Vitamin C Lowers Risk Of Stroke by 43%

   Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a common anti-oxidant molecule  found in citrus fruits such as oranges and limes.  Many people worldwide take Vitamin C supplements to help ward off colds and other respiratory infections.  Vitamin C and “mega dosing” was made famous in the 1970s by 2 time Nobel Prize Winner, Dr. Linus Pauling.  Vitamin C deficiency, in the extreme, causes a disease known as scurvy.  Studies have shown that those who smoke cigarettes have lower levels of vitamin C.  The FDA requirement for Vitamin C is 60 mg, a level many doctors and scientists believe is way too low. Perhaps no vitamin has been more controversial than Vitamin C.

A recent study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  researched stroke incidence in  20,649 men and women and  its relation to blood levels of Vitamin C.  

This  study measured Vitamin C levels in the study subjects and divided the participants  into 4 different groups. Those in the highest quartile, that is, those with more Vitamin C in their blood, had a 43% lower incidence of strokewhen compared to those with lower levels of Vitamin C in their blood. The results were independent  of smoking, BMI, cholesterol and other risk factors for strokes. To see the original study, visit AJCN