We aimed to understand the role of vitamin C in heart disease and its potential cardioprotective effects. Vitamin C is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which means it fights off harmful substances in our body, potentially reducing the risk of heart issues.
Our analysis revealed that vitamin C could play a meaningful role in supporting cardiovascular health. While the evidence is promising, it is important to be cautious, as clinical studies have shown mixed results regarding its effectiveness.
So, while vitamin C might contribute positively to heart health, more solid evidence is required to fully confirm these effects. Overall, we learned that while there are positive indicators, we should be careful about over-relying on vitamin C as a sole preventive measure for heart disease.
Read More
8
Nutrition's role in heart health
Maternal high-fat diet alters Tet-mediated epigenetic regulation during heart development.
We observed how a mother’s diet during pregnancy, particularly a high-fat diet (HFD), can significantly impact the heart development of her offspring. In our exploration, we found that pregnant mice exposed to HFD suffered metabolic changes, leading to issues like non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC) in their embryos. This was marked by low levels of a molecule called 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and changes in chromatin accessibility in the heart tissues of the embryos.
Interestingly, we discovered that when we supplemented these mice with vitamin C, it helped to reduce the harmful effects linked to HFD. This seems to work by restoring iron levels in a form that helps certain enzymes, known as Tet enzymes, function better. Through our genetic investigations, we confirmed that vitamin C boosts Tet activity, a crucial factor for heart health, particularly under stress from a poor diet.
Our findings emphasize the critical importance of balanced maternal nutrition. They show how choices like including vitamin C can play a protective role in heart development, especially when faced with the challenges of a high-fat diet.
Read More
8
Vitamin C's role in heart health
Role of ascorbic acid in cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
We explored how ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, plays a role in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), a condition that can develop after heart transplants. CAV is characterized by progressive damage to the heart's blood vessels, leading to serious complications.
Recent studies, particularly on rodent models, have shown exciting findings. Ascorbic acid appears to boost the activity of an enzyme called TET2, which helps reduce the death of vascular smooth muscle cells and the thickening of blood vessel walls. This is important because when TET2 is suppressed, as can occur with interferon γ during CAV, it can contribute to the disease's progression.
Ascorbic acid doesn't just stop there; it also helps improve the overall health of the endothelium— the thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels. By decreasing harmful reactive oxygen species and preventing excessive growth of smooth muscle cells, vitamin C shows promise in tackling the adverse effects of CAV.
However, while initial findings, including a small clinical trial, suggest potential benefits, much more research is needed. We must see larger, controlled studies to truly understand how effective ascorbic acid can be in managing heart transplant recipients' long-term health.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Stroke risk reduction
Vitamin C may play a role in reducing stroke risk. A 2013 study found that those consuming higher amounts of vitamin C had a lower stroke risk. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it may relate to blood pressure reduction and inflammation control, ultimately affecting heart disease.
Read More
7.5
Prophylactic benefits
1 people found this helpful
Best Vitamin C. In winter, due to chronic upper respiratory diseases, I often fall ill. I've been taking this for the past two years, even for COVID, and buy it for my family. I recommend it for illness and as a preventive measure in the colder months.
Read More
7.5
Immune system support
I take this excellent vitamin C regularly to support my bone health and immune system. Its powerful antioxidant effect helps in removing heavy metals from the body, lowers the risk of heart disease, aids collagen synthesis, and assists with colds.
We investigated the effects of Vitamin C on heart disease, particularly in the context of sepsis-induced cardiac injury. In a carefully designed study, we utilized a rat model, dividing thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats into several groups to evaluate the individual and combined impacts of Vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10. Each group received oral treatments for ten days before we induced polymicrobial sepsis through cecal ligation and puncture.
After we euthanized the animals and analyzed the specimens, we found that the combination of Vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10 significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and improved antioxidative parameters. Notably, the treatments also led to a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved cardiac indicators, suggesting that Vitamin C has a beneficial role when paired with Coenzyme Q10 in mitigating cardiac injury during sepsis.
While we observed improved outcomes with the combined treatment, the study design means we couldn’t definitively attribute these positive effects solely to Vitamin C. In fact, Coenzyme Q10 sometimes showcased even greater advantages. Overall, our findings hint at the potential of Vitamin C, especially when combined with Coenzyme Q10, to serve as an effective approach against cardiac injuries in sepsis.
Read More
8
Nutrition's role in heart health
Maternal high-fat diet alters Tet-mediated epigenetic regulation during heart development.
We observed how a mother’s diet during pregnancy, particularly a high-fat diet (HFD), can significantly impact the heart development of her offspring. In our exploration, we found that pregnant mice exposed to HFD suffered metabolic changes, leading to issues like non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC) in their embryos. This was marked by low levels of a molecule called 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and changes in chromatin accessibility in the heart tissues of the embryos.
Interestingly, we discovered that when we supplemented these mice with vitamin C, it helped to reduce the harmful effects linked to HFD. This seems to work by restoring iron levels in a form that helps certain enzymes, known as Tet enzymes, function better. Through our genetic investigations, we confirmed that vitamin C boosts Tet activity, a crucial factor for heart health, particularly under stress from a poor diet.
Our findings emphasize the critical importance of balanced maternal nutrition. They show how choices like including vitamin C can play a protective role in heart development, especially when faced with the challenges of a high-fat diet.
Read More
8
Combined antioxidants may benefit heart
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Combined Antioxidant Therapy against Myocardial Reperfusion Injury: A Phase 1 Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Humans.
We explored the potential of a combined antioxidant therapy that includes vitamin C to address myocardial reperfusion injury—a condition that can worsen heart damage after blood flow is restored following ischemia. In a Phase 1 clinical trial involving healthy participants, we tested whether this therapy could be safely administered while also examining the effects on oxidative stress, a key factor in heart injury.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the combined antioxidant therapy or a placebo. We provided two different doses of the therapy through an intravenous infusion lasting 90 minutes. Monitoring included collecting blood samples to measure levels of the antioxidants, including vitamin C, and assessing any adverse effects.
We observed that both doses of the antioxidant therapy significantly increased the concentration of the drugs in the bloodstream compared to placebo. Interestingly, while a few mild adverse events were reported, they were not serious, suggesting that the therapy is safe for human use. The therapy did show promise in boosting antioxidant levels in the blood.
However, it's essential to note that while vitamin C is part of this combined treatment, the study did not isolate its effects specifically. Thus, we can't draw definitive conclusions about vitamin C alone in treating heart disease. The findings suggest that this combined approach might hold potential for future therapies in managing acute myocardial infarction.
Read More
8
BM-164 shows heart-protective effects
Effects of HS-donor ascorbic acid derivative and ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in isolated rat hearts.
We explored the effects of a novel water-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, known as BM-164, on heart health under conditions of ischemia and reperfusion in rat hearts. This study aimed to combine the cardiovascular benefits of hydrogen sulfide (HS) with the antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid.
Through a series of tests, we found that BM-164 significantly reduced the incidence of harmful heart rhythms known as ventricular fibrillation from 79% to 31%. Moreover, the size of heart tissue damage, often referred to as infarct size, was decreased from 28% to 14% in the group treated with BM-164.
However, we also noted that while heart function improvements, such as coronary flow and heart rate, didn't show significant differences compared to a drug-free control group. Further analysis of cellular processes revealed increased levels of autophagy-related proteins, which could explain the heart-protective effects of BM-164, while markers of apoptosis didn’t show notable changes.
In conclusion, BM-164 showcases considerable potential in providing cardiac protection during injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion, showing advantages over untreated and simply ascorbic acid-treated hearts.
Read More
8
Vitamin C's role in heart health
Role of ascorbic acid in cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
We explored how ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, plays a role in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), a condition that can develop after heart transplants. CAV is characterized by progressive damage to the heart's blood vessels, leading to serious complications.
Recent studies, particularly on rodent models, have shown exciting findings. Ascorbic acid appears to boost the activity of an enzyme called TET2, which helps reduce the death of vascular smooth muscle cells and the thickening of blood vessel walls. This is important because when TET2 is suppressed, as can occur with interferon γ during CAV, it can contribute to the disease's progression.
Ascorbic acid doesn't just stop there; it also helps improve the overall health of the endothelium— the thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels. By decreasing harmful reactive oxygen species and preventing excessive growth of smooth muscle cells, vitamin C shows promise in tackling the adverse effects of CAV.
However, while initial findings, including a small clinical trial, suggest potential benefits, much more research is needed. We must see larger, controlled studies to truly understand how effective ascorbic acid can be in managing heart transplant recipients' long-term health.
Vitamin C may play a role in reducing stroke risk. A 2013 study found that those consuming higher amounts of vitamin C had a lower stroke risk. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it may relate to blood pressure reduction and inflammation control, ultimately affecting heart disease.
Read More
7.5
Prophylactic benefits
1 people found this helpful
Best Vitamin C. In winter, due to chronic upper respiratory diseases, I often fall ill. I've been taking this for the past two years, even for COVID, and buy it for my family. I recommend it for illness and as a preventive measure in the colder months.
Read More
7.5
Immune system support
I take this excellent vitamin C regularly to support my bone health and immune system. Its powerful antioxidant effect helps in removing heavy metals from the body, lowers the risk of heart disease, aids collagen synthesis, and assists with colds.
Read More
6
Severe course prevention
Excellent vitamin C helps us avoid severe SARS. However, one must be cautious, as excessive intake can lead to kidney stones. This product is a must in my first aid kit for the onset of illness. Doctors suggest a safe dosage of 1000-2000 mg daily, but some prescribe 5000 mg at the onset.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart's function and overall health. This umbrella term includes various cardiovascular issues such as coronary artery disease, which is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); and heart defects present at birth (congenital heart defects). Additionally, heart disease encompasses conditions related to the heart muscle, such as cardiomyopathy, and the heart's valves, which might not open or close properly. The effects of heart disease can be significant, impacting not only physical health but also quality of life, making prevention and timely medical intervention crucial.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking. Genetics also play a role, as heart disease can run in families. To mitigate the risks, healthcare professionals typically recommend lifestyle changes such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use. For those already diagnosed with heart disease, treatment options can vary widely, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medications and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Understanding the nature of heart disease and its risk factors is an essential step toward prevention and effective management.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions. As an essential nutrient, it contributes to the growth and repair of tissues in the body, and it is vital for the production of collagen, an important protein that helps maintain skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Additionally, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps combat free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to various chronic diseases.
Moreover, Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods, making it a vital component for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. While many people get sufficient Vitamin C from a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers, some individuals might require supplementation. It's generally recommended to stay within the daily intake guidelines, as excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Overall, Vitamin C is not just a skincare celebrity—it's a fundamental part of maintaining overall health and well-being.
Vitamin C has long been praised for its immune-boosting properties, but its role in heart health is also gaining attention. Several studies suggest that adequate intake of Vitamin C may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it helps combat oxidative stress, which is linked to heart disease. Some research indicates that increased Vitamin C consumption could lead to lower blood pressure, improved endothelial function, and reduced levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), all of which are beneficial for heart health.
However, while Vitamin C can be a useful part of a heart-healthy diet, it shouldn't be viewed as a standalone solution or a substitute for other important lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. More comprehensive studies are still needed to clarify the specific role Vitamin C plays in heart disease prevention. In the meantime, incorporating Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers into your diet can be a tasty way to support overall health.
Vitamin C has garnered attention in recent research for its potential role in heart disease, drawing from a variety of studies that indicate its positive impacts. For instance, one study highlighted that vitamin C significantly enhanced the proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), suggesting it may improve immune function in individuals at risk for heart disease [1]. Further supporting its benefits, another study showed that vitamin C supplementation helped mitigate harmful effects from maternal high-fat diets on heart development in offspring, indicating its protective role during stressful conditions for the heart [2].
However, while there are encouraging findings regarding vitamin C's cardioprotective properties, caution should be exercised due to mixed results from clinical studies. For instance, while vitamin C was part of a combined antioxidant therapy aimed at reducing myocardial reperfusion injury, the study did not isolate its effects, making it hard to draw definite conclusions about its standalone efficacy [3]. Overall, the body of research suggests that vitamin C may play a supportive role in heart health, but further rigorous studies are necessary to establish its effectiveness fully and understand the optimal contexts for its use in heart disease management [8].
Based on user reviews, many individuals report significant improvements in their health after incorporating Vitamin C into their daily routines. For instance, one user noted that consistent use of Vitamin C helped them avoid severe illness during winter months, a common time for respiratory infections. They have been using it for two years and even recommend it to family members as a preventive measure against illnesses, particularly during colder weather Read Review.
Others also highlight the antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C, expressing that it aids not only in immune support but also in maintaining bone health and detoxifying the body. One user specifically pointed out how Vitamin C’s properties could lower the risk of heart disease and facilitate recovery from colds, suggesting a more comprehensive role in overall health management Read Review. While these anecdotes provide a positive glimpse into potential benefits, individual results may vary, and it’s essential to use Vitamin C within recommended dosages to avoid any adverse effects.
Users have reported positive outcomes when combining Vitamin C with other supplements in their management of heart disease. One user mentioned that higher consumption of Vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, which may be linked to its effects on blood pressure and inflammation control, important factors in heart health Read Review. Additionally, another user highlighted the versatile benefits of Vitamin C, noting that its antioxidant properties can lower the risk of heart disease while also aiding in the removal of heavy metals from the body and promoting collagen synthesis Read Review.
However, while these insights are encouraging, users also caution against excessive intake. One reviewer warned that while Vitamin C is beneficial, high doses can lead to adverse effects, specifically mentioning the risk of kidney stones Read Review. This suggests that users should consult healthcare professionals when considering combining Vitamin C with other supplements for heart health, ensuring that they stay within safe dosage recommendations.
Users have reported varying opinions on the right dose of Vitamin C for heart disease treatment. Many suggest a dosage range of 1000-2000 mg daily as safe, with some healthcare professionals recommending even up to 5000 mg during acute illness phases. One user noted that while there are benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, caution is advised with excessive intake due to the potential risk of developing kidney stones Read Review. Another user emphasized the overall positive impact of Vitamin C on health, linking it to benefits like blood pressure reduction and inflammation control, although they did not specify an exact dosage Read Review.
While personal experiences vary, users seem to agree on the importance of Vitamin C not just as a treatment for colds but also for its potential role in heart health. However, this underscores the need for individuals to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and to avoid self-medicating, as the nuances of heart disease treatment can be complex Read Review.
7.5
Prophylactic benefits
1 people found this helpful
Best Vitamin C. In winter, due to chronic upper respiratory diseases, I often fall ill. I've been taking this for the past two years, even for COVID, and buy it for my family. I recommend it for illness and as a preventive measure in the colder months.
7.5
Immune system support
I take this excellent vitamin C regularly to support my bone health and immune system. Its powerful antioxidant effect helps in removing heavy metals from the body, lowers the risk of heart disease, aids collagen synthesis, and assists with colds.
9
Stroke risk reduction
Vitamin C may play a role in reducing stroke risk. A 2013 study found that those consuming higher amounts of vitamin C had a lower stroke risk. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it may relate to blood pressure reduction and inflammation control, ultimately affecting heart disease.
6
Severe course prevention
Excellent vitamin C helps us avoid severe SARS. However, one must be cautious, as excessive intake can lead to kidney stones. This product is a must in my first aid kit for the onset of illness. Doctors suggest a safe dosage of 1000-2000 mg daily, but some prescribe 5000 mg at the onset.
7
Vitamin C boosts NK cell function
Proliferation capability of natural killer cells upon cytokines stimulation correlated negatively with serum lactate dehydrogenase level in coronary artery disease patients.
We delved into how vitamin C, specifically ascorbic acid, influences the behavior of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Our exploration involved isolating NK cells from 29 CAD patients and stimulating them with various factors, including vitamin C, to analyze their growth and proliferation. Notably, the results indicated that nearly all NK cells responded positively to vitamin C, showcasing a significant boost in their ability to proliferate. This suggests that vitamin C could play a role in enhancing the immune function of these cells, which is particularly important for those vulnerable to heart disease.
Moreover, we observed a correlation between the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and NK cell activity. Specifically, higher LDH levels appeared to be linked to a decreased NK cell proliferation response when stimulated with interleukins, which are signaling molecules crucial for immune responses. This finding raises interesting questions about the role of LDH not just as a marker for cell damage, but potentially as an influencing factor in immune regulation.
In summary, our findings point to vitamin C's potential to enhance NK cell proliferation in CAD patients. Furthermore, the serum LDH levels could serve as a valuable indicator of NK cell function, suggesting a complex interplay between immune response and heart disease. Overall, these insights may open new avenues for integrating vitamin C into treatment regimens for improving immune health in heart disease.
8
Nutrition's role in heart health
Maternal high-fat diet alters Tet-mediated epigenetic regulation during heart development.
We observed how a mother’s diet during pregnancy, particularly a high-fat diet (HFD), can significantly impact the heart development of her offspring. In our exploration, we found that pregnant mice exposed to HFD suffered metabolic changes, leading to issues like non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC) in their embryos. This was marked by low levels of a molecule called 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and changes in chromatin accessibility in the heart tissues of the embryos.
Interestingly, we discovered that when we supplemented these mice with vitamin C, it helped to reduce the harmful effects linked to HFD. This seems to work by restoring iron levels in a form that helps certain enzymes, known as Tet enzymes, function better. Through our genetic investigations, we confirmed that vitamin C boosts Tet activity, a crucial factor for heart health, particularly under stress from a poor diet.
Our findings emphasize the critical importance of balanced maternal nutrition. They show how choices like including vitamin C can play a protective role in heart development, especially when faced with the challenges of a high-fat diet.
8
Combined antioxidants may benefit heart
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Combined Antioxidant Therapy against Myocardial Reperfusion Injury: A Phase 1 Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Humans.
We explored the potential of a combined antioxidant therapy that includes vitamin C to address myocardial reperfusion injury—a condition that can worsen heart damage after blood flow is restored following ischemia. In a Phase 1 clinical trial involving healthy participants, we tested whether this therapy could be safely administered while also examining the effects on oxidative stress, a key factor in heart injury.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the combined antioxidant therapy or a placebo. We provided two different doses of the therapy through an intravenous infusion lasting 90 minutes. Monitoring included collecting blood samples to measure levels of the antioxidants, including vitamin C, and assessing any adverse effects.
We observed that both doses of the antioxidant therapy significantly increased the concentration of the drugs in the bloodstream compared to placebo. Interestingly, while a few mild adverse events were reported, they were not serious, suggesting that the therapy is safe for human use. The therapy did show promise in boosting antioxidant levels in the blood.
However, it's essential to note that while vitamin C is part of this combined treatment, the study did not isolate its effects specifically. Thus, we can't draw definitive conclusions about vitamin C alone in treating heart disease. The findings suggest that this combined approach might hold potential for future therapies in managing acute myocardial infarction.
7
Vitamin C's uncertain heart benefits
Role of Vitamins in Cardiovascular Health: Know Your Facts - Part 1.
We aimed to understand the role of vitamin C in heart disease and its potential cardioprotective effects. Vitamin C is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which means it fights off harmful substances in our body, potentially reducing the risk of heart issues.
Our analysis revealed that vitamin C could play a meaningful role in supporting cardiovascular health. While the evidence is promising, it is important to be cautious, as clinical studies have shown mixed results regarding its effectiveness.
So, while vitamin C might contribute positively to heart health, more solid evidence is required to fully confirm these effects. Overall, we learned that while there are positive indicators, we should be careful about over-relying on vitamin C as a sole preventive measure for heart disease.
References
Guo X, Xiao T, Lin L, Gao Q, Lai B, et al. Proliferation capability of natural killer cells upon cytokines stimulation correlated negatively with serum lactate dehydrogenase level in coronary artery disease patients. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1436747. 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1436747
Yang Y, Rivera L, Fang S, Cavalier M, Suris A, et al. Maternal high-fat diet alters Tet-mediated epigenetic regulation during heart development. iScience. 2024;27:110631. 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110631
Gajardo Cortez AIJ, Lillo-Moya J, San-Martín-Martinez D, Pozo-Martinez J, Morales P, et al. Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Combined Antioxidant Therapy against Myocardial Reperfusion Injury: A Phase 1 Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Humans. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2024;13:1051. 10.1002/cpdd.1443
Tánczos B, Vass V, Szabó E, Lovas M, Kattoub RG, et al. Effects of HS-donor ascorbic acid derivative and ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in isolated rat hearts. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2024;195:106721. 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106721
Üstündağ H, Demir Ö, Huyut MT, Yüce N. Investigating the individual and combined effects of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C on CLP-induced cardiac injury in rats. Sci Rep. 2024;14:3098. 10.1038/s41598-024-52932-5
Kenedy IJ, Kabuhaya JF, Mashauri HL. Therapeutic potential role of vitamin C in prevention and control of heart transplant rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. A need for consideration. Health Sci Rep. 2023;6:e1687. 10.1002/hsr2.1687
Chang A, Martin KA, Colvin M, Bellumkonda L. Role of ascorbic acid in cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Clin Transplant. 2023;37:e15153. 10.1111/ctr.15153
Manolis AA, Manolis T, Melita H, Manolis AS. Role of Vitamins in Cardiovascular Health: Know Your Facts - Part 1. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2023;21:378. 10.2174/1570161121666230912155548