Clinical Study Title:
Ascorbic acid reduces blood pressure and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.

Plain English Summary:

This study looked at the role of vitamin C supplementation on type II diabetes. A total of 30 participants with type II diabetes were given either a daily supplement of vitamin C or a placebo. Heart functioning was measured in all participants before treatment, and 4 weeks later. The vitamin C group had lowered their diastolic and systolic blood pressure at the conclusion of the study. These participants also had improved stiffness in their arteries. Since high blood pressure is a big risk for people with type II diabetes, the use of vitamin C supplementation is a cost effective way to help control blood pressure.

Authors

Mullan BA. Young IS. Fee H. McCance DR.

Institution

Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Country of Publication

United States

Source

Hypertension. 40(6):804-9, 2002 Dec.