Ascorbic acid induces a favorable lipoprotein profile in women.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Gatto
L M
LM
Department of Biochemistry, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Hallen
G K
GK
Brown
A J
AJ
Samman
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood*
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D008074:Lipoproteins; D001205:Ascorbic Acid