The relationship between vitamin C and oxidative status in periodontitis: A case-control study

Aim: A co-factor for reactions including collagen hydroxylation, vitamin C prevents oxidative damage to DNA and proteins and may be associated with oxidative stress in periodontitis.This study was designed to test the hypothesis that vitamin C is inversely related to oxidative stress markers in individuals with periodontitis.Material and Methods: This study was conducted with 25 individuals with periodontitis and 24 individuals without periodontitis.Vitamin C intake of participants was determined using a valid food frequency questionnaire, and plasma ascorbic acid levels of participants were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.Total antioxidant status and total oxidant status were measured in serum and saliva samples, and the oxidative stress index was calculated.Lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence assays determined superoxide radicals in saliva.Results: Vitamin C intake in patients with periodontitis was found to be lower than in the control group (124.68 mg/d and 176.71 mg/d, p=0.003, respectively).The plasma ascorbic acid levels and total oxidant status (p=0.03,r=-0.42)and superoxide radical levels (p=0.01,r=-0.53)were inversely correlated in patients with periodontitis.Discussion: Dietary vitamin C intake in patients with periodontitis was lower than in healthy individuals; vitamin C intake may be inversely related to oxidative stress which is the underlying cause of periodontitis.