EFFECT OF VITAMIN C ON SERUM LIPIDS AND ELECTROLYTE PROFILE OF ALBINO WISTAR RATS.

The effect of oral administration of vitamin C on serum lipids and electrolyte profile were investigated in albino rats of the Wistar strain. Eighteen (18) albino rats of opposite sexes weighing between 150-300g were used for the study and randomly assigned on the basis of body weight and litter origin to three study groups of six animals each. The control group received via oral route a placebo (4ml of distilled water), while test groups 1 and II received 100mg/kg body weight and 200mg/kg body weight of vitamin C in 2.5 ml and 5.0 ml of the vehicle via gastric intubation respectively. The administration of vitamin C for 30 days produced a significant (P<0.05) decrease in total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the test groups versus control but there was no change in triglycerides (TG) and High density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Computed HDL: LDL ratio also increased in the treatments relative to the control. Except for computed HDL: LDL ratio all the other changes were dose dependent and there was a slight non-significant increase in all electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺ and HCO^-₃) ions. The study confirms the hypocholesterolaemic effect of vitamin C and that Vitamin C has no adverse effect on serum electrolytes. It is suggested that its administration in moderate to high doses may protect against atherosclerosis and hypertension.