Abstract
Purpose
Vitamin C is a fundamental antioxidant that plays roles in important metabolic processes. Patients with type 2 diabetes are exposed to oxidative stress as a consequence of an increase in ROS production. The aims of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes, to study the relationship of vitamin C levels and cardiovascular diseases and to correlate the fresh fruits and vegetables consumption with vitamin C levels and the presence of cardiovascular diseases.
Methods
In 200 ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes, vitamin C levels, with HPLC, and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a dedicated questionnaire, were measured. All other laboratory variables were measured with standard methods. Association between vitamin C and cardiovascular diseases was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
Vitamin C deficiency was found in 12.2 % of subjects. Vitamin C levels and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were lower in subjects with cardiovascular diseases. Fresh fruits and vegetables intake were associated with higher levels of vitamin C. In multivariable analysis, vitamin C was independently associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study seems to suggest that vitamin C might have an inverse relation with cardiovascular diseases. The intake of vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables may have a protective role.