Researchers at the Biochemistry department of Lucknow University (LU) have found that Vitamin C and E can help prevent heart attacks and other cardio-vascular diseases. The clinical trials have been proved successful and the research has also been published in various International journals.
The research was carried out by a three-member team, headed by Prof M K Mishra of the varsity’s Biochemistry department. Mishra said, “In our study we have found that Vitamin (C and E) can efficiently regulate the blood and oxygen supply to heart. These vitamins also act as clot busters, thereby making the heart to function normally.”
He added, the study has been published in various international journals on health like Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (Canada), Bill Sardi Knowledge of Health (USA), Experimental and Clinical Cardiology (Europe), PUBMED USA (a service of the US National Library of Medicine).
The researchers term their study a boon for those who have already suffered heart attack.
The clinical trials were conducted on 65 heart patients. It showed that the vitamins considerably reduce potentially harmful free radicals formed inside the heart.
Prof Mishra explained: “Basically, when heart patients opt for angioplasty or ballooning to remove blockages in arteries, the patients become vulnerable to a burst of oxygen consumption. The heart experiences a sudden rise of oxygen supply, which in turn triggers formation of toxins. Ultimately, the toxins have an adverse effect on heart that may lead to heart attack. But, in our clinical trails we have observed that the post-heart attack patients if administered Vitamins C and E can be protected from the burst of oxygen.”
Happy by their research study, LU researchers have worked extensively for over four years to get the breakthrough.
“We have taken up the study in 2002. Initially, we did not get the expected results. But, now as we are getting the desired results we are working to further improve our research work. The varsity is in continuous touch with renowned cardiologist of India and abroad,” said one of the members of the research team.