Linus Pauling on What Causes Hardening Of The Arteries: The Collagen and Vitamin C Connection

Linus Pauling on What Causes Hardening Of The Arteries: The Collagen and Vitamin C Connection

Antioxidants such as vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, and vitamin E are part of your first line of defense for protecting collagen from free-radical damage. Of these, the most important for collagen health is vitamin C because it helps both protect existing collagen and support new production. 

Linus Pauling proposed that arterial plaque is often the body’s response to long-term vitamin C deficiency — a kind of low-level scurvy — where plaque acts like a patch to reinforce weakened vessel walls. 

INLINE IMAGE — vitamin C foods / collagen (add later)

Digging Deeper on What Causes Atherosclerosis

Pauling’s theory drew on several observations: 

  1. Plaque deposits in human aortas contain significant lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). 
  2. Plaque doesn’t form randomly; it is most common where vessels flex and pressures are highest (e.g., near the heart, aorta).
  3. Damage to the arterial lining exposes lysine (a collagen component), attracting “sticky” Lp(a) and fostering plaque buildup over time. 

Is Heart Disease Really Low-Level Scurvy?

Animal studies that cannot make their own vitamin C show that reduced vitamin C levels correlate with lower collagen production, thinner vessel walls, and higher Lp(a) with plaque deposition — a protective response to prevent ruptures. 

INLINE IMAGE — Linus Pauling / research visual (add later)

“Collagen First”: Two-Part Strategy

Beyond the body’s natural cycle of collagen breakdown and rebuilding, environmental factors (UV, toxins, stress) can accelerate collagen loss. A practical approach is to: (1) protect existing collagen, and (2) support collagen production and absorption. 

Pauling’s Therapy (as described in the article)

Summary of the protocol referenced in the post: vitamin C to bowel tolerance, plus targeted amino acids (lysine and proline) and supportive nutrients. The article notes the intent is to reduce Lp(a) binding and support vessel integrity.

  • Vitamin C: work up to a personal “bowel tolerance” (commonly 5–10 g/day), split twice daily. 
  • L-Proline: 3 g twice per day. 
  • L-Lysine: 3 g twice per day. 
  • CoQ10: 90–180 mg twice per day. 
  • L-Carnitine: 3 g twice per day.
  • Niacin: titrated dosing; consult a clinician and monitor liver enzymes. 
  • Vitamin E: 800–2400 IU per day. 
INLINE IMAGE — lifestyle / heart-healthy habits (add later)

Sources

1 — https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/147982/files/EPFL_TH4712.pdf
2 — https://agelessmedspakaty.com/2012/07/31/why-do-we-lose-collagen-and-elastin-as-we-age/
3 — https://collagencomplete.com/studies/
4 — https://liveto110.com/naturally-reverse-hardened-arteries/
5 — https://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/collagen-connection/

Note: This article summarizes hypotheses and historical viewpoints attributed to Linus Pauling as presented in the original post. It is informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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