Scientists from the University of Nottingham found that vitamin C and nitrate supplements can improve vascular function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research published in the journal Nutrition.
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which the lumen of blood vessels narrows due to the accumulation of cholesterol plaques. This causes an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies have shown that in the early stages of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction develops – a disruption in the functioning of the cells lining the walls of blood vessels. Normally, these cells secrete various molecules that prevent inflammation in the vessels and the development of atherosclerosis – for example, nitric oxide NO.
Endothelial dysfunction is believed to be reversible, so scientists have suggested that early intervention (diet or medication changes) may slow the development of atherosclerosis. In a new study, doctors evaluated the effectiveness of dietary nitrates (which serve as a source of nitric oxide NO in the body) and vitamin C on vascular endothelial function.
In experiments by other biologists, they found that there was a significant improvement in endothelial function when nitrate was added to the diet of mice suffering from high cholesterol levels. Trials of nitrate supplementation in humans have had conflicting results, but overall, scientists have concluded that nitrate intake from medications or nitrate-rich foods (beet juice) is associated with beneficial effects on vascular function.
At the same time, the bioavailability of nitric oxide NO is reduced in atherosclerosis due to inflammation in the vessels. Vitamin C can increase this – this has been shown by research in humans, including those with mild or moderate chronic heart failure. The combination of nitrate and vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced arterial stiffness in adults and the elderly, and also lowered systolic blood pressure in the elderly. Two independent studies have confirmed these results.
Thus, concomitant supplementation of nitrates and vitamin C can increase nitric oxide NO synthesis and improve vascular function. However, further studies with larger numbers of participants are needed to evaluate the effect of supplementation on the prevalence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.