The influence of vitamin C on the interaction between acute mental stress and endothelial function

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#ascorbic-acid #blood-flow-velocity #blood-pressure #brachial-artery #double-blind-method

The influence of vitamin C on the interaction between acute mental stress and endothelial function

Plotnick et al., 2017 | Eur J Appl Physiol | Rct

Citation

Plotnick Meghan D, D'Urzo Katrina A, ... Pyke Kyra E. The influence of vitamin C on the interaction between acute mental stress and endothelial function. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017-Aug;117(8):1657-1668. doi:10.1007/s00421-017-3655-4

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine whether orally administered vitamin C attenuates expected mental stress-induced reductions in brachial artery endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). METHODS: Fifteen men (21 ± 2 years) were given 1000 mg of vitamin C or placebo over two visits in a randomized, double-blinded, within-subject design. Acute mental stress was induced using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Saliva samples for cortisol determination and FMD measures were obtained at baseline, pre-TSST, and 30 and 90-min post-TSST. An additional saliva sample was obtained immediately post-TSST. Cardiovascular stress reactivity was characterized by changes in heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). RESULTS: A significant stress response was elicited by the TSST in both conditions [MAP, HR, and salivary cortisol increased (p < 0.001)]. Overall FMD did not differ pre- vs. post-stress (time: p = 0.631) and there was no effect of vitamin C (condition: p = 0.792) (interaction between time and condition, p = 0.573). However, there was a correlation between cortisol reactivity and changes in FMD from pre- to post-stress in the placebo condition (r 2 = 0.66, p < 0.001) that was abolished in the vitamin C condition (r 2 = 0.02, p = 0.612). CONCLUSION: Acute mental stress did not impair endothelial function, and vitamin C disrupted the relationship between cortisol reactivity and changes in FMD post-stress. This suggests that acute mental stress does not universally impair endothelial function and that reactive oxygen species signaling may influence the interaction between FMD and stress responses.

Key Findings

A significant stress response was elicited by the TSST in both conditions [MAP, HR, and salivary cortisol increased (p < 0.001)]. Overall FMD did not differ pre- vs. post-stress (time: p = 0.631) and there was no effect of vitamin C (condition: p = 0.792) (interaction between time and condition, p = 0.573). However, there was a correlation between cortisol reactivity and changes in FMD from pre- to post-stress in the placebo condition (r 2 = 0.66, p < 0.001) that was abolished in the vitamin C c

Outcomes Measured

  • cortisol levels

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Blood Pressure
  • Brachial Artery
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Saliva
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: vitamin-c-cardiovascular

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09