By Sean Henahan, Access Excellence

NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 12, 1996) Antioxidant vitamins C and E appear to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, according to two studies presented at the American Heart Association's 69th Scientific Sessions.

Researchers measured blood flow in the forearms of 12 people with normal cholesterol levels (average 180 mg/dl) and 12 other adults with cholesterol levels were at least 240 mg/dl and averaged 280 mg/dl. The scientists performed blood-flow measurements before and after infusing vitamin C into each person's forearm artery.

Vitamin C appeared to help the blood vessels bounce back from damage caused by cholesterol and its interaction with oxygen. The results showed that vitamin C improved blood flow and widened the blood vessels of the people with high cholesterol. But the antioxidant vitamin had no effect on blood flow in the people with desirable cholesterol levels.

"Our study results show that antioxidants can counteract the adverse effects of oxygen free-radicals, or 'oxidative stress,' from high cholesterol," said Henry Ting, M.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "And, we are hopeful that this can lead to further trials to determine if vitamin C will be therapeutic."

In a related study, Gary D. Plotnick, M.D., and colleagues at the University of Maryland found that ingesting supplements of vitamins C and E can minimize the development of oxidative stress and its effects on blood vessels that occur after consuming a fatty meal.

The American Heart Association defines desirable cholesterol levels as being below 200 mg/dl; borderline high levels as 200-239 mg/dl; and high levels as 240 mg/dl and above.