The effect of high-dose ascorbate supplementation on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with premature coronary heart disease.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of high-dose ascorbate supplementation in lowering lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in patients with premature coronary heart disease (CHD).


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Outpatient clinic.


METHODS
Forty-four patients with documented premature CHD, defined as confirmed myocardial infarction and/or angiographically determined stenosis of 50% or greater in at least one major coronary artery before age 60 years.


METHODS
Patients were block randomized on the basis of age, gender, and screening Lp(a) concentrations to receive ascorbate 4.5 g/day or placebo for 12 weeks.


RESULTS
High-dose ascorbate was well tolerated and produced a marked elevation in mean plasma ascorbate levels (+1.2 mg/dl; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant effect of supplementation on postintervention Lp(a) levels (p = 0.39) in a model that included treatment group assignment, and baseline Lp(a) levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings do not support a clinically important lowering effect of high-dose ascorbate on plasma Lp(a) in patients with premature CHD.
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D001205:Ascorbic Acid