Vitamin C: efficiency and safety

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of long-term vitamin C intake, either in recommended daily allowances [RDAs] or in high dose, on the serum levels of lipid profile, liver enzymatic activities, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] as well as creatinine and urea in adult male rats. Thirty mature male rats weighted 200-300 gm/rat were divided into three equal groups; one served as a control, while the other two groups were given daily an oral supplementation of vitamin C for eight weeks. The group received RDAs of vitamin C [27 mg/day/rat] induced a significant decrease in serum levels of all the studied parameters. Also, in the animal group received a high dose of vitamin C [55 mg/day], the serum levels of lipid profile, ALP, creatinine and urea were significantly decreased, but there was an increase in ALT and AST levels