Vitamin C supplements and skeletal muscle in older adults. OldVic v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Older adults and Vitamin C, a pilot study of the effects of supplementation on skeletal muscle (OldViC).
IRAS ID
280434
Contact name
Polly Harrison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
During aging we lose muscle mass and strength which can lead loss of mobility, falls, frailty, and an increased need for health and social care. Mitochondria, the ‘engines’ that power muscle, start to function less efficiently and produce toxic substances known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can damage muscle. Inflammation (the body’s response to harmful substances) also becomes less well controlled.
Vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may help protect mitochondria and damage to muscle. It is also involved in the production of carnitine, important for generating energy in muscle, and collagen, a key structural component.
This pilot study will be undertaken by the University of East Anglia (Research Sponsor) in collaboration with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We aim to determine whether oral vitamin C supplementation, in older women who normally have a low vitamin C intake, can improved outcomes in terms of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and ROS, muscle strength, and inflammation.
We will recruit 20 women over the age of 60 years. At the first of two visits to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital, baseline measurements involving a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, strength tests of the leg and hand, and a blood sample, will be taken. Participants will be allocated 500mg vitamin C or placebo capsules to take each day for 6 weeks. Participants will then return for a repeat of all procedures.
Our analysis will consider any changes seen in measurements after six weeks vitamin C supplementation, in comparison to changes seen with placebo treatment. As a pilot study, we expect any results to be valuable when designing future larger-scale studies. Ultimately, the findings could be used to develop public health strategies to improve muscle health in older people and reduce health and social care costs.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
20/WA/0259
Date of REC Opinion
22 Oct 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion