What Is Vitamin C Its Functions Sources and Deficiency
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid or ascorbate) is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods and is also used as a dietary supplement. It is a vitamin C that must be acquired via the diet because humans cannot produce it. Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, is the chemical name of vitamin C. C6H8O6 is a vitamin C formula.
Citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, raw bell pepper, kiwifruit, brussels sprouts, and other foods contain it. This organic compound is an oxidant and is used as a reducing agent.
Leafy greens, potatoes, and tomatoes all contain ascorbic acid. It is commonly used to treat and avoid common colds. It is used to shield the skin from the sun and pollutants.
Scurvy is a disease that can be prevented and treated with this supplement. Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient for tissue repair and the enzymatic synthesis of certain neurotransmitters. It is essential for immune system function and is needed for the function of several enzymes. It also has antioxidant properties.
As we already discussed the chemical name of vitamin C, vitamin C formula. Now will discuss vitamin C composition, vitamin C chemistry and vitamin C chemical name in detail.
Vitamin C Composition
As we already studied the chemical name of vitamin C, let’s discuss the composition of Vitamin C.
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Properties of Vitamin C
Vitamin C Chemistry
Uses of Vitamin C:
Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, which can be prevented and treated with vitamin C-rich diets or dietary supplements. Until signs appear, it takes at least a month with low to no vitamin C. Malaise and lethargy are the first signs, followed by shortness of breath, bone pain, bleeding gums, swelling, slow wound healing, and eventually fever, convulsions, and death. The damage is reversible until late in the disease because healthy collagen replaces the damaged collagen with vitamin C replacement. Intestinal, intramuscular, or intravenous injections are all options for treatment.
1. Infection
The effects of vitamin C on the prevention, duration, and severity of the common cold have all been studied. Vitamin C taken on a daily basis was not successful in preventing the common cold, according to a Cochrane study that looked at at least 200 mg/day. Restricting the study to trials that used at least 1000 mg per day revealed little advantage in terms of prevention. Taking vitamin C on a daily basis, on the other hand, decreased the average period of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in infants, as well as the severity of colds. A subsequent meta-analysis in children showed that vitamin C was statistically significant for preventing upper respiratory tract infections and shortening their length.
2. Cardiovascular Disease
Antioxidant vitamin supplementation does not minimize the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, or all-cause mortality, according to a 2013 study (it did not provide subset analysis for trials that just used vitamin C). Another study from 2013 discovered a link between higher levels of circulating vitamin C or dietary vitamin C and a lower risk of stroke.
When taken at doses greater than 500 mg per day, vitamin C was found to have a beneficial impact on endothelial dysfunction in a 2014 study. The endothelium is a cellular layer that lines the inside of blood vessels.
3. Brain Function
In comparison to people with normal cognition, people with cognitive disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, had lower vitamin C concentrations, according to a 2017 systematic study. However, the cognitive testing used the Mini-Mental State Examination, which is just a general measure of cognition, showing a generally poor quality of research evaluating the possible importance of vitamin C on cognition in normal and disabled people. A study of nutritional status in Alzheimer's patients found low plasma vitamin C levels, as well as low blood levels of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin E.
4. Cosmetics
It can also be used in cosmetics and personal care items such as lipstick as an antioxidant. It can also be used in cosmetics for the skin and hair.
5. Beverage and Food
Preservatives, acidity regulators, colour fixatives, and nutrient supplements are all popular uses for ascorbic acid in food and beverages.
6. Animal Feeding and Agriculture
One of the most popular commercial applications of ascorbic acid is as a dietary supplement in agriculture or animal and poultry feed.
Disadvantages of Vitamin C
Since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, excesses in the diet are not absorbed and excesses in the blood are quickly excreted in the urine, it has low acute toxicity. When taken on an empty stomach, more than two to three grams can cause indigestion. Taking vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate, on the other hand, can reduce this effect. Nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea have also been identified in large doses. The osmotic effect of unabsorbed vitamin C passing through the intestine is responsible for these effects. In theory, a high vitamin C intake may lead to excessive iron absorption.
The conventional medical community has long held the view that vitamin C raises the risk of kidney stones. Excess ascorbic acid consumption has been linked to the development of kidney stones in people with renal disease.
Did You Know?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans and other species. Vitamin C refers to a group of vitamins that have vitamin C production in animals. Some dietary supplements contain ascorbate salts including sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate. When these are digested, they produce ascorbate. Since the forms interconvert according to pH, both ascorbate and ascorbic acid are naturally found in the body. Reducing agents convert oxidized forms of the molecule, such as dehydroascorbic acid, back to ascorbic acid.
Scurvy is a disease caused by a vitamin C deficiency. Collagen produced by the body is too fragile to perform its function without this vitamin, and many other enzymes in the body malfunction. Spots on the skin and under the skin, spongy gums, 'corkscrew' hair growth, and slow wound healing are all symptoms of scurvy. The skin lesions are most common on the thighs and legs, and the patient appears pale, depressed and is partially immobilized. Open, suppurating wounds, tooth loss, bone abnormalities, and death are all symptoms of advanced scurvy. Since the human body can only store a limited amount of vitamin C, the body's reserves are depleted.
FAQs on Vitamin C Structure Functions and Importance in Humans
1. What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid that is essential for human health. It is a small organic molecule that humans cannot synthesize due to the absence of the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase.
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant
- Required for collagen synthesis
- Supports immune function and iron absorption
2. What is the function of Vitamin C in the human body?
The main function of Vitamin C is to act as an antioxidant and support collagen formation in connective tissues. It plays several key biological roles:
- Promotes synthesis of collagen for skin, blood vessels, cartilage, and bones
- Enhances absorption of non-heme iron in the intestine
- Supports immune system cell function
- Protects cells from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS)
3. Why is Vitamin C important for collagen synthesis?
Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis because it is a required cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase. These enzymes:
- Hydroxylate proline and lysine residues in procollagen
- Stabilize the triple-helix structure of collagen
- Enable proper cross-linking of collagen fibers
4. What happens if you are deficient in Vitamin C?
A deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy, a disease characterized by defective collagen production. Common symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums and loose teeth
- Easy bruising and petechiae
- Poor wound healing
- Fatigue and joint pain
5. How does Vitamin C act as an antioxidant?
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This process:
- Prevents oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids
- Regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E
- Protects cells from oxidative stress
6. Can humans produce their own Vitamin C?
Humans cannot produce their own Vitamin C because they lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase required for its biosynthesis. In most mammals, Vitamin C is synthesized in the liver from glucose.
- Humans must obtain Vitamin C from dietary sources
- Common sources include citrus fruits, berries, and green vegetables
7. What foods are rich in Vitamin C?
Foods rich in Vitamin C include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus and leafy greens. Major dietary sources are:
- Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons
- Guava and strawberries
- Bell peppers and broccoli
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
8. How does Vitamin C help in iron absorption?
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by converting ferric iron (Fe3+) into the more absorbable ferrous iron (Fe2+) form. This occurs in the small intestine and:
- Improves absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods
- Reduces the risk of iron deficiency anemia
9. Is Vitamin C fat-soluble or water-soluble?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in water and is not stored extensively in body tissues. As a result:
- Excess amounts are excreted in urine
- Regular dietary intake is necessary
- It differs from fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K
10. What is the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C?
The recommended daily intake of Vitamin C for most adults is about 75–90 mg per day, depending on age and sex. General guidelines include:
- Adult women: approximately 75 mg/day
- Adult men: approximately 90 mg/day
- Smokers require an additional 35 mg/day due to increased oxidative stress
