Can vitamin C increase heat produced by the nervous system?
Does Vitamin C Increase the Body Heat Generated By The Nervous System?
This study will test whether vitamin C can increase body heat and raise vitamin D levels during nervous-system stimulation in adults 18–40 with a BMI of 25–29.9.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Colorado State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Collins, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT07341308 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized crossover trial asks eligible participants to attend two lab visits in which beta-adrenergic receptors are stimulated with isoproterenol. On one visit participants receive isoproterenol with saline and on the other they receive isoproterenol with saline plus vitamin C; the order is randomized. Body temperature will be measured with a thermometer and a thermal camera, and blood will be drawn to measure circulating vitamin D. The protocol compares temperature change and vitamin D levels between the vitamin C and control visits in weight-stable overweight adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–40 with BMI 25.0–29.9 who are weight-stable, nonpregnant/nonbreastfeeding, not habitual tobacco or recreational drug users, free of autonomic/cardio-pulmonary/metabolic disease, and able to attend two in-person visits and communicate in English.
Not a fit: People outside the age or BMI range, those with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease, pregnant or breastfeeding people, habitual smokers or recent drug users, or those unable to tolerate isoproterenol are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could show that a single dose of vitamin C enhances thermogenesis and raises circulating vitamin D during sympathetic activation, suggesting a simple way to influence metabolism in overweight adults.
How similar studies have performed: There is limited prior human data on acute vitamin C effects on beta-adrenergic thermogenesis and vitamin D changes, so this approach is relatively novel and not well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-40 years (inclusive) * Body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 and less than 30 kg/m2 * Weight stable (no change in body mass greater than 5 Lbs. within the previous 6 months. * Willing to abstain from caffeine and alcohol for 24-hours prior to two different study visits * Competency in English as assessed by comprehension of the Informed Consent. This is study involves invasive procedures and infusion of a systemic vasoactive agent (isoproterenol); for safety reasons, the ability for clear and rapid communication will be necessary between the research participants and the investigators. Exclusion Criteria: * History of autonomic, cardio-pulmonary, and/or metabolic disease (including heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmia, vascular disease, and/or diabetes) * Pregnancy or breast feeding * Habitual use of tobacco/nicotine products or recreational drugs (2 or more uses within the previous month) * History of a "sulfite allergy" as it is a relative contraindication to isoproteronol use. * Has ingested vitamin supplements and/or antioxidant supplements during the previous 4-weeks (e.g. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Multi-vitamins, etc.)
Where this trial is running
Fort Collins, Colorado
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christopher Bell, PhD — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Christopher Bell, PhD
- Email: christopher.bell@colostate.edu
- Phone: 9704917522
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.