Vitamin C May Benefit Smokers

Vitamin C May Benefit Smokers

BERKELEY, Calif.--Until now, it had been difficult to know what causedantioxidant depletion in smokers--cigarette smoke, combined with a poor diet,had made it difficult to distinguish which of the two habits was affectingantioxidant levels.

Using a study designed to match smokers and nonsmokers in their dietaryhabits, a number of different antioxidants were researched, including vitamin Cand several different forms of vitamin E. The study concluded that vitamin C wasthe only antioxidant that significantly affected smoking.

After being given vitamin C supplements, significant benefits were found inthe ascorbate-depleted smokers. Smokers, compared with nonsmokers, showed asubstantial three-fold increase in vitamin C levels after supplementation.