Although most creatures can manufacture vitamin C. humans must obtain vitamin C from food. Vitamin C is important in the formation of collagen, a protein that acts as the structural network for blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and skin. The fat-soluble vitamins A and E, and fatty acids, need vitamin C to protect them from oxidation. Vitamin C deficiency may also cause debilitating diseases such as scurvy.
Discovery of Vitamin C
Signs of scurvy such as bleeding gums, loose teeth and bruising are part of maritime folklore. Before Scottish physician James Lind discovered in the mid-1700s that citrus fruits could cure the symptoms of scurvy, sailors died of the disease. However, scentists were not sure why citrus fruits were effective against scurvy until 1930 when, after a series of tests on guinea pigs, Szent-Gyorgyi and J. L. Svirbely proved that ascorbic acid was the ingredient that prevented scurvy. Vitamin C was officially discovered.
Composition of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble organic compound having a chemical structure of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Vitamin C is oxidized easily in the presence of air. Pure ascorbic acid is solid and white and can be synthesized from glucose as a vitamin supplement and a preservative for food. Ascorbic acid can also be made from the extract of citrus fruits, rose hips and blackcurrants.
Function of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for a number of chemical functions in your body. It acts as a co-factor for biosynthesizing the protein collagen; it is important in the intracellular transportation of fats to produce energy; it changes cholesterol into bile; it plays a role in the synthesis of norepinephrine; and it acts as an antioxidant. As an antioxidant, vitamin C scavenges free radicals and neutralizes them before they can cause damage to your DNA, proteins and fatty acids.
Dosage and Sources of Vitamin C
To function at a healthy level, your body requires a recommended dietary allowance, or RFD, of vitamin C of 75 mg to 90 mg per day. If you smoke, the RDA is 110 mg to 125 mg per day, due to increased levels of oxidative stress caused by cigarette toxins. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, sweet red peppers and broccoli. Seek your doctor's advice if you feel you need to take vitamin C supplements.
References
- Georgia State University: Vitamin C; Serena Baxter
- ACS Chemistry for Life: Albert Szent-Györgyi and the Discovery of Vitamin C: Thinking What No One Had Thought; James Schultz
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C Detoxifies Oxidized Fat; Jan Frederik Stevens; May 2005
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