Vitamin C and Nitrate Supplements May Support Vascular Health, According to New Findings
Researchers from the University of Nottingham report that vitamin C and nitrate supplements can enhance vascular function and may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The work, published in Nutrition, builds on a growing body of evidence about how these nutrients influence blood vessel health and the progression of vascular conditions.
Atherosclerosis features the narrowing of blood vessels due to cholesterol plaque buildup, which elevates the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In the early stages of this disease, endothelial dysfunction often emerges, reflecting impaired performance by the cells lining the vessel walls. These endothelial cells normally release a range of molecules that curb inflammation and help prevent plaque formation, with nitric oxide playing a central role in maintaining vessel health. When endothelial function falters, the protective balance shifts, and inflammation can take hold more easily, accelerating vascular damage.
Crucially, endothelial dysfunction is considered potentially reversible, which has prompted researchers to explore early interventions such as dietary changes and medications. In the latest study, investigators examined the effects of dietary nitrates, which provide a source of nitric oxide to the body, alongside vitamin C on endothelial responsiveness. The aim was to determine whether this combination could restore the healthy signaling pathways that keep blood vessels flexible and compliant, thereby slowing the course of atherosclerotic disease.
Earlier experiments with animals indicated that adding nitrates to the diet of subjects with high cholesterol produced noticeable improvements in endothelial function. Human trials describing nitrate supplementation have yielded mixed results, yet a consistent thread has emerged: nitrate intake from medications or nitrate-rich foods, such as beet juice, appears to support vascular function and reduce arterial stiffness in various populations. This aligns with the broader understanding that nitric oxide availability is a critical factor in maintaining vessel health, especially when inflammation is present within the vessel walls.
In related research, the bioavailability of nitric oxide tends to be diminished in atherosclerotic vessels due to inflammatory states. Vitamin C has shown potential to boost nitric oxide synthesis in humans, including individuals with chronic heart conditions, suggesting a synergistic effect when combined with nitrates. The paired supplementation of nitrates and vitamin C has been associated with reductions in arterial stiffness among adults and older adults, as well as lower systolic blood pressure in seniors. These findings have been replicated in two independent studies, reinforcing the potential cardiovascular benefits of this nutrient pairing. While the data are promising, experts emphasize the need for larger, more diverse studies to determine whether sustained use of these nutrients can meaningfully influence the long-term prevalence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack. Further research will help clarify who may benefit most and under what dosing conditions, ensuring recommendations are grounded in robust evidence.
These insights contribute to a nuanced view of how dietary choices can support vascular health, complement existing strategies such as blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and lifestyle modification. For individuals considering supplements, it is important to consult healthcare providers to tailor advice to personal health status, current medications, and risk factors. Ongoing investigations continue to illuminate how nutrients like nitrates and vitamin C interact with body systems to influence cardiovascular risk, offering a potential avenue for preventive care in both Canada and the United States. Attribution: University of Nottingham researchers, published in Nutrition, with corroborating findings from multiple independent studies.