Ascorbic acid not vitamin c
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Ascorbic Acid: Beyond Vitamin C
Introduction to Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a vital nutrient that plays numerous roles in the human body. It is essential for the synthesis of collagen, absorption of iron, and the maintenance of the immune system. Despite its common association with vitamin C, ascorbic acid has unique properties and applications that extend beyond its role as a vitamin.
Chemical Properties and Stability of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant, capable of donating electrons to neutralize free radicals. This property is due to its ability to form a stable radical intermediate, monodehydroascorbate, which reacts preferentially with other radicals rather than non-radical compounds9. However, maintaining the stability of ascorbic acid in various formulations is challenging. It is prone to degradation, which can affect its bioactivity and efficacy. Strategies to stabilize ascorbic acid in commercial products are crucial for its effective delivery and utilization7.
Biological Functions and Health Benefits
Antioxidant and Pro-Oxidant Activities
Ascorbic acid's antioxidant properties are well-documented, but it also exhibits pro-oxidant activity under certain conditions. At pharmacologic concentrations, ascorbic acid can generate reactive free radicals, inducing cytotoxic effects that are beneficial in treating certain types of cancer, such as oral neoplasms. This dual role highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent, although more clinical trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in humans10.
Role in Chronic Disease Prevention
Ascorbic acid is implicated in the prevention of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Its role in reducing oxidative stress is believed to be a key mechanism in these protective effects. However, the evidence from human studies is not always consistent, and more research is needed to establish definitive recommendations for ascorbic acid intake in disease prevention4 8.
Ascorbic Acid in Disease Management
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus
Recent studies have explored the role of ascorbic acid in managing periodontal disease (PD) and its association with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients with both conditions often exhibit lower levels of ascorbic acid, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for supplementation. However, the data on the efficacy of ascorbic acid in this context are inconclusive, indicating a need for further research to determine optimal dosing and treatment regimens6.
Nutritional Enhancement of Crops
Given the essential role of ascorbic acid in human health, there is significant interest in enhancing its content in crops through biotechnological methods. This approach aims to improve the nutritional value of plant foods, which are the primary source of ascorbic acid in the diet. Advances in understanding the biochemistry of ascorbic acid in plants have paved the way for such enhancements, potentially benefiting public health on a larger scale8.
Conclusion
Ascorbic acid is a multifaceted compound with significant implications for health and disease management. Its antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities, role in chronic disease prevention, and potential in therapeutic applications underscore its importance beyond being merely a vitamin. Continued research is essential to fully harness its benefits and address the challenges associated with its stability and bioavailability.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
THE discussion on ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which was held in Section B (Chemistry) at the recent meeting of the British Association was, as the official title of the discussion indicated, mainly devoted to the chemical aspect of the subject. Perhaps the chief impression brought away from the meeting was of the astonishing advance made in our knowledge of vitamin C since Tillmans and Hirsch in 1932, after discovering that the vitamin could undergo a reversible oxidation without loss of potency, pointed out the great similarity between its properties and those of Szent-Gyorgyi's hexuronic acid (now known as ascorbic acid) and suggested that the latter substance might itself be the vitamin.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is used to treat and prevent scurvy, but not for common cold prevention, and is generally well-tolerated.
Highly CitedVitamin C and Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C and hexuronic (ascorbic) acid are not identical, and a biological assay is needed to confirm their conclusions.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): new roles, new requirements?
Daily vitamin C intake should be many times higher than the amount needed to protect against scurvy, but further research is needed to determine the optimal human intake based on animal and tissue culture studies.
Highly CitedVitamin C: the known and the unknown and Goldilocks.
Vitamin C's role in the body is complex and dependent on physiologic concentrations, with new knowledge and questions still requiring further investigation.
Highly CitedPossible Involvement of Vitamin C in Periodontal Disease-Diabetes Mellitus Association
Vitamin C supplementation may have inconclusive effects in periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus patients, highlighting the need for further research on its positive effects and proper regimen.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalChemical Stability of Ascorbic Acid Integrated into Commercial Products: A Review on Bioactivity and Delivery Technology
Ascorbic acid, a key vitamin C nutrient, plays a crucial role in maintaining human physiological processes, but maintaining its stability and delivery to the active site are crucial for its commercial applications.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedImproving the nutritional value of crops through enhancement of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content: rationale and biotechnological opportunities.
Enhancing the vitamin C content of crops through biotechnology could improve their nutritional value and prevent chronic diseases, benefiting consumers' health and well-being.
Highly CitedAscorbic Acid: The Chemistry Underlying Its Antioxidant Properties.
Ascorbic acid's antioxidant properties are based on its unique chemistry, which involves donating a single reducing equivalent and preferentially reacting with radicals rather than non-radical compounds.
Highly CitedAscorbic acid and its pro-oxidant activity as a therapy for tumours of oral cavity -- a systematic review.
Ascorbic acid shows potential as an effective cytotoxic agent against oral neoplastic cells without harming normal oral cells, but more clinical trials and in vivo human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited