Vitamin C, Arteries, and other Connective Tissues
The conventional establishment runs some of the poorest studies on nutrients. An example from the past: After a couple of hundred studies on vitamin C, showing its benefit, there is one run (which used all of 30mg twice per day) which showed little benefit. Guess which MDs, who know little about nutritional supplements and don't want to, glom onto to inform their patients "Vitamin C supplementation does no good - it's a waste of money."
When I hear of a study performed by the conventional establishment, I always want to know more details which are usually not provided in the media report. When you get down to actually reading the story, you find they are using poorly absorbed forms, minuscule amounts, ones which may include toxic additives or extractants, etc. I can't determine whether this is by design or lack of knowledge.
Some of the most unbiased and rigorous studies can be read in books by Michael Murray, like Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. He takes the most factors into account, studies therapeutic amounts people are actually using, and knows which forms work best. Oddly, I never hear the results of his studies in the media even though he is one of the foremost experts in the nutritional field and represents Bastyr University, the only accredited naturopathic college in the US.
As far as using vitamin C, I personally prefer pure ascorbic acid powder. Hulda Clark, in her newest book, recommends taking only this form, and only by Hoffman-Laroche (there are only a few vitamin C manufacturers which provide it to a lot of supplement houses.) I mix it in a couple ounces of water and swig it down, following with plain water to wash the acid out of the mouth since it can cause tooth enamel erosion.
I have found the opposite effects of atherosclerosis in my studies and experiments - that vitamin C increases, sometimes greatly, peripheral circulation. It is also reported to be one of the most effective agents to reduce plaque or other deposits in the veins when used with lysine.
I have found it one of the best supplements taken in high dose (like three teaspoons or more per day) for fighting all kinds of maladies, chronic and acute. It appears to improve immune response. It also appears to remove some toxic metals from the body. It does not appear to have as much benefit when taken in other forms, which are the most common these days. Plus, those familiar with Clark know that she rants against Ester-C (a proprietary calcium ascorbate) since she says it is polluted with thulium.
HOWEVER, I do believe there is a valuable point to this report that we should heed. Vitamin C (like some B vitamins) can also remove or inhibit absorption of beneficial metals and minerals in the body.
As an example, copper and selenium (plus antioxidants like vitamin C) are essential in the body to provide connective tissue integrity and are inhibited from absorption by vitamin C, among other nutrients. When tissue is formed without less integrity or strength, the body makes more of it to compensate. Hence, thicker walls on arteries could be a problem if all the necessary nutrients are not included. There may be a problem with other minerals as well, like magnesium and zinc. So, it is prudent to ensure adequate minerals are consumed which may be inhibited or removed by using ascorbic acid in medium to high doses. Here's one plan:
1. Take a multivitamin which contains 50-100% RDA copper, 100-200 mcg selenium, and 100% RDA zinc (15mg). Instead, can get zinc from pumpkin seeds and selenium from yeast. Oysters are by far the richest source of zinc and contain 1000% (not 100%, a 1000%) RDA per 3.5oz serving, if one is inclined to eat oysters.
2. Use a calcium magnesium supplement every day (I do this regardless).
3. Consume other trace minerals in adequate amounts by using sea vegetables and a mineral rich salt like KAL Real Salt (I mix it 1:1 potassium chloride to Real Salt for table use).
For general maintenance, taking huge amounts of vitamin C is not necessary if other supplements are taken which preserve vitamin C levels in the body. One of the best is probably vitamin E (use mixed tocopherols). Many of the "super" antioxidants also work in this manner. Taking Activin process grape seed extract is often recommended since it is widely available from a number of manufacturers and extracted without toxic solvents. Turmeric root powder is also good, and cheap.