Vitamin c and d
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The Impact of Vitamin C and D on Health: A Comprehensive Review
Vitamin C and D in Mood and Psychological Distress
Vitamin C's Role in Mood Improvement
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to significantly improve mood and reduce psychological distress in acutely hospitalized patients. A clinical trial demonstrated that administering 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily for an average of 8.2 days normalized plasma vitamin C levels and resulted in a 71% reduction in mood disturbances and a 51% reduction in psychological distress 1.
Vitamin D's Limited Impact on Mood
In contrast, high-dose vitamin D (5000 IU/day) over a similar period did not significantly affect mood or psychological distress, despite increasing plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The study concluded that the dose and duration were insufficient to normalize vitamin D levels, thus limiting its potential benefits on mood 1.
Vitamins C and D in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Antineoplastic Properties
Both vitamins C and D have shown potential antineoplastic properties in various studies. Vitamin C, at pharmacological concentrations, exhibits cancer-selective cytotoxicity in several cancer cell lines. Vitamin D, often referred to as "hormone D," modulates multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways, contributing to cancer inhibition 2. However, the evidence remains controversial, and high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings 2.
Vitamins C and D in Metabolic Syndrome
Comparative Effects on Metabolic Syndrome
A randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of vitamins C and D, with and without endurance physical activity, on metabolic syndrome patients. The study found that vitamin D had a more significant impact on fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to vitamin C. However, vitamin C was more effective in reducing waist circumference, triglycerides, and increasing high-density lipoprotein levels 3. Combining physical activity with vitamin supplementation maximized these benefits 3.
Vitamins C and D in Critical Illness
Supplementation in Critical Care
Critically ill patients often suffer from deficiencies in vitamins C and D. Supplementation of these vitamins is recommended due to their cost-effectiveness and safety profiles. Vitamin D requires a loading dose followed by maintenance doses to improve 25(OH)D levels, while vitamin C dosages of 100-200 mg/day are recommended for patients receiving parenteral nutrition, with higher needs in acutely ill patients 4.
Vitamin C and D in Cardiovascular Disease
Vitamin C and Cardiovascular Health
Observational studies suggest an inverse relationship between vitamin C intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. However, clinical trials have not consistently supported these findings. A large trial involving 14,641 participants found no significant difference in major CVD events, all-cause mortality, or other CVD outcomes between the vitamin C and placebo groups 7. The evidence remains limited and of low quality, indicating a need for further research.
Vitamin D in Chronic Hepatitis C
Enhancing Antiviral Therapy
Vitamin D supplementation has shown promise in improving the response to antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that adding vitamin D to conventional antiviral therapy significantly increased the rate of viral response, particularly in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 610. This suggests that vitamin D could be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C 8.
Conclusion
Vitamins C and D play crucial roles in various health conditions, from mood improvement and cancer prevention to metabolic syndrome management and chronic illness treatment. While vitamin C has shown significant benefits in mood enhancement and certain metabolic parameters, vitamin D's impact is more pronounced in metabolic syndrome and chronic hepatitis C treatment. However, the evidence remains mixed, and further high-quality studies are needed to fully understand the potential of these vitamins in different health contexts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effects of vitamin C and vitamin D administration on mood and distress in acutely hospitalized patients.
Short-term vitamin C therapy improves mood and reduces psychological distress in acutely hospitalized patients with hypovitaminosis C and D, while high-dose vitamin D has insignificant effects.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalComparative effects of vitamin D and vitamin C supplementations with and without endurance physical activity on metabolic syndrome patients: a randomized controlled trial
Combining vitamin D or vitamin C supplements with endurance physical activity may improve the life of metabolic syndrome patients, but weight loss is not affected.
RCT
Rigorous JournalAn update of the effects of vitamins D and C in critical illness
Vitamin D and C supplementation in critically ill patients is cost-effective and safe, with optimal dosages varying based on the patient's condition.
Literature ReviewAssociation of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and risk of bladder cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis
The risk of bladder cancer may be inversely associated with vitamin D and E, but positively associated with -Tocopherol, while vitamin C shows no significant association.
Meta-AnalysisEfficacy of vitamin D supplementation in combination with conventional antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Vitamin D supplementation combined with conventional antiviral therapy significantly increased viral response rates in chronic hepatitis C patients, but its efficacy remains unclear due to heterogeneity, small sample size, and low methodological quality.
Meta-AnalysisVitamin C supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin C supplementation as a single supplement does not show significant effectiveness in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalVitamin D for your patients with chronic hepatitis C?
Vitamin D supplementation may protect against liver disease progression and improve treatment responses in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Rigorous JournalOverview of vitamin D and C requirements in fish and their influence on the skeletal system
Vitamin D and C are essential for maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in fish, as well as regulating bone mineralization and skeletal integrity.
Highly CitedVitamin D supplementation improves sustained virologic response in chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1)-naïve patients.
Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg--2b/ribavirin therapy significantly improves the viral response in treatment-nave patients with chronic HCV genotype 1.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly Cited