People with a severe form of arterial disease appear to have low levels of vitamin C in their blood, regardless of their diet or smoking habits.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a form of atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty build-up accumulates inside the arteries and obstructs blood flow. In PAD, blood flow in the legs and feet is impaired, which can cause lameness and pain. PAD is also associated with an increased risk of death and disability caused by heart attack and stroke.
PAD may cause inflammation and the release of free radicals -- compounds that can damage tissue and may contribute to aging and chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
While antioxidants such as vitamin C can "neutralize" these compounds and reduce damage, free radicals can also deplete antioxidants from the body when overall levels are low.
The investigators found that patients with PAD had vitamin C blood levels nearly twice as low as those in people without PAD.
Circulation April 10, 2001;103
This study does not prove that taking supplemental vitamin C is useful for peripheral artery disease. However, it does show that those with the problem do have lower vitamin C levels.
Although the study does not specify, I suspect the depleted vitamin C levels were related to dietary and not supplement issues. The most potent form of vitamin C you can take is from fresh vegetables and fruits. That is because it is complexed with other accessory nutrients which synergize the benefits of the vitamin C.
Vitamin C clearly is harmless enough to use in this problem as it is inexpensive and virtually without and serious side effects. However, it is important to recognize that taking vitamin C as a supplement should not be an excuse to not eat large amounts of fresh vegetables.
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