The salutary effects of antioxidant vitamins on the plasma lipids of healthy middle aged-to-elderly individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of antioxidant vitamins C and E in lowering the serum lipid levels in apparently healthy middle aged-to-elderly subjects.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

University outpatient clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred twenty subjects (60 males and 60 females) with no known cardiovascular disease, aged 50 and over were enrolled into the study and were randomly allocated to four age and sex matched groups. Each group was subsequently randomized to receive vitamin C, vitamin E, their combination and placebo respectively, for 75 days. Pre-and post-treatment fasting plasma lipid profiles were determined for each case.

RESULTS

Except for serum triglyceride level which did not change significantly in group "A" cases receiving vitamin C, there was a quite significant reduction in the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride in all treatment groups compared to the placebo (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Antioxidant vitamins C and E or their combination can effectively lower the serum cholesterol and LDL levels and raise the serum HDL level in the middle aged-to-elderly healthy individuals.