Relationship of Plasma Level of Vitamin C to Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease

A poor status in the major essential antioxidants may be a hitherto underrated, at least permissive, risk factor of IHD that could, at at least in some European countries, substantially complement the previously established risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract

The present epidemiological data support and extend previous evidence in men and animals. Thus, a poor plasma status of vitamin C (less than 23 microM = 0.4 mg/dl) and/or of cholesterol-standardized vitamin E (less than 20-21.5 microM = 9 mg/l) occurs in westernized countries with an increased risk of IHD. A poor status in the major essential antioxidants may be a hitherto underrated, at least permissive, risk factor of IHD that could, at least in some European countries, substantially complement the previously established risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia.