Lack of effect of ascorbic acid on serum lipoprotein concentrations in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia.

Previous studies on the possible effects of ascorbic acid on lowering serum triglycerides have given conflicting results. We have treated 9 patients with stable type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia despite adequate dietary treatment with placebo for 1 month, followed by ascorbic acid at 1 g twice daily for another month. Ascorbic acid did not change either triglyceride or cholesterol in whole serum or in any lipoprotein fraction. We conclude that treatment for 1 month with 2 g of ascorbic acid per day has no effects on lowering triglyceride concentrations.