Medical Researches
Moderately Effective
Based on 13 Researches
Vitamin C improves chest painScurvy Outbreak Among South Sudanese Adolescents and Young Men - Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, 2017-2018.
Study connects diet to health
We investigated the role of vitamin C in treating symptoms, including chest pain, among South Sudanese refugee young men living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Initial reports from August 2017 indicated that these individuals were experiencing calf pain, chest pain, and gingival swelling. Despite receiving some management for their symptoms, including antibiotics, they saw little improvement, leading to further evaluations.
Following an alert to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in January 2018, we noticed a pattern of symptoms suggesting a possible vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy. The young men who participated in this evaluation were treated with vitamin C, and remarkably, all reported improvements within a week. This quick turnaround provides a strong indication that vitamin C can effectively alleviate some of the symptoms, especially chest pain associated with scurvy, in this population.
While the immediate effects of the vitamin treatment were promising, we also found that food and cash assistance provided to these refugees were not sufficient for a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Such deficiencies underscore the importance of enhancing dietary options alongside medical treatments.
In conclusion, we observed that vitamin C appears to play a beneficial role in improving chest pain and other symptoms in adolescents and young men suffering from scurvy, which highlights the critical need to address both nutritional and medical support in refugee settings.
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We observed a fascinating case where a 56-year-old woman presented with worsening chest pain and shortness of breath, symptoms that led to a discovery of a significant health issue. Upon examination, she displayed a range of alarming signs, including rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and swollen neck veins. The clinical team performed an emergency procedure that revealed a large haemorrhagic pericardial effusion, which drew attention to the possibility of vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy.
Despite initial testing showing no clear cause, further analysis confirmed her vitamin C levels were critically low. Once high-dose vitamin C treatment was initiated, the patient remarkably improved and eventually left the hospital without symptoms. This case underlines the importance of considering vitamin C deficiency when faced with unexplained chest pain associated with pericardial effusion.
It's a reminder for both healthcare providers and patients to keep an eye out for unconventional signs that may point to serious deficiencies, especially when traditional explanations are lacking.
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Vitamin C improves heart perfusionIntravenous ascorbic acid infusion improves myocardial perfusion grade during elective percutaneous coronary intervention: relationship with oxidative stress markers.
Focus on myocardial perfusion
We explored how vitamin C infusion might affect microcirculation and related chest pain during elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable angina. In a well-structured study, 56 patients underwent a randomized trial where half received an infusion of 1 gram of vitamin C before the procedure, while the other half received a placebo.
Our findings indicated that, while many patients already demonstrated some level of impaired microcirculation before the procedure, those who received vitamin C experienced a significant improvement post-intervention. Specifically, complete microcirculatory reperfusion was achieved in a remarkable 79% of the vitamin C group compared to only 39% in the placebo group.
Notably, the levels of oxidative stress markers decreased in the vitamin C group, suggesting that the infusion may help mitigate stress on the heart and improve blood flow. This aligns with the observation that effective microcirculation can potentially ease chest pain, though the study did not measure chest pain relief directly. Overall, while vitamin C improved heart perfusion, direct benefits on chest pain management require further investigation.
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Vitamin C boosts coronary dilationEffects of vitamin C on intracoronary L-arginine dependent coronary vasodilatation in patients with stable angina.
Moderate relevance to chest pain.
We explored the effects of vitamin C on chest pain through a study that involved 28 patients with stable angina and coronary artery disease. Participants received either L-arginine or normal saline before and after an infusion of vitamin C or saline, allowing us to see how vitamin C influenced blood vessel behavior.
Our findings revealed that L-arginine significantly improved the dilation of coronary arteries. When combined with vitamin C, this dilation effect was even more pronounced. Specifically, vitamin C alongside L-arginine led to a marked increase in the dilation of both proximal and distal coronary artery segments. However, the infusion of vitamin C alone did not produce any significant changes.
While vitamin C paired with L-arginine shows promise in enhancing vasodilation, it’s essential to note that the study does not directly correlate these findings with a reduction in chest pain symptoms. Therefore, while vitamin C appears to boost nitric oxide levels, which are crucial for blood flow, more research is needed to connect these improvements specifically to alleviating chest pain.
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Vitamin C improves coronary responseEffect of ascorbic acid on endothelial dysfunction of epicardial coronary arteries in chronic smokers assessed by cold pressor testing.
Addresses antioxidant effects on pain
We explored the effects of vitamin C on chest pain in chronic smokers experiencing endothelial dysfunction. In our study, 31 patients, who were undergoing diagnostic catheterization without significant coronary artery issues, participated in a controlled trial. They were given either an IV infusion of 3 grams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or a placebo saline solution before undergoing a cold pressor test to assess their coronary artery response.
The results were telling. Smokers typically showed a decrease in luminal area—an indicator of blood flow—during the cold pressor test. However, after infusing vitamin C, this response shifted positively, demonstrating improved blood flow through a vasodilation effect. On the other hand, those who received the placebo did not experience significant changes.
This means that for chronic smokers, acute administration of vitamin C appears to enhance the function of the endothelium, which is vital for proper blood vessel health and managing chest pain. Ultimately, we observed that vitamin C may help prevent the inactivation of nitric oxide, a compound that supports healthy blood flow, and this effect could be crucial for managing cardiovascular health in smokers.
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User Reviews
Pain management improvement
My doctor advised that taking a high dose of vitamin C could alleviate my chest pain during menstruation. After taking it for six months, I noticed improvements by the third month. Although I still rely on painkillers, magnesium and calcium therapy has significantly helped me.
Vitamin C is superb! I take one daily, which reduces my chest pain. When I catch a cold, I increase the dosage and recover quicker.
Normally, I need to take 2-3 1000mg vitamin C capsules to alleviate my chest pain; however, with this product, one is sufficient. It's potent and helped ease my cold symptoms without any stomach discomfort, cramping, or taste issues. I recommend it for its antioxidant properties.