To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing the development of nitrate tolerance.
DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (from 1966 to July 2000) was conducted to identify relevant articles, with additional references obtained from the bibliographies of these articles.
DATA SYNTHESIS: One possible mechanism of nitrate tolerance involves superoxide-induced deactivation of nitric oxide, providing the rationale for the use of antioxidants. Most published research concerning deactivation of nitric oxide has involved vitamin C; a summary of this information is presented here.
CONCLUSIONS:
Preliminary studies seem to support the role of vitamin C in attenuating the development of nitrate tolerance. Considering these findings, larger, long-term trials are necessary to further establish the role of vitamin C in this situation.
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