Vitamin C to Reduce Morning Cardiovascular Risk

Chronotherapeutic Use of Vitamin C to Reduce Morning Cardiovascular Risk

This study will test the efficacy of Vitamin C to counteract morning cardiovascular (CV) risk markers in a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover pilot study. The participants will also perform morning typical behaviors such as arousal from sleep, change in posture (getting out of bed) and mild intensity physical activity; identical to the stressors encountered in everyday life. Primary dependent variables are markers of cardiovascular risk including vascular endothelial function and oxidative stress.

The investigators plan to test the efficacy of Vitamin C to counteract morning cardiovascular (CV) risk markers in a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover pilot study. The participants will also perform morning typical behaviors such as arousal from sleep, change in posture (getting out of bed) and mild intensity physical activity; identical to the stressors encountered in everyday life. This pilot study is in healthy middle aged adults without a history of CV disease.

Participants will spend two nights in an inpatient hospital suite at Hatfield Research Center. Upon awakening in the morning, they will either ingest Vitamin C or placebo in a randomized order. This will be followed by moderate intensity exercise, recovery, and discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy participants
• Normal weight or overweight but not obese (18.5<BMI<33 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of smoking/tobacco use
• Current prescription/non-prescription medications or drugs of abuse
• Acute, chronic, or debilitating medical conditions
• History of working irregular day and night hours, regular night work, or rotating shift work for the six months prior to the study.