Effects of Vitamin C on Skeletal Muscle
As part of the ageing process muscles become weaker. One of the reasons for this is that mitochondria, the 'engines' that provide energy to fuel muscles, age and work less efficiently. Mitochondria are found in almost all cells in the human body. Mitochondria take in nutrients that are provided from food and break these down to create energy-rich compounds to fuel many different processes in the body. Muscles are loaded with mitochondria because they require a lot of energy. Mitochondria naturally produce small compounds called oxidants that can damage muscle cells and can cause inflammation. The cells in the body have a natural defence system to protect against oxidants, but when mitochondria age and become less efficient, the amount of oxidants that they produce can increase. These oxidants can damage muscles and the mitochondria themselves. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may help protect muscles from the damage caused by oxidants, and may help mitochondria work more efficiently. In this study, the investigators will explore whether vitamin C can help mitochondria work more efficiently, which may improve muscle strength, and help older people to remain mobile and independent for longer.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Female, aged 65 years or over Non-smoker (or ex-smoker for at least 1 year). Engages in less than 20 minutes of structured physical activity per week, including cycling. Able to provide informed consent. Able to understand basic instructions in English. Willing to take daily vitamin C or placebo capsules.  Exclusion Criteria:  Consumes more than 3 fruits and vegetables per day, including fruit and vegetable juices. Consumes vitamin C containing supplements, polyphenols, or other antioxidants (e.g. resveratrol or coenzyme q10). Regularly takes anti-inflammatory drugs. Alcohol intake >14 units/week. Chronic clinical diseases (e.g., coronary artery/peripheral artery/cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, diagnosed low renal function, neurological disorders or diseases that may affect motor/cognitive functions), except hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. History of kidney stones within the preceding 12 months. Contraindications for undergoing the MRI and exercise study procedures (e.g. major surgery, bilateral hip or knee replacement, non-MRI-compatible pacemaker or metal implants). Parallel participation in another research project that involves an intervention. Relation to, or co-habitation with, a member of the study team. Those who are part of the line manager/supervisory structure of the Chief Investigator. - HealthyVolunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers - Gender: Female - GenderBased: Yes - GenderDescription: Biological Females - MinimumAge: 65 Years - StdAgeList: Older Adult