A University of Southern California study, released in March 2000, raised the possibility that vitamin C supplements may speed up hardening of the arteries.
Researchers studied 537 middle-aged men and women and found that those who took 500 milligrams of vitamin C in a separate pill had a 2.5 times greater rate of thickening of the walls of neck arteries. Among smokers who took vitamin C pills, the rate was five times greater. People who got their vitamin C from food or a daily multivitamin did not have artery wall thickening.
Does this mean you should toss your supplements? It's too early to say. Keep in mind that there have been many studies that have found vitamin C to be protective from heart attacks. And because so much evidence exists to support boosting your daily C, the National Academy of Sciences is scheduled to release new daily-recommended intakes this spring.
Until this gets sorted out, don't give up on vitamin C. Make sure your diet includes citrus fruit, kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes, red and green peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. If you're worried about continuing with your vitamin C pills, reach for a multivitamin that contains 100 to 250 milligrams of the vitamin.
Because so much evidence exists to support boosting your daily C, the National Academy of Sciences is scheduled to release new daily-recommended intakes this spring.
Until this gets sorted out, don't give up on vitamin C. Make sure your diet includes citrus fruit, kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes, red and green peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. If you're worried about continuing with your vitamin C pills, reach for a multivitamin that contains 100 to 250 milligrams of the vitamin.
Note: Daly recommended vitamin C intakes were released later in 2000. Women are advised to consume 75 milligrams per day; men need 90 milligrams daily. Smokers should consume an additional 35 milligrams of vitamin C each day.
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