title: The effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on some parameters of the human immunological defence system.
abstract: We have investigated the effect of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation on some parameters of the human immune defence system in a group of 25 healthy, male university students. The subjects ingested 1 g ascorbic acid per day for a period of 75 days. Serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, C-3 complement component, cortisol and transcortin were measured before and after the ascorbic acid course. Corresponding measurements were performed on a control group of 20 healthy, male university students receiving no extra-dietary vitamin C. Our results showed that ascorbic acid supplementation caused a statistically significant increase in the serum levels of IgA, IgM and C-3 complement. Our study does not permit of conclusions regarding the mechanisms of action of ascorbic acid.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D014156:Transcortin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D014156:Transcortin; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D006854:Hydrocortisone