The Combined Effect of Vitamins E and C Supplementation on the Lipid Profiles of Elderly Residents in Isfahan

Hyperlipidemia is defined as a disorder of blood lipid profile, including triglyceride level (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) and high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and known as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Vitamins C and E as antioxidants are effective on lipid profile.

This randomized double-blind study was conducted on 210 elderly people aged 60-75 during 1 year. People with full consent were classified according to sex and age groups into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 400 and 300 mg daily of vitamin C and E in tablet form, respectively, the control group received the placebo for one year. General background information was collected through a questionnaire, and dietary intake using three-day food records was collected every two months. Lipid profile, including total TC and HDL-c levels was measured by enzymatically– colorimetry methods and LDL-c level was measured by using the formula at the beginning, and 6 and 12 months after the study.

The results of analysis of variance with covariates controlling cholesterol and fat intake, for TG, TC, LDL, and HDL showed that there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups over time (P>0.05). Our study also showed no significant interaction between time and group (P> 0.05).

This study shows that combined supplementation with vitamins E and C did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups in terms of lipid profile.