Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Inflammation Marker in Obese Children: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: The prevalence of obesity among school-aged children has increased. Obesity is commonly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as it increases secretion of inflammatory markers. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce inflammation. The current study examined the effect of vitamin C supplementation on high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hsCRP) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1) levels in school-aged, Indonesian children. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight obese children aged 6-12 years old participated in our quasi-experimental study conducted in 2013. Subjects were classified into two groups: Intervention (300 mg day^–1 vitamin C for 6 weeks) and control (50 mg day^–1 vitamin C for 6 weeks). The hsCRP and sICAM-1 levels were measured in both groups before and after each individual supplementation. Results: The Mean±Standard Deviation baseline hsCRP level at baseline in the intervention and control groups was 1.77±1.24 and 3.84±4.00 mg L^–1, respectively (p>0.05). After 6 weeks, the mean hsCRP level in the intervention and control groups was 3.00±4.73 and 2.94±4.00 mg L^–1, respectively (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in hsCRP level within each group before and after treatment. Conclusion: The HsCRP levels in obese children included in the present study were higher than accepted normal values (<1.04 mg L^–1). Supplementation with vitamin C (300 mg day^–1 total) for 6 weeks did not effectively reduce hsCRP levels among obese school-aged children. Further study is needed to determine a safe and effective dosage regimen of vitamin C for obese children at greater risk for cardiovascular complications.