Age-related lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in immunocompetent cells with respect to vitamin C supplementation in humans

The objective of this study was to examine age-associated differences in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes and ascorbic acid in leucocytes in response to dietary vitamin C supplementation. We evaluated the efficacy of vitamin C (200 mg/day) supplementation for 30, 60 and 90 days in young and older humans. Ageing resulted in the elevation of lipid peroxidation whereas the activities of antioxidant enzymes and levels of ascorbic acid in leucocytes were lower in the older individuals. Supplementation with vitamin C resulted in lower lipid peroxidation, while enzymic antioxidant activities and ascorbic acid levels were higher in older humans. Med Sci Res 26:737-739 (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.