Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) – Importance

Vitamin C,also known as ascorbic acid abounds in nature and is highly labile. It is water- soluble vitamin that is lost in large amounts during food processing. It is a vitamin whose prescribed requirement across cultures is not uniform. Vitamin C plays significant functions in the body that enhance its role in the health status of the human body. The biochemical functions of vitamin C include: stimulation of certain enzymes,collages biosynthesis,hormonal activation,antioxidant,detoxification of histamine,phagocytic functions of leukocytes,formation of nitrosamine, and proline hydroxylation amongst others. These functions are related to the health effects of vitamin C status in an individual

Different  ways Vitamin C keeps you healthy and fit! – Vitamin C health benefits

In human health,vitamin C has been associated with reduction of incidence of cancer,blood pressure,immunity,and drug metabolism and urinary hydroxyproline excretion,tissue regeneration.  This vitamin is needed for the proper metabolism of drugs in the body through adequate hepatic mixed function oxidase system.  Vitamin c has a lowering effect on blood pressure, especially on  systolic pressure more than a diastolic pressure.  Increased consumption of ascorbic acid raises serum ascorbic levels and could decrease the risk of death.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development. It is an antioxidant that helps maintain the connective tissue protein collagen, protects against infection, and helps iron absorption.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin, which is necessary in the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels and aids in the absorption of iron. Dietary sources of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges.

Severe deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy. Although rare, scurvy includes potentially severe consequences, and can cause sudden death. Patients with scurvy are treated with vitamin C and should be under medical supervision.Many uses for vitamin C have been proposed, but few have been found to be beneficial in scientific studies. In particular, research in asthma, cancer, and diabetes remains inconclusive, and no benefits have been found in the prevention of cataracts or heart disease.

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)is a powerful antioxidant

Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant because it can donate a hydrogen atom and form a relatively stable ascorbyl free radical. As a scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogen oxide species, ascorbic acid has been shown to be effective against the superoxide radical ion, hydrogen peroxide, the hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It is not stored in large amounts in the body. Any extra amount is lost through the urine. You need to include vitamin C rich foods in your diet every day.

• Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of bones, teeth, skin and other tissues.
• Vitamin C has many other roles in the body and can also:
o Increase your body’s absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
o Help to prevent cell damage and may reduce your risk for certain cancers and other chronic diseases.
o Protect you from infections by keeping your immune system healthy.
• Taking high does of vitamin C has not been proven to prevent colds. It may cause digestive problems.

Vitamin C and Cancer

Cancer is a global public health problem with increased mortality levels. Though there are many types of cancers, the review presents a general picture of the role of ascorbic acid in cancer. Vitamin C is effective in protecting against oxidative damage in tissues,and also suppresses formation of carcinogens like nitrosamines

Allergy and asthma relief

Vitamin C is present in the lung’s airway surfaces, and insufficient vitamin C levels have been associated with bronchial constriction and reduced lung function. Some studies have associated vitamin C supplementation with asthmatic symptom relief, but results have been inconclusive and further studies are needed.

Immune system booster.

Vitamin C increases white blood cell production and is important to immune system balance. Studies have related low vitamin C levels to increased risk for infection. Vitamin C is frequently prescribed for HIV-positive individuals to protect their immune system.

Vitamin C Food Sources

All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C.
Green peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes,and cantaloupe, papaya, mango, watermelon, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, winter squash, red peppers, raspberries, blueberries,cranberries, and pineapples. Ascorbic acid is the least stable of all vitamins and is easily destroyed during processing and storage. Juices are good foods to be fortified with ascorbic acid because their acidity reduces ascorbic acid destruction. Exposure to oxygen, prolonged heating in the presence of oxygen, contact with minerals (iron and copper) and exposure to light are destructive to the ascorbic acid content of foods.

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