Does vitamin c have calcium
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Does Vitamin C Contain Calcium?
Vitamin C and Calcium Interaction
Vitamin C's Role in Calcium Absorption and Utilization
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, does not inherently contain calcium. However, it plays a significant role in the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body. Research indicates that vitamin C acts as a stabilizing agent for calcium, aiding in its absorption and maintaining ionized calcium levels in the serum2. This interaction is crucial for various physiological processes, including bone health and neurotransmission.
Vitamin C and Bone Mineral Density
Several studies have explored the relationship between vitamin C intake and bone mineral density (BMD). For instance, a study from the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions Trial found that higher dietary vitamin C intake was associated with increased BMD in postmenopausal women, particularly when calcium intake was also high3. This suggests that vitamin C may enhance the positive effects of calcium on bone health, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures5.
Vitamin C in Calcium-Involved Signaling in the Brain
Vitamin C also plays a role in calcium-involved signaling pathways in the brain. It helps regulate the influx and release of calcium ions, which are essential for neuronal processes such as neurotransmission, growth, and development1. This regulatory function underscores the importance of vitamin C in maintaining proper brain function and protecting against oxidative stress.
Vitamin C and Calcium in Aquatic Species
Research on fish has shown that vitamin C deficiency can lead to decreased calcium absorption and utilization. In a study on snakehead fish, those fed a vitamin C-deficient diet exhibited reduced calcium uptake in their gills, skin, muscle, and bone compared to those on a complete diet4. This finding highlights the broader implications of vitamin C in calcium metabolism across different species.
Vitamin C and Eggshell Quality in Laying Hens
In poultry, vitamin C supplementation has been studied for its effects on eggshell quality and bone mineralization. While some experiments showed improvements in egg weight and size with added vitamin C, the overall benefits on shell quality and bone mineralization were inconsistent7. This suggests that the interaction between vitamin C and calcium may vary depending on the specific physiological context and dietary conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, while vitamin C does not contain calcium, it significantly influences calcium absorption, utilization, and overall metabolism. Its role is particularly evident in bone health, brain function, and even in specific animal studies. Ensuring adequate vitamin C intake can thus support calcium-related physiological processes, contributing to better health outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin C Modes of Action in Calcium-Involved Signaling in the Brain
Vitamin C plays a unique role in regulating calcium-involved pathways in the brain, which play crucial roles in neuronal processes and antioxidant defense.
Studies on the parallel action of vitamin C and calcium
Vitamin C and calcium work together in the body, with cevitamic acid acting as a stabilizing agent for calcium, contributing to absorption and maintaining ionized calcium in serum.
The Relation of Dietary Vitamin C Intake to Bone Mineral Density: Results from the PEPI Study
Higher dietary vitamin C intake is positively associated with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with dietary calcium intakes of at least 500 mg.
Observational Study
Highly CitedThe role of vitamin C in calcium uptake by fish
Vitamin C deficiency in scorbutic snakehead fish leads to decreased calcium absorption and utilization in gill, skin, muscle, and bone compared to a synthetic diet.
Role of Vitamin C in Osteoporosis Development and Treatment—A Literature Review
High vitamin C intake in the daily diet may have a positive effect on bone mineral density, but more long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalTreatment of asymptomatic adults with elevated coronary calcium scores with atorvastatin, vitamin C, and vitamin E: the St. Francis Heart Study randomized clinical trial.
Atorvastatin, vitamin C, and vitamin E effectively reduce coronary calcium scores in asymptomatic adults, suggesting their potential as a preventive strategy for heart disease.
Highly CitedThe effect of different levels of vitamin C and cholecalciferol with adequate or marginal levels of dietary calcium on performance and eggshell quality of laying hens.
Adding vitamin C to laying hen diets did not improve shell quality or bone mineralization under the conditions tested.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedVitamin C Supplement Use and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
Daily vitamin C supplement use in postmenopausal women is associated with higher bone mineral density levels, particularly when combined with estrogen therapy and calcium supplements.
Observational StudyHighly CitedEffects of Vitamin C Supplementation with and Without Endurance Physical Activity on Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Adding 30 minutes of physical activity to vitamin C supplementation significantly improves regulation of parathyroid hormone and serum calcium levels in metabolic syndrome patients.
RCT