Vitamins B-12 and C Supplementation Improves Arterial Reactivity and Structure in Passive Smokers: Implication in Prevention of Smoking-Related Atherosclerosis

Background Atherosclerosis is an important medical problem of modern society. High environmental tobacco smoke in casino is associated with an accelerated atherogenic process. We have previously shown vitamin B12 and C supplementation improves vascular reactivity and may be beneficial in vascular protection. Objective To evaluate the impact of vitamin supplementation on atherosclerosis (brachial artery reactivity FMD and carotid intima-media thickness IMT) in subjects exposed to high environmental tobacco smoke. Design Double-blind 2×2 factorial design fashion. Setting Computer randomization in 4 treatment groups: placebo (n=24), vitamin B12 (n=21), vitamin C (n=23) and vitamin B12+C (n=23) groups. Participants 91 passive-smoking casino employees (19.2% male, mean age 45.0±8.2 years). Intervention Subjects were randomized to receive vitamin B12 (500µg daily), vitamin C (200mg daily), vitamin B12+C or image-matched placebo capsules for 1 year. Measurement: Brachial FMD and carotid IMT (surrogate atherosclerotic markers) were measured by ultrasound at baseline and on completion at 12 months. Methods 91 passive smoking casino employees (19.2% male, mean age 45.0±8.2 years) were randomized to receive vitamin B12 (500µg daily), vitamin C (200mg daily), vitamin B12+C or image-matched placebo capsules in double-blind 2 × 2 factorial design fashion for 1 year. Brachial FMD and carotid IMT (surrogate atherosclerotic markers) were measured by ultrasound at baseline and 12 months. Results Of the 78 (85.7%) passive-smoking employees completed the study, 11.5% had hypertension, 5.1% diabetes mellitus and 15.4% hypercholesterolemia. There were no significant changes in their blood pressures, lipid profiles, glucose and body mass index after supplementation for 1 year, but mild decrease in DBP (p