20 Participants Needed

Vitamin C for Metabolic Changes

CB
TE
Overseen ByTaylor Ewell, M.S.
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Colorado State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether vitamin C can increase body heat and vitamin D levels when the sympathetic nervous system (which controls fight-or-flight responses) is stimulated. Researchers will compare responses with and without vitamin C during specific stimulation. The study seeks adults aged 18-40 who have been overweight for some time (but not obese) and have not experienced major weight changes recently. Participants must avoid caffeine and alcohol for a day before two study visits. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific understanding of vitamin C's effects on body heat and vitamin D levels.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must avoid vitamin and antioxidant supplements for 4 weeks before participating.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that vitamin C is generally safe for people. Studies have found that it is well-tolerated, even in higher amounts. Most people do not experience serious side effects. Some might have mild issues like an upset stomach or diarrhea, but these usually occur only with excessive intake.

Vitamin C is also commonly used and found in many foods and supplements, which adds to its safety. For those considering joining a trial with vitamin C, evidence suggests it is quite safe.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using vitamin C for metabolic changes because it offers a new approach to enhancing the effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation. Typically, treatments for metabolic conditions might focus on medications that directly alter metabolism or insulin sensitivity. However, vitamin C, an antioxidant, could potentially modulate the body's response to beta-adrenergic stimuli, which are signals that affect heart rate and energy use. This approach could lead to a more effective and possibly safer way to manage metabolic changes, as vitamin C is generally well-tolerated and has a different mechanism of action compared to traditional treatments.

What evidence suggests that vitamin C might be an effective treatment for metabolic changes?

Research has shown that vitamin C can help the body produce more heat when the stress-responsive part of the nervous system is active, especially in individuals with low physical activity. In this trial, one group will receive beta-adrenergic stimulation with vitamin C to assess these effects. Studies also suggest that vitamin C can enhance the body's ability to use sugar, potentially improving glucose processing. Additionally, vitamin C has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved health markers in individuals with obesity-related issues. Although direct evidence is limited regarding vitamin C's effect on increasing vitamin D levels, the overall benefits suggest it might positively influence the body's stress response.678910

Who Is on the Research Team?

CB

Christopher Bell, PhD

Principal Investigator

Colorado State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-40 who are slightly overweight, with a BMI of 25-30 kg/m2 and stable weight. Participants must avoid caffeine and alcohol before study visits and speak English well due to the need for clear communication during invasive procedures.

Inclusion Criteria

My BMI is between 25 and 30.
My weight has been stable, not changing more than 5 pounds in the last 6 months.
I am between 18 and 40 years old.
See 2 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo two lab visits where beta-adrenergic receptors are stimulated with isoproterenol, once with saline and once with vitamin C

2 visits
2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Vitamin C

Trial Overview

The trial tests if vitamin C can increase body heat generated by the nervous system and raise vitamin D levels when the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. It involves measuring body temperature and taking blood samples under two conditions: with stimulation alone, and with both stimulation and vitamin C.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Adding vitamin C to beta-adrenergic receptor stilmulationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Response to beta-adrenergic stimulation without vitamin CActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Colorado State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
138
Recruited
38,200+

Citations

Thermogenic responsiveness to β-adrenergic stimulation is ...

We also show that β-AR-stimulated thermogenesis is augmented by ascorbic acid administration in sedentary adults, but not those who exercise, thus abolishing ...

Oral administration of vitamin C decreases muscle ...

Conclusion. Vitamin C supplementation decreases training efficiency because it prevents some cellular adaptations to exercise.

The Role of Vitamin C in Two Distinct Physiological States

Some observations have shown that vitamin C supplementation resulted in significant improvement in glucose metabolism, or decrease in blood pressure, ...

Vitamin C | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University

A 2013 meta-analysis of 17 prospective cohort studies reported a 19% lower risk of stroke with the highest versus lowest dietary vitamin C intakes and a 38% ...

Effect of vitamin C on inflammation and metabolic markers ...

Vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) has potential effects in alleviating inflammatory status by reducing hs-CRP, IL-6, and FBG in hypertensive and/or diabetic obese ...

Vitamin C - Health Professional Fact Sheet

Vitamin C overview for health professionals. Research health effects, dosing, sources, deficiency symptoms, side effects, and interactions ...

Safety Assessment of Ascorbic Acid and ...

The Panel concluded based on the available data contained in the report that these ingredients were safe as used in cosmetic products. Because ...

The pharmacology of vitamin C

This review explores new avenues of vitamin C and integrates our present knowledge of its pharmacology.

Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Glycemic Control and ...

Evidence from short-term studies suggests that vitamin C supplementation may improve glycemic control and BP in people with type 2 diabetes.

The Pharmacokinetics of Vitamin C

The pharmacokinetics of vitamin C (vitC) is indeed complex. Regulated primarily by a family of saturable sodium dependent vitC transporters (SVCTs).