Vitamins B-12 and C Supplementation Improves Arterial Reactivity and Structure in Passive Smokers: Implication in Prevention of Smoking-Related Atherosclerosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Atherosclerosis is an important medical problem of modern society. High environmental tobacco smoke in casino is associated with an accelerated atherogenic process. We have previously shown vitamin B12 and C supplementation improves vascular reactivity and may be beneficial in vascular protection.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the impact of vitamin supplementation on atherosclerosis (brachial artery reactivity FMD and carotid intima-media thickness IMT) in subjects exposed to high environmental tobacco smoke.

DESIGN:

Double-blind 2x2 factorial design fashion.

SETTING:

Computer randomization in 4 treatment groups: placebo (n=24), vitamin B12 (n=21), vitamin C (n=23) and vitamin B12+C (n=23) groups.

PARTICIPANTS:

91 passive-smoking casino employees (19.2% male, mean age 45.0±8.2 years).

INTERVENTION:

Subjects were randomized to receive vitamin B12 (500µg daily), vitamin C (200mg daily), vitamin B12+C or image-matched placebo capsules for 1 year.

MEASUREMENT:

Brachial FMD and carotid IMT (surrogate atherosclerotic markers) were measured by ultrasound at baseline and on completion at 12 months.

METHODS:

91 passive smoking casino employees (19.2% male, mean age 45.0±8.2 years) were randomized to receive vitamin B12 (500µg daily), vitamin C (200mg daily), vitamin B12+C or image-matched placebo capsules in double-blind 2 x 2 factorial design fashion for 1 year. Brachial FMD and carotid IMT (surrogate atherosclerotic markers) were measured by ultrasound at baseline and 12 months.

RESULTS:

Of the 78 (85.7%) passive-smoking employees completed the study, 11.5% had hypertension, 5.1% diabetes mellitus and 15.4% hypercholesterolemia. There were no significant changes in their blood pressures, lipid profiles, glucose and body mass index after supplementation for 1 year, but mild decrease in DBP (p<0.001) and blood creatinine (p<0.01) after combined vitamin B12 and C, and significant increase in blood B12 after vitamin B12 (p<0.01) and vitamin B12+C supplementations (p<0.001). Brachial FMD and cartotid IMT improved after the 3 vitamin supplementations (p<0.001), but not after placebo, being more significant after combined vitamin supplementations (p<0.0001). No adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION:

Vitamin B12 or C supplementation in passive smokers improved vascular reactivity and structures at 1 year, with implication in long term atherosclerosis prevention.

• Authors: K S Woo, T W C Yip, P Chook, K V Koon, H C Leong, X H Feng, A P W Lee, T C Y Kwok
• Journal: The journal of nutrition, health & aging (J Nutr Health Aging) Vol. 25 Issue 2 Pg. 248-254 ( 2021) ISSN: 1760-4788 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 33491041 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Vitamin B 12
• Ascorbic Acid

Topics

• Ascorbic Acid (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Atherosclerosis (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Carotid Arteries (drug effects)
• Dietary Supplements (analysis)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Smokers (statistics & numerical data)
• Smoking (adverse effects, drug therapy)
• Vitamin B 12 (pharmacology, therapeutic use)