Effect of six weeks 1000 mg/day vitamin C supplementation and healthy training in elderly women on genes expression associated with the immune response - a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background In this study, we investigated the effects of supplementation and exercise on the expression of genes associated with inflammation like CCL2, CRP, IL1, IL6, IL10 mRNA in elderly women. Methods Twenty four participants divided randomly into two groups were subjected to 6 weeks of the same health training program (three times per week). SUP group (supplemented, n = 12, mean age 72.8 ± 5.26 years and mean body mass 68.1 ± 8.3 kg) received 1000 mg of Vitamin C/day during the training period, while CON group (control, n = 12, mean age 72.4 ± 5.5 years and body mass 67.7 ± 7.5 kg) received placebo. Results No significant changes in IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and CRP mRNA were observed within and between groups. However, there was a clear tendency of a decrease in IL-6 (two-way ANOVA, significant between investigated time points) and an increase in IL-10 mRNA noted in the supplemented group. A significant decrease in CCL2 mRNA was observed only in the CON group (from 2^0.2 to 2^0.1, p = 0.01). Conclusions It can be concluded, that 6 weeks of supplementation and exercise was too short to obtain significant changes in gene expression in leukocytes, but supplementation of 1000 mg vitamin C positively affected IL-6 and IL-10 expression – which are key changes in the adaptation to training. However, changes in body mass, IL1 and CCL2 were positive in CON group. It is possible that Vitamin C during 6 weeks of supplementation could have different effects on the expression of individual genes involved in the immune response. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

High-Dose Vitamin C Supplementation as a Legitimate Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Prophylaxis in Healthy Subjects—Yes or No?

“…The authors emphasized the selective influence of vitamin C on cytokines [ 37 ]. On the contrary, Żychowska et al [ 39 ] investigated the effects of supplementation and physical exercise on the expression of genes related to immune response, such as CCL2 , CRP , IL-1 ; IL-6 and IL-10 in women. The clear tendency of a decrease in IL-6 and an increase in IL-10 mRNA was observed in leukocytes from the training women supplemented for 6 weeks with 1000 mg of vitamin C as referenced to the control group receiving placebo.…”

Cardiorespiratory and metabolic fitness indicators in novice volleyball trainees: effect of 1-week antioxidant supplementation with N-acetyl-cysteine/zinc/vitamin C

“…Antioxidants, including vitamin C and NAC, significantly reduce CRP concentrations and other inflammatory markers and cytokines, which are key adaptive changes to training, by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B. 53–57 Zinc counteracts insulin resistance, reduces CRP concentrations, and protects against cardiovascular disease. Zinc produces these effects because it is an essential trace element in many enzymes, particularly the antioxidant superoxide dismutase, and is involved in insulin homeostasis.…”

Nutrition, Immunosenescence, and Infectious Disease: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence on Micronutrients and on Modulation of the Gut Microbiota

“…The ability of supplemental vitamin C to enhance immune function has been investigated in adults, including older adults, in several studies. One study reported that 6 wk of vitamin C supplementation (1000 mg/d) in elderly women (mean age: 72.8 y) resulted in no significant changes in leukocyte expression of genes encoding the proinflammatory markers IL-1, IL-6, and CRP or the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 ( 94 ). However, a clear trend of decreasing IL-6 and increasing in IL-10 mRNA was observed ( 94 ).…”

“…One study reported that 6 wk of vitamin C supplementation (1000 mg/d) in elderly women (mean age: 72.8 y) resulted in no significant changes in leukocyte expression of genes encoding the proinflammatory markers IL-1, IL-6, and CRP or the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 ( 94 ). However, a clear trend of decreasing IL-6 and increasing in IL-10 mRNA was observed ( 94 ). A 6-wk randomized controlled trial (RCT) of vitamin C (1000 mg/d) in patients aged 45 to 60 y with diagnosed type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control reported increased phagocytosis and oxidative burst by granulocytes ( 95 ).…”