Vitamin C is categorized under water soluble vitamins as it is soluble in water.
History:
Szent gyorgyi isolated the vitamin from cabbage, oranges and adrenal glands in 1928.King and Waugh also isolated it from the lemon juice in 1932.The chemical name for vitamin c is ascorbic acid, also called as hexuronic and anti scorbutic nutrient.
Chemistry:
It is a simple compound containing six carbon atoms and is a derivative of L- glucose as its structure is similar to that of glucose.It is a powerful reducing agent.
Functions:
As it is a reducing agent it has anti oxidant properties that protects the body against damaging oxidizing agents.
1. Collagen formation- Collagen is a major structural protein of connective tissue which binds the cells and tissues together. It is required for the bone forming substances the osteoblasts within the bones.If collagen synthesis is impaired, the matrix formation is defective and it becomes less able to accumulate the calcium and phosphorus required for proper bone mineralization.
2. Activation of hormones- It is essential for the activation of hormones such as gastrin, oxytocin, vasopressin, growth hormone releasing factor.
3. Drug detoxification- Required for the optimal activity of various drug- detoxifying metabolic systems within the body.
4. Iron metabolism- It facilitate the absorption and forms the soluble complexes which preserve the iron solubility on the more alkaline duodenal pH.It also aids calcium absorption by preventing the incorporation of calcium into insoluble complexes.Vitamin c alleviates allergic reactions, enhances immune function, stimulates formation of bile and facilitate the release of some steroid hormones. Vitamin c is necessary for the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and has been reported to be involved in the detoxification of many chemical carcinogens.
Deficiency:
Scurvy, the most severe form of Vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare throughout the world. Faculty food habits and inadequate intake of fresh vegetables and fruits are the major causes of dietary deficiency of Vitamin C.
The symptoms include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, aching bones, joints,and muscles, growth retardation and loss of appetite. Delay wound healing occurs due to reduced synthesis of connective tissue.
The main symptoms are as follows:
1. Tender bones- there is a general tenderness in the legs.
2. Petechial hemorrhages- Thew capillaries become brittle and burst thus giving rise to red and purple spots over the body.
3. Gingivitis- This is also known as bleeding gums. There is spongy swelling of the mucous membrane.
4. Delayed wound healing- The wound healing is delayed due to failure of the cells to deposit collagen fibrils
Sources:
All citrus fruits like sweet lime, oranges, lemon, pineapple and amla the richest source, fresh vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, sweet potatoes and green peppers.
History:
Szent gyorgyi isolated the vitamin from cabbage, oranges and adrenal glands in 1928.King and Waugh also isolated it from the lemon juice in 1932.The chemical name for vitamin c is ascorbic acid, also called as hexuronic and anti scorbutic nutrient.Chemistry:
It is a simple compound containing six carbon atoms and is a derivative of L- glucose as its structure is similar to that of glucose.It is a powerful reducing agent.
Functions:
As it is a reducing agent it has anti oxidant properties that protects the body against damaging oxidizing agents.
1. Collagen formation- Collagen is a major structural protein of connective tissue which binds the cells and tissues together. It is required for the bone forming substances the osteoblasts within the bones.If collagen synthesis is impaired, the matrix formation is defective and it becomes less able to accumulate the calcium and phosphorus required for proper bone mineralization.
2. Activation of hormones- It is essential for the activation of hormones such as gastrin, oxytocin, vasopressin, growth hormone releasing factor.
3. Drug detoxification- Required for the optimal activity of various drug- detoxifying metabolic systems within the body.
4. Iron metabolism- It facilitate the absorption and forms the soluble complexes which preserve the iron solubility on the more alkaline duodenal pH.It also aids calcium absorption by preventing the incorporation of calcium into insoluble complexes.Vitamin c alleviates allergic reactions, enhances immune function, stimulates formation of bile and facilitate the release of some steroid hormones. Vitamin c is necessary for the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and has been reported to be involved in the detoxification of many chemical carcinogens.
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| SCURVY |
Scurvy, the most severe form of Vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare throughout the world. Faculty food habits and inadequate intake of fresh vegetables and fruits are the major causes of dietary deficiency of Vitamin C.
The symptoms include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, aching bones, joints,and muscles, growth retardation and loss of appetite. Delay wound healing occurs due to reduced synthesis of connective tissue.
The main symptoms are as follows:
1. Tender bones- there is a general tenderness in the legs.
2. Petechial hemorrhages- Thew capillaries become brittle and burst thus giving rise to red and purple spots over the body.
3. Gingivitis- This is also known as bleeding gums. There is spongy swelling of the mucous membrane.
4. Delayed wound healing- The wound healing is delayed due to failure of the cells to deposit collagen fibrils
Sources:
All citrus fruits like sweet lime, oranges, lemon, pineapple and amla the richest source, fresh vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, sweet potatoes and green peppers.
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