Using HD mouse models, researchers have found that the animals lack ascorbate, a form of vitamin C that normally floats around outside the neurons in the striatum, an area at the front of the brain. This lack of ascorbate may contribute to the characteristic behavioral symptoms of HD. In the study, the mice that were injected regularly with ascorbate at the onset of symptoms showed improvement in motor skills and longer lifespan in comparison to the control group mice (which were given a placebo). It seems that ascorbate helps regulate the function of the neurons in the striatum, also called striatal neurons.
To view the July 2003 abstract entitled “Ascorbate treatment attenuates the Huntington behavioral phenotype in mice,” please click here. The full text can be seen here.
What can you do to increase your ascorbate levels? The amount of ascorbate given to the mice in the study is comparable to 1 gram of vitamin C per day for a 70 kg (approximately 154 lb.) person. Preliminary studies suggest that a 500 mg or 1000 mg (1 g) tablet once a day is sufficient to receive full benefits. Other research shows side effects to doses of vitamin C in excess of 1000 mg per day, such as diarrhea and stomach discomfort.
Last Modified: 5-10-04
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