Serum ascorbic acid and cardiovascular disease prevalence in U.S. adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relation between serum ascorbic acid concentration, which reflects dietary and supplement intake, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
We analyzed data from 7658 men and women enrolled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to estimate the relative prevalence of cardiovascular disease, defined as self-reported angina, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Because we detected an interaction between serum ascorbic acid concentration and alcohol intake, we performed analyses stratified by drinking status.


RESULTS
Among participants who reported no alcohol consumption, serum ascorbic acid concentrations were not independently associated with cardiovascular disease prevalence. Among participants who consumed alcohol, serum ascorbic acid concentrations consistent with tissue saturation (1.0-3.0 mg/dl) were associated with a decreased prevalence of angina (multivariate odds ratio (OR): 0.48; 95% CI: 0.23% to 1.03; p for trend = 0.06), but were not significantly associated with myocardial infarction or stroke prevalence.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest the possibility of a biologic interaction between ascorbic acid and alcohol and that higher intakes of ascorbic acid may be associated with a decreased risk of angina among drinkers.
Simon
J A
JA
General Internal Medicine Section, Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
Hudes
E S
ES
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000453:epidemiology; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D001205:Ascorbic Acid