Ascorbic acid induces a favorable lipoprotein profile in women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) supplements on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in healthy, young women. METHODS: Ten women were recruited to participate in a randomized double-blind cross-over trial and supplemented with 1000 mg AA daily for 4 weeks, followed by placebo, and vice versa. RESULTS: Plasma AA concentrations were significantly higher at 2 weeks (p < 0.0001) and at 4 weeks (p < 0.001), compared with baseline. Plasma AA levels appeared to peak after 2 weeks of supplementation. Plasma concentrations of LDL-C were found to be 16% lower at 4 weeks compared with baseline (p < 0.05) and although HDL-C levels did not change significantly with AA supplementation, the change in HDL-C was positively associated with the change in plasma AA (p < 0.05). Significant decreases were observed in the total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C at 2 weeks and LDL-C to HDL-C ratios at 2 and 4 weeks supplementation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings agree with those from epidemiological studies and suggest that increases in AA intake may favorably alter the lipoprotein profile in young women.