L ascorbic acid vs vitamin c
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L-Ascorbic Acid vs. Vitamin C: Understanding the Differences and Benefits
Introduction to L-Ascorbic Acid and Vitamin C
L-Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a vital nutrient for humans and animals, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes. It is a carbohydrate-like compound essential for collagen synthesis, cellular oxidation, and numerous hydroxylation reactions1. This article explores the similarities and differences between L-ascorbic acid and Vitamin C, their physiological roles, and their therapeutic potentials.
Chemical Nature and Stability
L-Ascorbic Acid: Chemical Properties
L-Ascorbic acid (L-AA) is a specific form of Vitamin C with significant antioxidant properties. It is known for its ability to protect cellular components against oxidative damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS)1. However, L-AA is unstable in aqueous solutions, which can limit its effectiveness in certain applications4.
Vitamin C: Broader Definition
Vitamin C encompasses all compounds exhibiting the biological activity of L-ascorbic acid. This includes various derivatives that may offer enhanced stability and specific benefits. For instance, 2-O-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2G) is a derivative with superior thermal stability and the ability to metabolize into L-AA in vivo, making it suitable for high-value products in food, healthcare, and cosmetics4.
Physiological Roles and Health Benefits
Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activities
Both L-ascorbic acid and Vitamin C are renowned for their antioxidant capabilities, which help in scavenging free radicals and protecting against oxidative stress. Interestingly, under certain pathological conditions, Vitamin C can switch roles and act as a prooxidant1 3. This dual functionality is crucial in understanding its therapeutic applications.
Role in Disease Prevention and Treatment
Vitamin C is essential for preventing scurvy, a disease resulting from its deficiency3. It also plays a role in iron absorption, collagen synthesis, immune function, and epigenetic regulation6 7. While its effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer is debated, it remains a popular supplement for general well-being5 7.
Therapeutic Applications
Anticancer and Antiviral Potentials
L-Ascorbic acid and its derivatives have shown promising anticancer and antiviral activities. These compounds can selectively target tumor cells and viruses, making them potential candidates for developing new therapeutic agents1.
Supplementation in Animal Health
In cattle, L-ascorbic acid is synthesized endogenously, but its levels can decrease under stress and disease conditions. Supplementation has been shown to aid in recovery and improve overall health2. Similarly, in broiler chickens, dietary and in ovo administration of L-AA enhances antioxidant capacity and immune response, improving growth performance and reducing inflammation9.
Safety and Toxicity
Vitamin C is generally safe and well-tolerated, even in high doses. However, excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and other minor side effects. It is crucial to monitor plasma levels to avoid potential toxicity, such as oxalate renal stones in susceptible individuals3 8.
Conclusion
L-Ascorbic acid and Vitamin C are indispensable nutrients with extensive roles in human and animal health. While L-AA is a specific form of Vitamin C with potent antioxidant properties, various derivatives offer enhanced stability and specific benefits. Understanding their physiological roles and therapeutic potentials can help optimize their use in disease prevention and treatment.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Therapeutic Perspective of Vitamin C and Its Derivatives
L-ascorbic acid and its derivatives exhibit diverse and potent biological profiles, offering potential for developing new bioactive chemical entities with antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral properties.
Highly CitedL-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation to optimize health and reproduction in cattle
L-ascorbic acid supplementation can optimize cattle health and reproduction, particularly during stress and disease, with early recovery observed.
Literature ReviewVitamin C—Sources, Physiological Role, Kinetics, Deficiency, Use, Toxicity, and Determination
Vitamin C plays a diverse role in various processes, but high doses can cause side effects, such as oxalate renal stones, and its safety is relatively unknown in the general population.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited2-O-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid: Properties, production, and potential application as a substitute for L-ascorbic acid
AA-2G has excellent thermal stability and metabolizes to release L-ascorbic acid in vivo, making it a promising substitute for L-ascorbic acid in food, healthcare, and cosmetic fields.
Improving 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 CitedHuman vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) transporter SVCT1.
SVCT1 is a novel human vitamin C transporter that mediates high-affinity transport in bulk-transporting epithelia, with potential roles in vitamin C metabolism in health and disease.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedVitamin C in Plants: From Functions to Biofortification
Increasing vitamin C content in crops can improve human health and enhance their nutritional value and stress resistance.
Highly CitedVitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is used to treat and prevent scurvy, but not for common cold prevention, and is generally well-tolerated.
Highly CitedEffects of the In Ovo and Dietary Supplementation of L-Ascorbic Acid on the Growth Performance, Inflammatory Response, and Eye L-Ascorbic Acid Concentrations in Ross 708 Broiler Chickens
In ovo administration of L-ascorbic acid is more effective in reducing inflammation, while dietary sources have a greater impact on broiler performance.
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Animal Study
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