1.
Effects of vitamin C stimulation on rehabilitation of dysphagia after stroke: a randomized trial.
Wang, J, Chang, E, Jiang, Y
European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine. 2022;58(4):558-564
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Stroke refers to a clinical syndrome of localized or global brain dysfunction caused by cerebrovascular disease. It has the characteristics of rapid onset, high morbidity, high mortality, and high disability. After a stroke, various dysfunction can be caused, and dysphagia is one of the most common symptoms. The acidity of vitamin C can promote the secretion of saliva by stimulating the tongue, which can accelerate the swallowing action, thereby improving the swallowing function. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of vitamin C stimulation on the rehabilitation process, Nourishment State Index and immune function indicator of stroke patients with dysphagia. This study is a randomised controlled trial which enrolled 120 participants with dysphagia. The participants were randomly assigned into control group and vitamin C stimulation group, with 60 cases in each group. Results show that vitamin C acid stimulation significantly improves rehabilitation, and the Nourishment State Index and Immune Function Index of stroke patients with dysphagia. Authors conclude that Vitamin C acid stimulation can further improve the nutritional status and immune function after stroke and promote post-operative recovery of patients. Thus, vitamin C stimulation therapy can be widely used in stroke rehabilitation management.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a clinical syndrome of localized or global brain dysfunction caused by cerebrovascular disease. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of vitamin C acid stimulation on the rehabilitation process, Nourishment State Index and immune function indicators of stroke patients with dysphagia. DESIGN This is a prospective cohort study. SETTING This study was conducted at our hospital. POPULATION We analyzed stroke patients with dysphagia. METHODS A total of 120 stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly divided into a routine group and a test group, with 60 cases in each group. Routine swallowing training was performed in the routine group, and the test group was stimulated with vitamin C acid. The water swallow test (WST) and video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) were used to compare the rehabilitation of dysphagia in the two groups. Nourishment State Index was evaluated by BMI, serum albumin, total serum protein and hemoglobin. Immune Function Index was evaluated by IgA, IgM and IgG. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the WST level of patients treated with vitamin C acid stimulation intervention were significantly reduced, and the VFSS score were significantly increased. Serum levels of hemoglobin, albumin, total protein, IgA, IgM and IgG in the vitamin C acid stimulation group were remarkably increased than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin C acid stimulation exhibits a good application effect in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Moreover, vitamin C acid stimulation can further improve the nutritional status and immune function after stroke and promote postoperative recovery of patients. Therefore, we believe that vitamin C stimulation therapy can be widely used in stroke rehabilitation management. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT Vitamin C acid stimulation significantly improves rehabilitation of stroke patients with dysphagia and ameliorates the nutritional status and immune function of patients.
2.
Effects of Antioxidants on Pain Perception in Patients with Fibromyalgia-A Systematic Review.
Fernández-Araque, A, Verde, Z, Torres-Ortega, C, Sainz-Gil, M, Velasco-Gonzalez, V, González-Bernal, JJ, Mielgo-Ayuso, J
Journal of clinical medicine. 2022;11(9)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterised by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment. As a result of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced and improperly disposed of, resulting in peripheral and central sensitisations, and a reduction of the pain threshold in FM patients. It is well known that antioxidants are protective against oxidative stress and that reducing antioxidant levels can result in increased pain in patients with FM. An overview of 17 studies was conducted to evaluate the effect of antioxidant supplementation on pain perception and the appropriate duration of treatment for FM patients in this systematic review. This systematic review found that supplementation with Fibromyalgine® (Fib) (that contains vitamin C, acerola ginger root, and freeze-dried royal jelly), 300-400 gm/d of coenzyme Q10 alone in combination with Pregabalin, ferric carboxymaltose, vitamin C, E, and Nigella sativa, magnesium + amitriptyline, acetyl L-carnitine, and Sun Chlorella™ green algae are effective in reducing pain perception in FM patients. In patients with FM, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation significantly reduced pain scores. 80% of FM patients reported reduced pain after supplement treatment for at least six weeks. There is a need for further robust long-term studies to confirm the effectiveness and clinical applicability of antioxidants in the management of FM, as well as to identify the pathophysiology of FM. This research may, however, be used by healthcare professionals to gain a better understanding of the potential benefits of antioxidants in the treatment of pain associated with FM.
Abstract
In recent years, antioxidant supplements have become popular to counteract the effects of oxidative stress in fibromyalgia and one of its most distressing symptoms, pain. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the effects of antioxidant supplementation on pain levels perceived by patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The words used respected the medical search terms related to our objective including antioxidants, fibromyalgia, pain, and supplementation. Seventeen relevant articles were identified within Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. This review found that antioxidant supplementation is efficient in reducing pain in nine of the studies reviewed. Studies with a duration of supplementation of at least 6 weeks showed a benefit on pain perception in 80% of the patients included in these studies. The benefits shown by vitamins and coenzyme Q10 are remarkable. Further research is needed to identify the effects of other types of antioxidants, such as extra virgin olive oil and turmeric. More homogeneous interventions in terms of antioxidant doses administered and duration would allow the effects on pain to be addressed more comprehensively.
3.
The Effect of Combined Vitamin C and Vitamin E Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Endometriosis: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Amini, L, Chekini, R, Nateghi, MR, Haghani, H, Jamialahmadi, T, Sathyapalan, T, Sahebkar, A
Pain research & management. 2021;2021:5529741
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic and estrogen-dependent pelvic inflammatory disease that arises from ectopic endometrial implantation and growth outside the uterus cavity. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen spices and biological antioxidants, could play a key role in EMS pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin C and vitamin E coadministration on oxidative stress (OS) markers as well as pain severity in women with endometriosis. This study is a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial on 60 reproductive-aged (15–45 years) women with pelvic pain and 1–3 stages of laparoscopic-proven endometriosis. The participants, researchers, and statistician were blind about the groups. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups by the simple randomization method: group A - intervention (n = 30) or group B - palcebo (n = 30). Results show that supplementation with vitamin C and vitamin E effectively reduces systemic OS indices in women with endometriosis. Authors conclude that their findings further support the potential role of antioxidants in the management of EMS.
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis is a chronic and estrogen-dependent pelvic inflammatory disease, which may have various causes, such as oxidative stress. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain are well-known symptoms of endometriosis. The present clinical trial assessed the role of supplementation with antioxidant vitamins on the indices of oxidative stress as well as the severity of pain in women with endometriosis. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 60 reproductive-aged (15-45 years) women with pelvic pain in this triple-blind clinical trial. They had 1-3 stages of laparoscopic-proven endometriosis. The participants were randomized to group A (n = 30), given vitamin C (1000 mg/day, 2 tablets of 500 mg each) and vitamin E (800 IU/day, 2 tablets of 400 IU each) combination, or group B (n = 30), given placebo pills daily for 8 weeks. Results: Following treatment with vitamin C and vitamin E, we found a significant reduction in MDA and ROS compared with the placebo group. There was no significant decline in total antioxidant capacity after treatment. However, the severity of pelvic pain (p value <0.001), dysmenorrhea (p value <0.001), and dyspareunia (p value <0.001) significantly decreased in the treatment group after 8 weeks of supplementation. Conclusions: The present findings support the potential role of antioxidants in the management of endometriosis. The intake of vitamin C and vitamin E supplements effectively reduced dysmenorrhea severity and improved dyspareunia and severity of pelvic pain.
4.
Vitamin C and Immune Function.
Carr, AC, Maggini, S
Nutrients. 2017;9(11)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Vitamin C is essential to immune function and performs several crucial roles supporting cellular function in both the innate and adaptive immune system. Low storage capacity means a regular intake of a minimum 100-200mg of Vit C daily is necessary for adequate plasma levels. A potent antioxidant, Vit C can readily donate electrons as part of its immuno-protective role protecting against oxidative damage. VitC is a cofactor for the transportation of fatty acids into the cell mitochondria as well as numerous gene regulatory enzymes, including those involved in the cardiovascular response to infection. Structurally, Vit C supports barrier integrity and wound healing and concentrations of the vitamin accumulate in the epidermis. White leukocyte cells actively accumulate intracellular stores of Vit C indicating an important role in immune signalling. Neutrophils use Vit C to help migration to infection sites in the body and it enhances the differentiation and proliferation of B- and T-cells. Vit C has been shown to moderate inflammatory cytokines and reduce infection severity and longevity. Specifically, supplementation with high dose Vit C appears to be able to both prevent and ameliorate respiratory and systemic infections such as pneumonia. In summary, optimal levels of Vit C are necessary for proper immune function and resistance to infections.
Abstract
Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for humans, with pleiotropic functions related to its ability to donate electrons. It is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor for a family of biosynthetic and gene regulatory enzymes. Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens and promotes the oxidant scavenging activity of the skin, thereby potentially protecting against environmental oxidative stress. Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, and can enhance chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, and ultimately microbial killing. It is also needed for apoptosis and clearance of the spent neutrophils from sites of infection by macrophages, thereby decreasing necrosis/NETosis and potential tissue damage. The role of vitamin C in lymphocytes is less clear, but it has been shown to enhance differentiation and proliferation of B- and T-cells, likely due to its gene regulating effects. Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections. In turn, infections significantly impact on vitamin C levels due to enhanced inflammation and metabolic requirements. Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. Prophylactic prevention of infection requires dietary vitamin C intakes that provide at least adequate, if not saturating plasma levels (i.e., 100-200 mg/day), which optimize cell and tissue levels. In contrast, treatment of established infections requires significantly higher (gram) doses of the vitamin to compensate for the increased inflammatory response and metabolic demand.