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Vitamin C status and serum lipids
A R Ness1, K T Khaw, S Bingham
1Wellcome Training Fellow in Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University Forvie Site, Cambridge.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Plasma vitamin C shows a positive link with HDL cholesterol and a negative link with triglycerides in women. These findings suggest vitamin C intake may influence lipid profiles, particularly in women.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry and cardiovascular health.
- Epidemiological studies on micronutrient impact.
Background:
- Serum lipid profiles, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, are key indicators of cardiovascular risk.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vital antioxidant with potential roles in metabolic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-sectional association between plasma vitamin C concentrations and serum lipid levels in a population-based sample.
- To determine if vitamin C levels correlate with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, cross-sectional study involving 835 men and 1025 women aged 45-75.
- Data collected via health and lifestyle questionnaires and health checks.
- Measurement of non-fasting plasma vitamin C and serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides).
Main Results:
- Plasma vitamin C was not significantly correlated with total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol in either sex.
- In women, plasma vitamin C showed a positive correlation with HDL cholesterol (r=0.15, P<0.001) and a negative correlation with triglycerides (r=-0.17, P<0.001).
- These associations in women persisted after adjusting for age and body mass index; adjustments diminished the significance in men.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that plasma vitamin C levels may be associated with serum lipid profiles, particularly HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in women.
- These results align with existing research indicating that higher vitamin C intake from dietary sources may contribute to improved lipid profiles.
- Plasma vitamin C may serve as a marker for other lifestyle or dietary factors influencing lipid metabolism.