Research has shown that the level of adiposity in humans is inversely associated with the plasma concentration of vitamin C. However, supplementation with vitamin C does not decrease body fat because it appears that vitamin C is not the cause of the high levels of adiposity, but rather the other way round. Evidence is accumulating in the literature that obesity is associated with systemic inflammation, caused by the accumulation of white adipose tissue. As the fat accumulates, macrophages migrate into the tissue and a variety of cytokines are release to the circulation. These increase the levels of various inflammatory markers, in particular C-reactive protein. The inflammation and the subsequent generation of free radicals gradually deplete the body of antioxidants (such as vitamin C) which can then lead to the formation of various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Metabolic syndrome is a dysfunction of metabolism characterised by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, elevated blood lipids and hypertension. Evidence suggests that systemic inflammation and free radical generation is high in individuals with metabolic syndrome and that antioxidant levels are reduced. Researchers1 have investigated the effects of antioxidant supplementation on the prospective risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Adult subjects were supplemented with 120 mg vitamin C, 30 mg vitamin E, 6 µg β-carotene, 100 µg of selenium yeast and 20 mg of zinc or a placebo for 7.5 years. The results showed that supplementation with antioxidants did not decrease the risk of developing metabolic syndrome despite the fact that baseline β-carotene and vitamin C were inversely associated with risk of metabolic syndrome. These results support the contention that antioxidants are depleted by high levels of obesity, but do not protect from weight gain.
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