Increased salt intake has been linked with the possibility of developing hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Also, increased levels of serum cholesterol can predispose to cardiovascular disease. This study was therefore designed to ascertain the effect of high salt loading on serum lipid profile and the impact of vitamin C and E supplementation on same. Twenty male albino rats were randomly divided into the following 4 groups (n = 5); control, vitamin C & E group, high salt fed (SF) group and high salt fed + vitamin C & E group. The salt loaded groups were given 8% NaCl diet + 1% NaCl drinking water. Vitamin C and E was given at a dose of 10 mg/100g body weight and 83.4 mg/100g body weight respectively, once daily for 6 weeks. Results showed that serum total cholesterol was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in vitamin C & E group, but significantly (P<0.001) increased in SF group, compared with control. Total cholesterol was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in SF + Vit C & E group, compared with SF group. Triglyceride (TG) concentration was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in Vit C & E group, SF and SF + Vit C & E group, compared with control, but significantly (P<0.05) higher in SF group compared with Vit. C & E group. HDL-C was significantly higher in Vit C & E group (P<0.001) and SF + Vit. C & E group, compared with control and SF group respectively. LDL-C and atherogenic index (AI) were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in Vit C & E group and significantly (P<0.001) increased in SF group and SF + Vit C & E group, compared with control. LDL-C and AI were significantly (P<0.001) reduced in SF + Vit. C & E group, compared with SF group. Vitamin C and E supplementation reversed the alterations in serum lipid profile occasioned by high salt loading, thus beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases in individuals who indulge in ingestion of salty diets.
