Vitamin C can replace morning exercise, study confirms

Vitamin C is known to provide individuals with enough immune system boost, avoid skin wrinkling, eye problems and prenatal health problems. Most people even think that taking vitamin C supplements can help in the prevention of colds although WebMD writes that experts state there is little proof in that belief. Fortunately, here is an added benefit that a new study has discovered - it can be as beneficial as a morning exercise for obese individuals.

Examiner reports that according to a research done at the University of Colorado, vitamin C supplements, when taken by overweight or obese individuals, can have the same heart benefits as when they do exercise, including improving the functions of the blood vessels.

Most overweight and obese individuals have problems in the blood vessels like an elevated endothelin-1 (ET-1) activity, a protein that allows constriction of small vessels. Due to this activity, there is less response to blood flow demand once the small vessels become constricted, increasing the risk of developing heart problems.

Exercise is known to reduce ET-1 activity, thus the researchers hope vitamin C can provide the same benefits, especially among those who do not exercise. According to their findings, over 50 percent of these individuals do not practice daily exercise even when it is the recommended routine for a healthy heart.

Tech Times adds that the participants of the study were 35 overweight or obese adults who have sedentary lifestyles and impaired vascular tone. They were asked to consume vitamin C supplements on a daily basis; then after three months, the researchers evaluated if there were any improvements. The study discovered that after taking 500 mg. of the supplements everyday, the subjects reduced their ET-1 activity, as if they walked.

The researchers also noticed that although vitamin C did not make the subjects lose weight, the supplements have somehow helped return the vascular tone of their hearts to normal. The researchers admit that 500 mg. of vitamin C is a high dose, and usual intake in this amount may cause adverse effects like abdominal cramps, diarrhea and nausea. However, the researchers believe it can be a big help, especially to those who can't exercise.

Dr. Caitlin Dow, the lead author of the study, explains that vitamin C supplements should not be considered as an exercise pill and as a new cure, but it can mark the start of a new alternative lifestyle for people who can't exercise, Science World Report writes. She adds that if studies can improve measures of reducing the acquisition of new diseases without changing their weight, pressure might be lifted from some people.

The study is yet to be published in a journal for peer review, but it has already been presented at the 14th International Conference of the American Physiological Society in Savannah, Georgia.