Meanwhile, a small amount of LDL ("Bad")
cholesterol that has built up in the artery wall becomes oxidized. Oxidized
LDL is one of the triggers that set off a chain reaction. It causes the
endothelium to express a special kind of molecule "glue" called
ELAMS (endothelial-leukcyte adhesion molecules). These molecules, which
happen to be floating by in the bloodstream causes certain kinds of white
blood cells (monocytes and T lymphocytes) to stick to the endothelium. At
this point in time, the inflammatory response is still well under control
and normal, whether it is in the artery or in the tissue.
Beyond this point, the healing process goes off track. The white
blood cells will start to move between and below the endothelium and cause
damage in two major ways. Firstly, they will cause some of the muscles cells
in the artery walls to grow and secondly, they incorporate particles into
the artery wall, consuming the oxidized LDL particles. What results from
here is a fatty streak that becomes a fibrous plaque.
This intricate process begins in the tissue under the endothelium. Due
to inflammatory reactions, the endothelium's structure becomes permeable
to lipoproteins, particularly low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and macrophages.
These particles will enter into the site of injury, accumulate cholesterol
as cholesterylester and develop into foam cells. A raised LDL-cholesterol
and related cholesterol carrier called lipoprotein (a) concentration is
recognized by many as a major risk factor for heart disease as it appears
to be the donor of cholesterol deposited in the artherosclerotic plaque.
Being adhesive, the cells will attract other substances, resulting in a
continuous deposition of unwanted conglomerate which we called fatty streak.
The latter consist of lipids (fats), complex carbohydrates, blood, blood
products, fibrous tissue, oxidized ascorbates and calcium deposits.
As the fatty streak becomes bigger and bigger, this resulting fibrosis forms
an " endothelial tumor" or a plaque. The process of plaque
formation is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis blocks the blood's
pathway and narrows the arteries over time.
The arteries in our bodies consist of three layers:
1 The intima is composed of the endothelium and underlying sub-intimal connective
tissues.
2 The media is composed of the internal and external elastic lamina surrounding
the smooth muscles.
3 The adventitia lies at the outer most area comprising of connective tissues
in which nerve fibers are dispersed.
Therefore, the hallmarks of an artherosclerotic
vessel are intimal hyalinization, medial hypertrophy, and endothelial hyperplasia.
Histologically speaking, lipids accumulate in the endothelium and muscle
cells. In severe cases, lipid particles appear extracellulary in the intima.
It is very interestingly to note that
artherosclerotic plaque contains both oxidized lipids and relatively large
amounts of alpha-tocopherol and ascobate. During various studies,
researchers have discovered that plaque samples which contained more ascorbate
and urate than normal arteries have no discernible differences in the Vitamin
C redox status between plaque and control materials. The most abundant of
all studied lipids in plaque samples was free cholesterol, followed by cholesteryl
oleate and cholesteryl linoleate. The study also noted that approximately
30% of the plaque was oxidized.
If we want to prevent or slow down the
accumulation of cholesterol due to the modification or oxidation of LDL,
we can take Vitamin C. Various types of heart cells, including
endothelial cells, can oxidize the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) form of
cholesterol and promote heart disease. As such, taking Vitamin
C will help to enrich the endothelial cells and make them less likely to
oxidize LDL.
CLINICAL
STUDIES
The therapeutic use of high and mega-dose Vitamin C to reduce atherosclerosis
is validated in many well-conducted clinical trials.
1.
Vitamin C Intake Neutralizes A High Fat Meal.
In a study conducted by Dr. Plotnick, University of Maryland School of Medicine,
20 healthy men and women were fed on one of the three breakfasts: -
(1) A high-fat meal consisting of an Egg McMuffin, Sausage McMuffin, and
two hash brown patties.
(2) A high-fat breakfast after the subjects were given 1,000 mg of Vitamin
C and 800 IU of vitamin E.
(3) A low-fat breakfast of cereal, skim milk, and orange juice.
In this study, Dr Plotnick discovered that a
single high-fat meal increased blood triglyceride levels by more than 60
percent and decreased endothelial function by two to four hours. The
decrease in endothelial function also correlated with an increase in triglyceride
levels, but not with fasting triglyceride levels. The researchers were also
pleased to note that taking Vitamins C
and E just before the high-fat meal helped to maintain normal endothelial
functions. Surprisingly, the effects
of the vitamin were the same as eating the low-fat meal, which produced
no increase in triglycerides or decrease in endothelial function.
2.
Vitamin C Helps to Normalize Blood Flow
In order to determine the effects of Vitamin C on normalizing blood flow,
researchers measured the thickness of the intima in the carotid arteries
of 231 people with atherosclerosis and an equal number of healthy people.
The intima is the innermost layer of the blood vessel walls and a thickened
intima is a sign of cardiovascular disease. High blood levels of carotenoids,
particularly lutein and zeaxanthin are related to normal intima thickness.
During an animal study conducted using rabbits, it was reported that the
rabbit's blood flow decreased and red blood cells clumped together in small
blood vessels after being fed a high-cholesterol diet. However, when these rabbits were given supplemental Vitamin
C, their blood flow returned to normal.
3. Vitamin C Protects Vascular Wall
Vitamin
C is very effective for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). It
prevents endothelial cell apoptosis.
In a series of experiments, Dr. Stefanie Dimmeler, University of Frankfurt
first showed that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased apoptosis
in cultured endothelial cells by 3 times. However, when Vitamin C was
added to the cultures, this apoptosis was remarkably decreased. Similar
results were also seen in cells treated with angiotensin II.
Researchers explained then Vitamin C interfered with apoptosis signaling
by inhibiting the ability of TNF-alpha to induce cytochrome C released from
the mitochondria. This suppressed the activation of caspase-9.
In an investigation, 34 patients were given Vitamin C or placebo. At first,
they were given 2.5 g of Vitamin C or sodium chloride 0.9% intravenously
for 10 minutes. This was followed by 2 g of Vitamin C or placebo given orally
twice a day for a period of 3 days.
The results reported that after taking Vitamin C, plasma levels of circulating
apoptotic microparticles were reduced to 32% of baseline levels. Patients
treated with placebo were reduced by an insignificant amount to 87% of baseline
levels.
When cultured endothelial cells were exposed to the patient's serum, apoptosis
was significantly reduced from the patients treated with Vitamin C compared
with the subjects treated with placebo.
The researchers also noted that Vitamin C did not affect serum concentrations
of TNF-alpha or other circulating cytokines. As such, the altered serum
levels of circulating cytokines do not contribute to the protective effects
of Vitamin C on endothelial cell apoptosis in CHF patients.
4.
Vitamin C Helps to Neutralize Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoking causes endothelial dysfunction.
A study using 20 smokers and non-smokers was conducted to examine the effects
of Vitamin C and cigarette smoking on endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
The lumen diameter and the velocity flow of the brachial arteries at rest
were measured during:
1. The reactive hyperemia following transient arterial occlusion
2. After 0.3 mg of sublingal nitroglycerin with high-resolution ultrasound.
3. After infusion of saline or saline plus Vitamin C (10 mg/min for 20 min).
The same study was also performed in 15 smokers before and 10 minutes after
cigarette smoking. Their serum levels of Vitamin C and plasma levels of
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation
were also measured. The results showed that the smokers had lower Vitamin
C levels and higher TBARS levels. Their results also showed the impairment
of flow-dependent vasodilatation when compared with non-smokers. When
Vitamin C was given, it improved the impairment of flow -dependent vasodilatation
and decreased TBARS in smokers. However, Vitamin C administration did
not have any effects in the non-smokers. The researchers also concluded
that cigarette smoking acutely worsened the impairment of flow-dependent
vasodilatation and increased TBARS. As such, researchers conclude that:
(1) Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in the brachial arteries was impaired
in smokers. When Vitamin C was given, there was a decrease in TBARS.
(2) Cigarette smoking produced acute impairment of endothelium-dependent
vasodilatation in smokers in association with an increase in TBARS.
5.
Vitamin C Reduces Blood Pressure
The
endothelium regulates the vascular tone by releasing relaxing eicosanoids
such as prostacyclin (PGI2) or contracting eicosanoids such as TXA2 in a
delicate balance to maintain normal blood pressure. A dysfunctional endothelium
caused by free radicals can offset this balance. The net equilibrium is
then pushed towards an increase in TXA2/PGI2 favoring vasoconstriction and
hypertension. This vasoconstriction leads to peripheral neuropathy as
vascular supply is reduced.
A study was conducted with a sampling group of 50 hypertensive patients.
25 of these patients were given 500 milligrams a day of Vitamin C, the rest
were given matching placebo (inert pills). Before the study began, their
average blood pressure was taken as 155/88 mmHg. Subsequently, it was again
measured two hours after giving the first dose, and after one month of treatment.
The study was double blind, so that no one knew what type of pills each
patient was getting until after the study. The results showed no effects
on the subject's blood pressure two hours after the first dose. However,
after one month, the systolic pressure in the Vitamin C group fell by
12 mm Hg, which is much more than those in the placebo group. The effects
on diastolic pressure were less pronounced, and did not reach any statistical
significance.
In this study, the effects on systolic pressure were quite strong. One reason
as to why the change in diastolic pressure was less pronounced may have
been because it was normal to begin with.
Other studies on the effects of Vitamin C on blood pressure were also conducted
but the results were less consistent.
6.
Vitamin C Protects Endothelial Oxidation
Vitamin C protects endothelial function by stopping LDL oxidation, platelet
aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium.
A study was conducted on a group of healthy men to see if low plasma antioxidant
levels increased ox-LDL (oxidized low density lipid) levels. Ox-LDL is associated
with oxidative damages to cells. The result showed that low plasma tocopherol
levels were significantly associated with increased ox-LDL levels. Additionally,
smoking raises ox-LDL levels further. The study concluded that alpha-tocopherol
protected against oxidative cell damages. Supplementing with Vitamin C would
help to decrease this damage, especially in smokers.
Vitamin E when combined with Vitamin C was proven in many studies to reduce
apoptosis (cell death) and oxidative damages to healthy heart muscles and
endothelial cells. During a study conducted on AMI (acute myocardial infarction)
patients, it was reported that when these patients were given supplements
of Vitamin E and C, the production of free radicals in leukocytes was decreased.
7.
Vitamin C Helps Heart Failure
Vitamin C can help heart patients by improving the functions of their
blood vessels.
When our heart is unable to pump efficiently enough to meet our body's needs,
we will develop congestive heart failure. The signs and symptoms are fatigue
and the shortness of breath. Most heart failures are usually a direct result
from an underlying heart condition such as coronary artery disease.
German and French researchers have discovered that Vitamin C helps to
prevent the cells in the blood vessel wall from dying. In order words, Vitamin
C benefits those people with congestive heart failure, who have poor function
in the blood vessel walls.
The damaging form of oxygen in the body is called reactive oxygen that is
accumulated in the blood as the condition progresses. This oxidative stress
contributes to dysfunction in the endothelium by damaging its cells. As
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, it helps to remove these cell-damaging
oxygen compounds from the body.
During an experiment, investigators gave 34 patients either Vitamin C treatment
or an inactive placebo. The Vitamin C patients were first given an intravenous
dose of Vitamin C, followed by 3 days of oral supplements. They were all
were V on standard drug treatment for heart failure. Prior to treating these
patients, the researchers already had first hand knowledge that exposing
endothelial cells to Vitamin C kept inflammatory proteins from apoptosis,
a form of cell self-destruction. As such, when the blood samples from the
patients were tested, they found that those who received Vitamin C showed
less evidence of apoptosis in their endothelial cells. The placebo patients
did not show any changes.
8.
Vitamin C Prevents Diabetes
Dr. Farris K. Timimi and his team at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and
Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, found that the short-term
infusion of Vitamin C improved blood vessel functions in 10 of the patients
with diabetes, but not in the other 10 patients who were non-diabetics.
During the course of study, this team also examined the functions of the
endothelium and the layer of cells that lines the insides of blood vessels,
which helps them to dilate and contract. They also concluded that Vitamin
C helps to destroy free radicals present in the endothelium. These oxygen-derived
free radicals are harmful molecules accumulated in the body as one age.
Infusions of methacholine chloride, a substance that makes blood vessels
dilate was given to the patients before and after intravenous Vitamin C
administrations. Subsequently, the researchers measured the patient's blood
flow in the forearms. Within the diabetic groups, Vitamin C increased the
ability of the endothelium to help relax the blood vessels.
In the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Timimi's
team concluded, "This result supports the notion that oxygen-derived
free radicals may contribute to abnormal vascular function in patients with
diabetes mellitus." The investigators also noted that
the blood levels of Vitamin C would be difficult to achieve with over-the-counter
supplements.
9.
Vitamin C helps hypercholesterolemia
Whether Vitamin C can help people with hypercholesterolemia has yielded mixed results. Most studies are carried
out using Vitamin C only and in dosages of below 500 mg. The lack of consistently positive results may be attributed to the relatively small doses and therefore insufficient intracellular concentrations to effect meaningful change.
VITAMIN
C AND COLLAGEN
In addition to the well-established anti-oxidative effects of Vitamin C
on the endothelium wall, Vitamin C has yet another important function.
Vitamin C helps in the formation of critical
collagens responsible for keeping the vascular system pliable and healthy.
In the blood vessels, collagen, together with elastic fibers, form an integral
part of the sub-endothelial connective tissue just below the endothelium
(a single layer of very thin squamous epithelial cell that lines all blood vessels), as well as the external elastic lamina.
WHAT
IS COLLAGEN?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Most proteins
such as enzymes and co-factors occur in small amount but there are a few
exceptions, notably hemoglobin (in red blood cells) and collagen that exists
in abundance throughout the body.
Collagen is omnipresent in our body. It forms the foundational matrix
of our skin, bones, teeth, blood vessels, eyes, heart, and essentially the
whole body. Collagen is stronger than a steel wire of the same weight.
When it is combined with elastin and macropolysaccharides, a connective
tissue network forms. It is this network that holds our body together. Collagen
is so important in our bodies that without it, our body will not function.
Of all the non-mineral constituents of the mammalian body, collegen forms
a large proportion next to water and fats.
Like other proteins, collagen consists of a long chain of amino-acid
call peptides. One molecule of collagen contains about 1000 amino-acids
and 16,000 atoms.
Collagen comprises two important amino acids. They are glycine and hydroxyproline.
The polypeptide chain of these two amino acids forms a helix structure.
Three of these helical strands form a complete molecule. It actually resembles
the components of a rope when coiled together.
HOW
COLLAGEN IS MADE
Collagen is a complex molecule, the production of which occurs in several
stages. The amino acids glycine and proline are the two key components.
When they are exposed to Vitamin C, they form a compound called pro-collagen.
The exact mechanism is not known, but studies have shown that prolonged
exposure of human connective tissue culture to Vitamin C results in an eight-fold
increase in the synthesis of collagen and not other proteins.
The pro-collagen, a precursor to collagen is then converted into collagen
in a reaction that substitutes a hydroxyl group, OH, for a hydrogen atom,
H, in the proline and lyine point of the polypeptide pro-collagen chain.
When Vitamin C is added, this hydroxylation process is catalysed by 2 different
enzymes called prolyl-4-hydoxylase and lysyl-hydroxylase. As such, Vitamin
C functions as a catalyst. It has been shown by researcher Myllyla and his
team that during this reaction, one molecule of Vitamin C is destroyed for
each H replaced by OH. In other words, one
molecule of Vitamin C is actually given up.
The main building blocks of collagen are
glycine, proline, lysine and Vitamin C, out of which only proline can
be manufactured by the body from glutamine.
It is actually interesting to note that
prisoners who have suffered Vitamin C deficiency have wide spread fatty
deposits in their arteries.
THE
THREE MUSKETEERS - Vitamin C, LYSINE, AND PROLINE
Vitamin C is vital as a catalyst during collagen production. Vitamin
C's destruction so as to allow the formation of collagen molecule is another
reason why Vitamin C depletion is an on-going process. When a
person ages, the wear and tear of collagen will occur. Collagen
will therefore have to be continually synthesized to keep the body going
at optimum health.
Lysine also plays an important role in collagen synthesis. In addition,
Lysine has a strong attraction for a sub-fraction of cholesterol call lipoprotein(a),
commonly known as Lp(a). Lp(a) is manufactured by the liver during the
cholesterol synthesis process. It is a sticky substance that adheres to
the endothelium (innermost layer) of the vascular wall, resulting in plaque
formation and attracting other fatty deposits such as LDL cholesterol, calcium
and fibrinogen to form a plaque. Lp(a)
is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is a more sensitive
and earlier indicator of atherosclerosis than total or LDL cholesterol.
Lysine has a strong affinity for Lp(a).
As such, if we were to flood our
bodies with lysine, our bodies will be cleared of this sticky substance
and reduce our chances of having heart diseases.
The third non-essential amino acid is
proline. It is also a main component of collagen. When our
bodies lack Vitamin C, it causes proline to be lost in the urine as there
is a net loss of collagen building in the body. Like lysine, proline
has a high affinity for Lp(a) and therefore able to dissolve plaque.
It is said to be even stronger than lysine in this action. It not only prevents
further build-up of artherosclerotic deposits, it also helps to release
already deposited fat globules from the blood vessel walls into the blood
stream.
In a nutshell, the compounds, lysine and
proline, Vitamin C, CoQ10, Vitamin E and Vitamin A prevent artherosclerotic
plaque from forming in the blood vessels. It is also important to note that
mega-doses of Vitamin C, proline and lysine are necessary to achieve this
effect.
DOSAGE
OF Vitamin C, LYSINE AND PROLINE
As mentioned above, mega-dose of Vitamin
C (1-10 grams), lysine (1-5 grams), and proline (1-2 grams) are necessary
to prevent and cure atherosclerosis and lowering of key cardiovascular markers
such as lipoprotein(a).
Well known scientist, Dr Linus Pauling, towards the end of his life at age
94 took about 18 grams of Vitamin C a day. While the RDA is only 80 mg a
day for healthy individuals, cancer patients routinely take about 10 to
30 grams daily.
Mega-dose Vitamin C has very little side effects. The most common occurrence
is diarrhea and this is a physiological response that reflects tissue
saturation and the body's natural way of removing excessive Vitamin C. The
amount of Vitamin C intake that leads to diarrhea is called the Bowel Tolerance
Level (BTL). This side effect is usually harmless. When
we get diarrhea, we just simply reduce our dosage once the BTL is reached.
Sometimes, mineral ascobates are preferred in mega-dosing as they are less irritating to the gastric mucosa. Bioflavanoids are also added to synergistically improve the oxidation effects of Vitamin C. As Vitamin C is water-soluble and is secreted out from the body relatively quickly, we should spread the intake regiment throughout the day.
We can also consider the fat-soluble form
of Vitamin C called ascobyl palmitate. The latter remains in
the body longer than water-soluble ascorbic acid as it is fat-soluble and
can penetrates into the tissues that the former is unable to do so.
EXPENSIVE
URINE?
Dr.
Mark Levine, National Institutes of Health have raised an interesting fact.
He said that a daily intake of 200 mg of Vitamin C is enough to saturate
tissue Vitamin C levels. If this amount is exceeded, the extra Vitamin C
will be excreted via the urine. As such, Dr
Levine believes that healthy young people may not benefit from Vitamin C
intakes of more than 200 mg/day.
However, some of us who are ill may need
vitamin C at higher doses. For example, pregnant women, smokers,
the elderly and those with different disease conditions will definitely
require higher doses. Another group of people who will need mega doses
are those with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
and inflammatory bowel disease. This is due to the reason that inflammatory
cells, when activated generate a lot of free radicals, which depletes Vitamin
C levels. Our bodies will then need to replace it with much more Vitamin
C. More Vitamin C in white blood cells is also needed when the immune system
is responding to bacterial or viral attack, or when a person suffers from
arthritis or diabetes. The exact amount of vitamin C under certain disease
conditions or in different patient groups is still not quite clear. However,
we do know that animals who are capable
of making Vitamin C under stress puts out 4 to 10 times more Vitamin C than
they normally produce.
If we know the readings of our blood levels, we should base our Vitamin
C intake on the actual measurement of Vitamin C in the plasma, as this will
take into consideration inter-individual differences as well as other conditions
associated with decreased absorption or increased utilization of Vitamin
C. Some people may require much larger doses of Vitamin C as their absorption
of Vitamin C is poor. Others may use it up at very high rates for unknown
reasons. However, this should be reflected in a decreased plasma Vitamin
C level and be corrected by the intake of Vitamin C so that the plasma levels
are increased into a range associated with tissue saturation and decreased
risk for disease.
The dosages of Vitamin C vary amongst
individuals. Some people only require 5 grams of Vitamin C to overcome a
flu, while others may require 25 grams. The exact requirement
depends on each person's body composition and makeup. There is no universal
rule, and individualized titration is
required. The body's requirement of Vitamin C goes up when the
person is stressed. During illness, the body's bowel tolerance to Vitamin
C intake increases as the white blood cells are absorbing more of the Vitamin
C. As such, less Vitamin C remains in the bowel to cause loose stools or
diarrhea.
In Dr. Levine's study, plasma saturation in the healthy young men was not
achieved until 1,000 mg of Vitamin C daily. The plasma Vitamin C levels
increased even at a dose greater than 200 mg/day. For example, at 200 mg
of Vitamin C/ day, plasma levels were 65 uM, at 1,000 mg/day about
75 uM and at 2,500 mg/day about 85 uM. Furthermore, "tissue" levels,
which were saturated at an intake of 100 mg of Vitamin C a day were only
measured in three different types of white blood cells and not in other
vital tissues such as the liver or brain. We can therefore see the limitations
of these studies.
SIDE
EFFECTS OF Vitamin C
The side effects of Vitamin C are often very rare. Some concerns are:
1. Pro-oxidant. Based on in vitro studies,
it has been suggested that transition metal ions may convert Vitamin C from
an effective antioxidant into a damaging pro-oxidant. Studies conducted
by the Linus Pauling Institute using human plasma and in vivo studies using
guinea pigs have proven that Vitamin C
acts as an antioxidant under in vivo conditions and not as a pro-oxidant,
even in the presence of large amounts of iron. This
hypothesis is therefore not true.
2. Kidney Stones. Urinary oxalate is an important determinant of
calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. Since Vitamin C can be metabolized
to oxalate, its role as a causative agent when taken in mega dose has been
well studied.
During a study using a large group of 85,557 women with no history of kidney
stones, semi quantitative food-frequency questionnaires were used to assess
Vitamin C consumption from both diet and supplements. The study reported
a total of 1078 cases of kidney stones during the 14-year follow-up period.
Vitamin C intake was not linked with this risk. The study also mentioned
that large doses of vitamin B6 might reduce the risk of kidney stone formation
in women. The routine restriction of
Vitamin C to prevent stone formation appeared to be unwarranted.
SUMMARY
Hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, hypertension, and obesity are the
main culprits for the development of artherosclerotic coronary artery disease
(CAD). However, these account only for half of the cases of CAD. The other
pathologic processes underlying atherosclerosis remains not known.
Atherosclerosis begins in the endothelium of the vascular wall. Insults
such as blood toxins and free radicals result in a damaged endothelial wall.
This causes a cascade of dysfunctional imbalances usually maintained
by the endothelial wall that includes vascular tone (blood pressure control)
and homeostasis (coagulation and therefore thrombus formation control).
This imbalance leads to an inflammatory response that attracts oxidized
lipoprotein, cholesterol and Vitamin C. The oxidative modification of low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) is important due to this proatherogenic effects.
Our body has an internal "fire-fighting team" to stop the oxidation
of LDL as a means of stopping the artherosclerotic process. It does this
by using endogenous lipophilic antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene
and Vitamin C. Vitamin C is the major water-soluble antioxidant in human
plasma and is capable of scavenging superoxide anion, which is a major source
of oxidative stress.
If we do not have sufficient amounts of
vitamin C to effect a constant intracellular concentration, then oxidized
LDL and Lp(a) will further attract other oxidized lipids, thus resulting
in plaque formation over time. To
prevent this, we must flood our bodies with an abundant supply of Vitamin
C and E. It is also important to note that as vitamin E is fat-soluble
and tend to remain in the body, excessive amount can be toxic.
So far, we are very clear that antioxidants
prevent endothelium damage, and that oxidized ascobate is found in artherosclerotic
plaques.
Vitamin C, in conjunction with lysine
and proline, are important building blocks of collagen and the
supporting matrix of the vascular wall. During the aging process, the wear
and tea of collagen fibers must be replaced and maintained. These three
nutrients will ensure that the substrates
needed for optimum collagen building and maintenance is present. As
lysine and proline have unique features of having a high affinity for
sticky lipoproteins, plaques that are already formed can be dissolved and
carried out from the body.
The three natural compounds, Vitamin C,
lysine and proline forms a mighty trio in the fight against atherosclerosis
from at least three pathways:
1. Prevent endothelial damage that normally leads to inflammatory response
and lipoprotein adhesions.
2. Dissolve existing plaque by binding with lipoprotein and washing them
out from the body.
3. Building collagen and maintaining pliable vascular integrity normally
lost during the aging process.
Today, there is great concern that the Western diet is high in saturated
fats and trans fats, low in complex carbohydrates, high in carbohydrates
and deficient in fresh fruit and vegetables. The adoption for this form
of diet has contributed greatly to the epidemic of heart disease in the
developed world.
Studies
have shown that a deficiency of the essential vitamins and minerals may
contribute to impaired endothelial function and coronary artery disease.
As such, we should supplement our bodies
with Vitamin C, lysine, and proline so as to prevent ourselves from getting
heart problems.
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