How often to use vitamin c serum
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Optimal Frequency of Using Vitamin C Serum
Introduction to Vitamin C Serum Usage
Vitamin C serum is widely recognized for its antioxidant properties and its role in skin health. However, the optimal frequency of its use remains a topic of interest. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clear understanding of how often vitamin C serum should be used for maximum benefits.
Daily Vitamin C Supplementation and Serum Lipoproteins
High-Dose Vitamin C and Lipoprotein Metabolism
A study investigating the effects of daily high-dose vitamin C (1250 mg) over 8 weeks found significant improvements in serum lipoprotein parameters. The antioxidant activity of serum was enhanced, and there was a reduction in advanced glycated end products and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lipoprotein fractions. These changes suggest that daily high-dose vitamin C can improve anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties of lipoproteins, particularly benefiting smokers1.
Long-Term Vitamin C Supplementation
Another study evaluated the effects of long-term vitamin C supplementation (50 mg or 500 mg daily) over five years. The results showed a significant increase in serum vitamin C concentration, especially in the high-dose group. This study suggests that consistent daily intake of vitamin C can maintain elevated serum vitamin C levels without affecting dietary vitamin C intake2.
Effects on Serum Lipids and Cardiovascular Health
Moderate and High Doses in Elderly Subjects
Research on elderly subjects with low plasma ascorbic acid levels revealed that both moderate (200 mg/day) and high (2000 mg/day) doses of vitamin C significantly increased plasma ascorbic acid levels. However, there were no significant changes in serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglyceride levels, indicating that vitamin C supplementation alone may not affect serum lipids in individuals with marginal vitamin C deficiency3.
Impact on Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
In patients with a history of myocardial infarction, daily doses of 1 g and 2 g of vitamin C over six months showed increased serum ascorbic acid levels and improved fibrinolytic activity. The higher dose also resulted in a decrease in serum cholesterol and platelet adhesiveness, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits from regular high-dose vitamin C supplementation4.
Meta-Analysis of Vitamin C Supplementation
A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that supplementation with at least 500 mg/day of vitamin C for a minimum of four weeks significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. However, the increase in HDL cholesterol was not significant. This supports the use of daily vitamin C supplementation for improving lipid profiles in patients with hypercholesterolemia6.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that daily use of vitamin C serum or supplementation can provide significant health benefits, particularly in enhancing antioxidant activity, improving lipoprotein metabolism, and reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. For optimal results, a daily intake of at least 500 mg of vitamin C is recommended, with higher doses potentially offering additional benefits for cardiovascular health. Regular use, whether through serum or oral supplementation, appears to be key in maintaining elevated serum vitamin C levels and achieving these health benefits.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Consumption of high-dose vitamin C (1250 mg per day) enhances functional and structural properties of serum lipoprotein to improve anti-oxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-aging effects via regulation of anti-inflammatory microRNA.
Daily consumption of a high dose of vitamin C (1250 mg) for 8 weeks improves anti-aging and anti-atherosclerotic effects by enhancing lipoprotein parameters and microRNA expression through anti-oxidation and anti-glycation.
Non-RCTEffect of Five-Year Supplementation of Vitamin C on Serum Vitamin C Concentration and Consumption of Vegetables and Fruits in Middle-Aged Japanese: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Five-year vitamin C supplementation significantly increases serum vitamin C concentration, but does not affect dietary vitamin C intake in middle-aged Japanese.
RCT
Large Human TrialNo effect on serum lipids by moderate and high doses of vitamin C in elderly subjects with low plasma ascorbic acid levels.
Moderate or high doses of vitamin C do not affect serum lipids in elderly individuals with low plasma ascorbic acid levels.
RCTThe effect of vitamin C on blood lipids, fibrinolytic activity and platelet adhesiveness in patients with coronary artery disease.
Vitamin C administration can increase fibrinolytic activity and decrease platelet adhesiveness in patients with coronary artery disease, but its effects on blood lipids and platelet adhesiveness remain unclear.
RCTEffect of Vitamin C on Serum Cholesterol in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia and Arteriosclerosis
Vitamin C treatment failed to significantly alter serum cholesterol levels in most patients with hypercholesterolemia and arteriosclerosis, contradicting previous Russian studies.
Non-RCTVitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials.
Vitamin C supplementation for at least 4 weeks can significantly decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but not HDL cholesterol, in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedPharmacokinetic data support 6-hourly dosing of intravenous vitamin C to critically ill patients with septic shock.
Intravenous vitamin C (1.5 g every 6 hours) effectively corrects vitamin C deficiency and hypovitaminosis, providing an appropriate dosing schedule for maintaining normal or elevated vitamin C levels in septic shock patients.
RCTA Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials: The Impact of Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum CRP and Serum hs-CRP Concentrations.
Vitamin C supplementation significantly reduces serum C-reactive Protein levels, particularly in younger, higher-risk individuals, and with lower dosages and intravenous administration.
Meta-AnalysisSerum antioxidant potential, and lipoprotein oxidation in female smokers following vitamin C supplementation.
High dose vitamin C supplementation in female smokers did not significantly affect serum antioxidant potential or lipoprotein oxidation levels.
RCTIntravenous Vitamin C in Adults with Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit.
Intravenous vitamin C in adults with sepsis receiving vasopressor therapy in the ICU increased the risk of death or persistent organ dysfunction at 28 days compared to placebo.
RCTLarge Human Trial
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited