Vitamin C

Vitamin C prevents oxidation of LDL and also has a favourable effect on levels of homocysteine found in the blood.

Many health professionals suggest a dosage of 1 gram per day despite the fact that research does not support the use of more than 500 mg per day.

1.       Chambers JC, McGregor A, Jean-Marie J, et al. Demonstration of rapid onset vascular endothelial dysfunction after hyperhomocysteinemia. An effect reversible with vitamin C therapy. Circulation 1999;99:1156–60.

2.       Frei B. Ascorbic acid protects lipids in human plasma and low-density lipoprotein against oxidative damage. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;54:1113S–8S.

3.       Balz F. Antioxidant Vitamins and Heart Disease. Presented at the 60th Annual Biology Colloquium, Oregon State University, February 25, 1999.

4.       Salonen JT, Nyyssönen K, Salonen R, et al. Antioxidant supplementation in atherosclerosis prevention (ASAP) study: a randomized trial of the effect of vitamin E and C on 3-year progression of carotid atherosclerosis. J Intern Med 2000;248:177–86.