Vitamin C
RDA: 75-90 mg/day
DRI: 2000 mg/day
Tolerable Upper Intake Level: 2000 mg/day
LRNI: 10 mg/day
Source:
It is abundantly present in following plants:
Kakadu plum , Camu Camu,Rose hip , Acerola , Seabuckthorn ,Jujube ,Indian gooseberry , Baobab , Chili pepper, green , Guava , Blackcurrant , Red pepper , Chili pepper, red Parsley Kiwifruit , Broccoli, Loganberry , Redcurrant , Brussels sprouts, Wolfberry, Lychee, Cloudberry, Persimmon, Elderberry, Papaya , Strawberry , Orange ,Kale , Lemon , Melon, Cauliflower , Garlic , Grapefruit , Raspberry
Metabolism:
Vitamin C is completely absorbed from Lumen of the small intestine. It is then transported to intestinal cell, kidney & liver cells.
Vitamin C is oxidized to DHA which can either be reduced back vitamin C or hydrolyzed to diketogulonate.
Role:
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize the free radicals in the body. It is necessary for growth and repair of tissues in body. It is important for the formation of collagen, an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for healing wounds, and for healthy cartilage, bones, and teeth. Patients with arthritis that have a low intake of vitamin C often have more severe symptoms than those with proper intake of vitamin C. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and relieving pain.
- Vitamin C may be useful in lowering serum uric acid levels, synthesis of collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters; the synthesis and catabolism of tyrosine :
- During biosynthesis ascorbate acts as a reducing agent, donating electrons and preventing oxidation to keep iron and copper atoms in their reduced states.
- Vitamin C acts as an electron donor for eight different enzymes, modulate the activities of phagocytes, the production of cytokines and lymphocytes, and the number of cell adhesion molecules in monocytes.
Deficiency:
Scurvy is an avitaminosis, Scurvy leads to the formation of brown spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from all mucous membranes.
