Effect of vitamin C supplements on patients with hypertension

High blood pressure is among the established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C may modulate other established risk factors and processes, thereby reducing the risk of overt disease. To investigate the relationship between antioxidant vitamin C supplementation and blood pressure level in hypertensive subjects. In an experimental study [before and after study] we selected 35 hypertensive patients. Anthropometric indices were measured and BMI was calculated. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the one-month administration of 500mg vitamin C/day. Plasma vitamin C concentration was measured using 2, 4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine and UV/vis spectrophotometer. Blood pressure was measured by 24 hr holter monitoring. A mean 3-day food records and food frequency questionnaire was analyzed by Nutrition III soft ware. The results indicated that following the one-month consumption of 500mg vitamin C/day, both SBP [p< 0.005] and DBP [p<0.003] were significantly decreased. At the same time, plasma ascorbic acid concentration showed a significant increase [p<0.005]. There was an inverse correlation between the change in SBP and the change in ascorbic acid concentration [p<0.006]. The data suggested that the consumption of 500mg ascorbic acid/day reduces both SBP and DBP in hypertensive subjects

Antioxidant status in persons with and without senile cataract

To investigate the relationships between dietary intake of antioxidant vitamin C, E and A and nuclear, cortical and posterior sub capsular cataracts in a group of elderly men and women. Design: Cross-sectional survey based on a retrospective case-control study. Subjects: 40 patient men and women aged 40-79 years old with senile cataract and 26 persons without cataract the same age range were selected among the patient referred to the ophthalmic clinic of Motahary Center. Setting: The lens-opacities classification system [LOCS] III was used to grade nuclear, cortical, and posterior sub capsular lens opacities. Fasting blood samples were taken to assess plasma concentrations of vitamin C. Food frequency questionnaires were incorporated for recognition of their food habits. Plasma level of vitamin C in cataract patient [0.9 ' 0.6 mg/dl] were significantly [p<0.002] lower than control group [1.4 ' 0.5 mg/dl]. Dietary intake of vitamin C [p<0.001], vitamin E [p<0.001] and vitamin A [p<0.04] in cataract patient were significantly lower than control group. In this group of elderly cataract patient we found statistically significant association between nuclear [p<0.006] and posterior sub capsular opacities [p<0.01] and dietary intake of antioxidant vitamin C, E and A. These findings suggest that a diet rich in antioxidant vitamin C, E and A may have implications for delay or prevention of senile cataract formation