Vitamin C helps prevent blood vessels ageing, promotes healthy skin

Researchers at Yeungnam University conduct a test to find correlation between vitamin C intake and blood vessel ageing in the university lab. / Courtesy of Kwang Dong Pahrmaceutical

By Lee Kyung-min

Vitamin C intake helps prevent blood vessels ageing and promotes healthy skin, a recent study showed.

In the study jointly conducted by Kwang Dong Pharmaceutical and Yeungnam University, the team analyzed data on 42 people who took 1,250 milligram of vitamin C daily from September 2013 through June 2015.

All participants reported increased levels of antioxidant capacity by between 30 to 50 percent, measured by Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay, a scientific method to determine the antioxidant capacity of foods, beverages and nutritional supplements.

Liver damage, indicated by levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), also decreased by up to 30 percent, the study added.

The intake also helps prevent high-density lipoprotein (HDL) from being damaged.

HDL is known as good cholesterol, which helps the body remove unnecessary fat.

All participants showed increased level of skin brightness up to 30 percent, with melanin level in the skin cell decreased by up to 20 percent, restoring people’s natural complexion, according to the study.

“Vitamin C intake is widely known as vital nutrient for anti-ageing and skin health, and this study shows that it also helps the body strengthen immune system,” said a Yeungnam University researcher.

“Many people nowadays overwork under incredible amount of stress, which results in compromised or weakened immune systems and health,” a Kwang Dong Pharmaceutical official said.

“With its proven anti-inflammatory effect, the need to take good vitamins is increasing,” she added.

The study will be published in international medical journals next month.