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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
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