Quantification of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects receiving ascorbic acid supplements.

In order to assess the possible effects of ascorbic acid on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels and plasma lipoprotein composition, nine hypercholesterolemic subjects were treated with oral ascorbic acid (4 g/day) for 2 months. The data demonstrate: 1) no significant change in plasma cholesterol or triglyceride levels; 2) no significant change in the cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations of the major lipoprotein classes; and 3) the unexpected appearance of extra pre-beta bands on lipoprotein electrophoresis by the end of the ascorbic acid treatment period.