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Reduced plasma vitamin C levels linked with greater BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference

A report published in the July, 2007 Journal of Nutrition described research conducted by Arizona State University which found that men and women whose vitamin C levels were low had a greater body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than those with higher levels of the vitamin.

Carol S. Johnston, of Arizona State’s department of nutrition and her associates recruited 35 men and 83 women aged 20 to 60, of whom 24 percent were categorized as overweight and 54 percent as obese. Height, weight, body fat mass and waist circumference were measured, and dietary questionnaires were evaluated for the intake of macro and micronutrients. Blood plasma samples were analyzed for vitamin C and adiponectin, a protein secreted by adipose tissue that is lower in obese than nonobese individuals. Having a low level of adiponectin is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The decline of adiponectin in obesity is caused by an alteration in gene expression induced by oxidative stress.

The research team discovered that higher levels of plasma vitamin C were associated with lower body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. Plasma vitamin C was related to the women’s adiponectin levels after controlling for vitamin C supplement use and age, however, this association disappeared after controlling for body mass.

In an additional experiment in which 20 obese men and women were placed on a vitamin C deficient lowfat diet and given 500 milligrams vitamin C or a placebo for 8 weeks, both groups lost weight and experienced an increase in adiponectin. However, the authors note that a larger trial found that three grams per day vitamin C was associated with greater weight loss than a placebo after six weeks, “hence, the outcome of our trial may have been limited by a small sample and the level of supplementation.”

It is not known whether obesity lowers vitamin concentrations due to increased oxidative stress, or whether the vitamins affect the accumulation of lipids in fat cells. Earlier research conducted by the team found a significant reduction in fat oxidation during exercise among individuals whose plasma vitamin C levels were inadequate. Vitamin C is needed for the body’s synthesis of carnitine, which, when impaired, is associated with a decrease in the oxidation of fat and an increase of lipid accumulation in muscle.

“Plasma vitamin C was inversely related to adiposity, particularly in women, and this association was independent of body mass and age,” the authors conclude. “Because one-third of Americans have marginal plasma vitamin C concentrations, this is an important observation, worthy of further investigation.”

Health Concern

Obesity

For weight loss, these easy steps can be taken every day:

1. Before each meal, take one of the following:
   • 8–9 g of Enhanced Fiber Food Powder (flavored or unflavored) or
   • 8–9 g of High Lignan Flax seed powder or
   • 3–6 capsules of PGX soluble fiber blend
2. Take 200–600 mcg of Chromium daily.
3. Take 160–320 mg of Magnesium citrate daily before bedtime.
4. Take 3000–4000 mg of CLA (with or without 1000 mg guarana) daily.
5. Take 2400 mg of EPA/DHA with sesame lignans daily.
6. Take 200 mg of 7-keto DHEA daily in the morning.
7. Take 725–1450 mg of Green Tea extract (minimum 93 percent; caffeinated or decaffeinated) daily.
8. Minimize consumption of foods cooked at high temperatures.
9. Consume most calories early in the day (avoid late-night snacking).
10. Reduce intake of high glycemic foods (breads, pasta, potatoes, fruit juices, sugary snacks).
11. Reduce intake of saturated fats such as those found in beef and butter, and increase consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fats, such as fish.
12. Increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

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For longer life,

Dayna Dye
Editor, Life Extension Update
ddye@lifeextension.com
954 766 8433 extension 7716
www.lifeextension.com

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