The effect of high-dose ascorbate supplementation on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with premature coronary heart disease.

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE:

To determine the efficacy of high-dose ascorbate supplementation in lowering lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in patients with premature coronary heart disease (CHD).

DESIGN:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING:

Outpatient clinic.

PATIENTS:

Forty-four patients with documented premature CHD, defined as confirmed myocardial infarction and/or angiographically determined stenosis of 50% or greater in at least one major coronary artery before age 60 years.

INTERVENTIONS:

Patients were block randomized on the basis of age, gender, and screening Lp(a) concentrations to receive ascorbate 4.5 g/day or placebo for 12 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

High-dose ascorbate was well tolerated and produced a marked elevation in mean plasma ascorbate levels (+1.2 mg/dl; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant effect of supplementation on postintervention Lp(a) levels (p = 0.39) in a model that included treatment group assignment, and baseline Lp(a) levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings do not support a clinically important lowering effect of high-dose ascorbate on plasma Lp(a) in patients with premature CHD.

• Authors: A G Bostom, A L Hume, C B Eaton, J P Laurino, L R Yanek, M S Regan, W H McQuade, W Y Craig, G Perrone, P F Jacques
• Journal: Pharmacotherapy (Pharmacotherapy) 1995 Jul-Aug Vol. 15 Issue 4 Pg. 458-64 ISSN: 0277-0008 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7479198 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Lipoprotein(a)
• Ascorbic Acid

Topics

• Ascorbic Acid (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Coronary Disease (blood)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Food, Fortified
• Humans
• Lipoprotein(a) (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Time Factors