet assay), and oxidative damage (8-oxodG).
• Cytogenetic analysis including chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei.
• Assessment of DNA repair protein induction and sensitivity to mutagens (bleomycin assay).

Main Results:

• Vitamin C demonstrated protective effects against various DNA damages, including chromosomal aberrations, genomic translocations, micronuclei, DNA adducts, strand breakage, and oxidative damage (8-oxodG).
• These effects were particularly noted at plasma vitamin C levels >50 μmol/l.
• Supplementation was beneficial for individuals with insufficient dietary intake, smokers, and those exposed to mutagens, ionizing radiation, air pollution (c-PAHs, PM2.5).

Conclusions:

• Vitamin C exhibits significant protective effects against environmentally induced genetic damage.
• Adequate plasma levels of vitamin C are crucial for mitigating DNA damage from xenobiotics and oxidative stress.
• The impact of vitamin C may depend on individual baseline levels and exposure intensity.