Vitamin C supplements and skeletal muscle in older women (VICS) v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A cross-over pilot study on the effects of VItamin C supplementation on Skeletal muscle in older women (VICS).
IRAS ID
321917
Contact name
Ailsa A Welch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
As we age our muscles become weaker, which can lead to falls, frailty, impaired mobility and an increased need for healthcare. One of the reasons for this is that mitochondria, the ‘engines’ that power our muscles, work less efficiently as we get older, and can produce harmful compounds called reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can cause inflammation and can damage our muscles and the mitochondria themselves.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties which may protect mitochondria and our muscles. It is also involved in the production of collagen, a structural component of muscle, and carnitine, which helps us produce energy in our muscles.
We will investigate whether oral vitamin C supplementation, compared to placebo, can improve mitochondrial function, muscle strength and inflammation in older women with low dietary intakes of vitamin C. The study will be carried out by the University of East Anglia (Research Sponsor) in collaboration with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH).
We will recruit 16 women over the age of 65 years to take part in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study lasting 16 weeks. Participants will be randomised to take 500mg vitamin C or placebo capsules each day for 6 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period, before they cross over to the alternative treatment for a further 6 weeks. Study visits at week 0, week 6 and week 16 will involve a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, assessments of leg and grip strength, physical function, muscle mass, and collection of a blood sample.
The results of this pilot study may be useful for developing future, larger-scale studies. Our findings may also be useful for developing nutritional strategies to improve muscle health in older adults and reduce health and social care costs.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0255
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion