Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?

We know that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can fight the common cold, ward off cancer and even combat that signs of aging. Now new research shows that this powerful nutrient may be a potent weapon in the “battle of the bulge,” as well.

As we get older, most of us find that we gain a few pounds. Weight creeps on more easily than it used to. And we may have a harder time taking it off.

Research has shown that there’s a scientific reason for that – our metabolism slows down. In general, older adults burn fewer calories at rest – the measure of metabolism – than younger people. And since we burn fewer calories as we go about our daily activities, there are more calories available to turn into fat.
Not just about weight gain – higher metabolism has many health benefits

Now, new research at the University of Colorado at Boulder report that at least some of that metabolic slowdown may be the result of oxidative stress. And supplemental antioxidants – like vitamin C – might help counteract that effect and help us keep the pounds off.

The UCB researchers came to these conclusions after testing the effects of vitamin C on the resting metabolism rates of people between the ages of 60 and 74. First they assessed the participants’ resting metabolism at baseline. Then, each participant received an intravenous infusion of vitamin C, and their metabolism was assessed again. Across the board, the participants showed an increase in their resting metabolic rate after the vitamin C infusion – on average, the increase amounted to almost 100 calories a day.

The researchers point out that these findings aren’t just about body weight. According to the press release, higher resting metabolic rates are also associated with “a reduction in risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.”
You can help us learn more about vitamin C and metabolism

The UCB findings are still preliminary; the study hasn’t been published, and the press release doesn’t provide a lot of detail. But if you want to know more, the UCB team is looking to expand their research in this area – and they’re looking for volunteers to participate in another study on vitamin C and metabolism. If you’re over 60, and are not taking any medications that might affect your metabolism or heart function, you can find out more by sending an email to [email protected].

But even without further data, you can learn something from this study. It provides further evidence on the importance of antioxidants – particularly as a tool against the effects of aging. And it reinforces vitamin C’s role as one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

Source: “Vitamin C May Help “Juice Up Metabolism in Older Adults, Offsetting Weight Gain” http://www.colorado.edu/PublicRelations/NewsReleases/2002/1719.html

Copyright 1997-2002 by Institute of Health Sciences, L.L.C.