Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum Ascorbic Acid Level and Liver Function Profile in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on serum liver function tests in healthy individuals. A total of 200 subjects were selected randomly. 100 were given ascorbic acid supplementation for 30 days. The other 100 were not given ascorbic acid supplementation, and serum ascorbic acid level and liver function profile was observed before and after intake of ascorbic acid in group A and without intake in group B. The liver function parameters determined were aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and serum protein (total protein, albumin and globulin). These parameters along with serum ascorbic acid were measured before and 30 days after vitamin C supplementation. Various parameters of liver function profile were improved swiftly when compared to other group which was not given ascorbic acid supplementation. While comparing the two treatment groups for 30 days, statistically significant improvement was seen in serum ascorbic acid levels (p<0.001) along with improvement in some components of liver function profile such as serum ALT (p<0.01), AST (p<0.01), Total Bilirubin (p<0.01) and Direct bilirubin (p<0.001), Total Proteins (p<0.01) and Albumin (p<0.001) in group A as compared to Group B (without vitamin C supplementation intake). Conclusively, Liver Functions were significantly improved with vitamin C supplementation, giving the supportive evidence of the use of vitamin C as an antioxidant.