Vitamin C Is Essential for the Maintenance of Skeletal Muscle Functions

Abstract

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, VC) is a water-soluble antioxidant essential for collagen polymerization. Previously, we reported that long-term VC deficiency causes muscle atrophy and deterioration in physical ability using female senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis, which is similar to that observed in humans. To determine whether these findings also hold true for male SMP30-deficient mice, two-month-old male SMP30-deficient mice were divided into two groups: the VC-treated group (VC(+)) was administered 1.5 g/L VC, and the VC-untreated group (VC(−)) was supplied water without VC. The VC level at four weeks in the gastrocnemius muscles from the VC(+) and VC(−) groups was 205.7 ± 8.5 nmol/g tissue and 13.1 ± 0.6 nmol/g tissue, respectively. Thus, four weeks was enough to reduce the VC level in the skeletal muscle in the VC-untreated group. On the other hand, muscle weights of the gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, tibialis anterior, and extensor digitorum longus in the VC(−) group were significantly reduced by VC deficiency after twelve weeks. The physical endurance of the VC(−) group at eight weeks was markedly lower than that of the VC(+) group. The grasping strength and activity in the cage in the nocturnal phases of the VC(−) group were markedly lower at twelve and sixteen weeks than those of the VC(+) group. Interestingly, muscle atrophy and declined physical ability were completely restored with VC supplementation for twelve weeks after VC deficiency. Thus, VC is essential for maintaining skeletal muscle function in both male and female SMP30-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis.

Association between Vitamin C Supplements and Frailty in Korean Older Adults: Analysis of the 2018–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

“…However, we found very few studies investigating the relationship between duration of vitamin C intake and frailty. In animal studies, longterm vitamin C de ciency caused muscle atrophy and decreased physical qualities [22,25]. However, after vitamin C supplementation for 12 weeks, intramuscular vitamin C concentration was restored and muscle atrophy and decline in physical ability due to vitamin C de ciency recovered [25].…”

“…In animal studies, longterm vitamin C de ciency caused muscle atrophy and decreased physical qualities [22,25]. However, after vitamin C supplementation for 12 weeks, intramuscular vitamin C concentration was restored and muscle atrophy and decline in physical ability due to vitamin C de ciency recovered [25]. Therefore, skeletal muscle function may be reversibly recovered through vitamin C supplementation after a su cient duration, even after it has been reduced due to vitamin C de ciency.…”

Nutritional Strategies for Muscle Atrophy: Current Evidence and Underlying Mechanisms

“…[ 150,152,153 ] In addition, a series of animal studies have shown that nicotinamide riboside and vitamins B6 and C have the potential to reduce muscle atrophy and promote skeletal muscle growth and repair. [ 136,144,154,155 ]…”

“…[150,152,153] In addition, a series of animal studies have shown that nicotinamide riboside and vitamins B6 and C have the potential to reduce muscle atrophy and promote skeletal muscle growth and repair. [136,144,154,155] Clinical data suggest that combining vitamin D with other nutritional support substances may improve sarcopenia. [141] However, the clinical effects of vitamin D alone on muscle atrophy are inconclusive, and most studies indicate that it does not significantly improve muscle function.…”