Peripheral artery disease linked to low vitamin C

April 10, 2001 in Heart Health, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

Peripheral artery disease linked to low vitamin C

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.

In most recent issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers report that 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. In their study, the investigators found that patients with PAD had vitamin C blood levels nearly twice as low as those in people without PAD.

The researchers could not conclude that supplemental vitamin C intake is beneficial for PAD patients Further clinical trials with antioxidant supplements are needed to address this matter.

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