The risk of cardiovascular diseases can be lowered by taking Vitamin C, according to new research.

Vitamin C reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood which is a crucial marker for heart disease and diabetes, investigators from the University of California, Berkeley said.

Their report was based on a study group of healthy, non-smoking adults with an elevated level of CRP.

They were given a daily dose of Vitamin C over two months while others took a placebo.

People with more than 3mg per liter of CRP are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The results are contrary to the findings of a recently published study by Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital which showed Vitamins C not having an effect on heart attacks or strokes.

Gladys Block, lead author of the study from the University of California said this research had not taken CRP levels into account.