Vitamins
Vitamin C
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Vitamin C
, Ascorbic Acid
See Also
Vitamin C Deficiency
(
Scurvy
)
Sources
Citrus fruits
Orange Juice (8 ounces contains 100 mg)
Lemons
Grapefruit
Dark-green leafy vegetables
Asparagus
Broccoli
Tomatoes
Doses (Ascorbic Acid per day)
Recommended Daily Allowance: 200 mg/day
Minimum (
Scurvy
prevention)
Formula fed infants: 35 mg/day
Lactating mothers: 100 mg/day
Other children and adults: 45-60 mg/day
Mechanism
Essential
Cofact
or for hydroxylation of procollagen amino acids: Proline, Lysine
Collagen's triple helix structure in connective tissue is reliant on procollagen hydroxylation
When procollagen pathway is dysfunctional,
Scurvy
results (pupura,
Petechiae
,
Gingival Bleeding
)
Contributes to hair disulfide bond formation
Cofact
or in carnitine and
Norepinephrine
biosynthesis
Oxidative promotion of iron absorption
Has both antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects
Effects
Potential benefits of high intake
Reduced risk of Senile
Cataract
Reduced risk of Cancer
Reduced risk of
Coronary Artery Disease
Higher
HDL Cholesterol
concentrations
Disproved Myths: non-benefits
Does NOT prevent
Upper Respiratory Infection
s
Studied with short term studies
Adverse Effects
High doses of Vitamin C (>1 gram)
Poorly absorbed
Diarrhea
Increased urinary oxylate excretion
Nephrolithiasis
risk
References
Behrman (2000) Nelson Pediatrics, p. 182-4
Rendon et al. (2017) Crit Dec Emerg Med 31(6): 15-21
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